Welcome to WBS

Experience independent thinking in a world-class interdisciplinary environment

Our fully-funded MRes/PhD Finance & Economics programme combines highly relevant and structured training with close mentorship from a team of supervisors, embedding you in our culture of curiosity and helping you develop and deepen your chosen area of research. We value our doctoral researchers and aim to attract students from across the globe who are independent thinkers, restless to learn more and challenge themselves. We particularly welcome applicants whose ambition is a career in academia.

Jointly run with the Department of Economics , we aim to establish our MRes programme as one of the leading programmes in Europe, supporting you to pursue a future career in top academic positions, international organisations and central banks. This programme will provide you with a thorough understanding of state of the art research techniques and in-depth appreciation of principal areas of interest for researchers in finance and economics.

Our MRes/PhD Finance & Economics programme is a full time two + four year programme (six years in total).

As part of the MRes/PhD programme, you will study four compulsory modules in Year 1, and five compulsory modules plus a dissertation in Year 2. At the end of the second year of study, successful students will be awarded an MRes and be permitted to proceed to PhD study.

Making an application

Competition to join our PhD programme is very strong; you ll need to demonstrate you have the intellectual capabilities, stamina, drive, and commitment to complete a ground-breaking piece of work through independent study.

Applications for this course are made through our and via the apply button. Our application deadline for 2027 entry is 31 January 2027.

Course benefits:

A fully-funded programme and an annual stipend of approximately ** 24,500 per annum**.
An inspirational learning experience in a world-class interdisciplinary environment, working alongside the brightest scholars and learning from leading academics from across the globe.
Highly relevant and structured training which is recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) focusing on developing your core research skills.
Programme flexibility allowing you to tailor your studies to a particular topic you are passionate about.
Preparation for a prestigious academic or research career.

Course details:

The MRes/PhD Finance & Economics programme is a full-time two + four year programme (six years in total).

Contact us

If you have any queries, please contact : phdadmissions@wbs.ac.uk .

Funding for:

UK Students, EU Students, International Students

Placed On:

14th October 2026

Closes:

30th January 2027