MRes/PhD Finance & Economics

What we’re looking for

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.

Academic requirements for our MRes/PhD Finance & Economics programme:

  • An honours degree from a UK university or equivalent from an overseas university; plus a Masters degree, in economics or Finance (with a significant quantitative finance component). Accounting or Financial Mathematics may be considered with a significant finance component. A 1st class degree and a distinction at Masters level is recommended but serves as a guideline only.

  • A GMAT or GRE score is required and should be provided as part of your application. However, we have no defined threshold and the score provided will be indicative to merely supplement and strengthen applications.

  • You should have strong academic references and excellent potential for research.

IELTS or TOEFL test

If English is not your first language, you must meet a minimum overall standard in a recognised test of English, examples are shown below. You must show a good balance across all sections of the test and it must have been taken within two years of starting the course. We will require your certificates as evidence. 

English Language Requirements

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)
190

With two components at 170, two at 190

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)
190

With two components at 170, two at 190

Duolingo
130

With at least 110 in two components and 130 in two components (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing)

Only Duolingo tests that provide individual Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening component scores are acceptable to meet English language conditions

IELTS
7.0

Must be achieved with two components at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0+

PTE
70

Including 59+ in all components

TOEFL (iBT)
100

Comprising Reading 22, Listening 21, Speaking 23, Writing 21

Educated in the English language?

If you are a non-native speaker of English but have been educated entirely in English for your degree, and completed this within the last two years, this may satisfy the University of your language skills. 

Please note: 

  • We cannot review individual eligibility before you apply.

  • Our course selectors only consider applications when submitted complete with all supporting documents. 

For further information please see the University’s page for English language requirements.

International students

We have a hugely international student body, which makes for a vibrant and interesting campus. We welcome students from outside the UK and value the international perspective they bring. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, you can be a Change Maker. 

Visas 

An offer of a place on a course does not guarantee entry to the UK. You will be issued with appropriate documents to apply for a student visa from the Home Office (UK Visas and Immigration). It is important that you ensure you have an appropriate visa or immigration permission for studying in the UK. All information on Visa and Immigration matters can be found on our Immigration website.