The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Economics is a flexible, research-led doctoral programme designed to develop advanced scholars, researchers, policy analysts and thought leaders in economics. The Programme builds strong capability in advanced economic theory, econometrics, research methodology, behavioural economics, machine learning in economics, project planning, monitoring and evaluation and specialised economic inquiry. It prepares candidates to generate original research that responds to complex national, regional and global economic challenges. Delivered through OUK’s technology-enabled learning model, the Programme combines independent online study, synchronous learner support, virtual research seminars, guided supervision, academic writing support, doctoral research development and thesis work. Candidates progress from taught doctoral coursework to comprehensive assessment, proposal development, preliminary findings presentation and final thesis submission.

Career Prospects

Learners may pursue or advance careers in areas such as:

1. University teaching, academic research and postgraduate supervision;
2. Economic policy analysis, modelling and advisory roles;
3. National and county government planning, budgeting and policy units;
4. Central banking, fiscal policy, monetary policy and regulatory institutions;
5. Development agencies, international organizations and research think tanks;
6. Economic consultancy, impact evaluation and monitoring and evaluation;
7. Financial, investment, development, environmental, health, agricultural and transport economics;
8. Data-driven economic modelling, machine learning applications and policy simulation.

Applicants must satisfy the general admission criteria for postgraduate programmes and the specific requirements for admission into the PhD in Economics.

• A Masters degree in Economics from OUK or a relevant Masters degree from an accredited university.
• Equivalent qualifications as approved by the University Senate may be considered.
• Additional qualifications may be considered through Senate-approved Recognition of Prior Learning, relevant experience or other competencies that meet the admission criteria.

Credit transfer may be considered for student mobility and Recognition of Prior Learning subject to Senate guidance and Programme regulations.

• Credit transfers must be from accredited institutions and programmes at the same academic level.
• Credit transfers may be permitted up to a maximum of 49% of comparable core course units.
• Transferred courses must have been completed with a mark of at least 50%.
• Credit transfers or exemptions shall not be granted for the thesis or research project.
• All applications are evaluated by the School and recommended to Senate for approval.

The PhD in Economics follows a three-year doctoral pathway. Candidates complete taught coursework in the first three semesters, undertake comprehensive assessment and proposal development in the fourth semester and dedicate the fifth and sixth semesters to dissertation research and thesis writing.

Graduation requirement: Candidates must complete a minimum of 11 courses, 59 credit hours and 885 instructional hours, successfully complete and defend a research thesis of at least 50,000 words, meet the approved similarity threshold, publish at least two articles in peer-reviewed impact-factor journals and satisfy all University graduation requirements.

Upon successful completion of the Programme, learners will be able to:

• Evaluate advanced economic theories and models to address complex national and global issues.
• Synthesize original research questions and methodologies that extend economic knowledge and inform policy.
• Apply advanced econometric and analytical techniques to investigate economic problems and assess policy outcomes.
• Integrate research findings into clear policy recommendations for academic, professional and policy-making audiences.

Learners will be assessed through content-embedded tests and quizzes, end-of-semester examinations, essays and research papers, project-based assessments, oral presentations and defences, portfolio assessments and peer and self-assessments.

Academic Integrity: All assignments, research papers, projects and theses are subject to plagiarism checks, authentication procedures and University academic integrity requirements.

Kindly ask for a return call from our proficient OUK course consultants to have your inquiries addressed.

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