Economics - Research

The Department of Economics at Queen’s Business School is an energetic and enterprising academic department that continuously strives for excellence in both its teaching and its scholarship. The group’s research strengths span economic theory, applied economics, and econometrics, and are structured around three core clusters:



• The economic theory cluster focuses on game theory, networks, and mechanism design.

• The applied economics cluster specialises in economic history, labour economics, regional economics, and economic growth.

• The econometrics cluster engages in both theoretical and applied econometrics, with expertise in panel data and financial econometrics.



The group has a particular strength in game theory and economic history, and several members are actively involved with the Centre for Economics, Policy and History (CEPH) — an All-Ireland, Strand II research hub co-located at QUB and Trinity College Dublin. CEPH combines economic and historical methods to inform policy and contribute to the global Sustainable Development Goals.



Aside from receiving close research supervision and direction from academics within the department, PhD students benefit from participating in courses and tailor-made reading groups designed to strengthen their background in economics.



Queen’s Business School prides itself on research-led teaching and offers its research students valuable experience as teaching assistants in a variety of undergraduate courses. Students also regularly attend the School’s seminar series, which attracts leading academics from around the world. These seminars provide an important platform for students to present their work, gain feedback, and prepare for the academic job market.

Graduate

Normally a UK 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and a UK Master's degree in a relevant discipline with a final result of 60% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University). In cases where applicants have not completed a Master's degree, applications may be considered where applicants hold a 1st class Honours undergraduate degree from a high-ranking, research focus university and have demonstrated an ability to conduct academic research.



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

The School has a proven track-record of placing its PhD graduates in tenure-track research and teaching posts at top universities in the UK and elsewhere.

Associated Research

Institutional and relational economics

Social networks

Strategic formation of coalitions and networks

Banking crises

Crime and conflict

Political economy

Methodology and history of economics

Behavioural and experimental economics

Economics of education

Financial econometrics

Health economics

Labour economics and social policy

Panel data

Demography and economic growth

Entrepreneurship

Long-run development