The MRes/PhD course is an integrated Master of Research in Economics, from which students could progress to PhD in Economics. You will be taught and guided by top class researchers, at the forefront of their field, in completing your PhD and eventual entry into the job market.
Warwick's Department of Economics, ranked 1st in the UK (The Good University Guide 2026), (based on the most recent Research Excellence Framework 2021, published in Times Higher Education rankings) and 25th in the world (The QS World University Subject Rankings 2026), offers you a programme examining theoretical and real-world applications of decision science and behavioural economics.
Please note that, for Visa purposes, this is considered a Taught course which means that students requiring Student Visa sponsorship will not be able to bring dependants to the UK unless they are government-sponsored.
I鈥檝e found the MRes course to provide an ideal environment for growth as a researcher. The modules are not only thorough but also very well taught, while the diverse range of academic seminars provide plenty of exposure to the research frontier, helping us students to discover where the interesting questions in economics currently lie.
Jonathan Jarjis
Year 1 MRes
Our comprehensive 2+4 MRes/PhD research programme offers a unique training opportunity in advanced economics. We aim to provide you with professional training in modern economics, including tools and techniques of analysis at the forefront of the discipline, and opportunities to apply this in macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics and extended research methods.
We offer a two-week pre-sessional Mathematics and Statistics programme. The pre-sessional course will provide a thorough grounding in the mathematical techniques required throughout the programme and attendance is highly recommended, although not compulsory.
Skills from this degree
You will focus on developing a range of important skills, including:
Advanced knowledge and understanding of comparative and interdisciplinary approaches.
Ability to identify and process data to produce original results.
Knowledge of contemporary theoretical and empirical debates and research outcomes in your chosen specialised areas of economics.
Sound ability to formulate hypotheses and viable explanations based on received ideas and in combination with other comparable data.
Ability to critically evaluate existing models with a view to formulating revised or new models.
Understanding the role of the researcher in policy making and policy analysis.
Warwick Economics was ranked 2nd in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 and 99% of our research was deemed to be world leading or internationally excellent. We have five separate seminar series running on a weekly basis (term time), with invited eminent speakers from around the world. MRes and PhD students are welcome and encouraged to attend.鈥�
Modules
The MRes is a 鈥�2+4鈥� year programme, with two years of taught courses (at the end of which, successful students will be awarded the MRes Economics.
In the first year students follow four core modules, in Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomic Analysis and Econometric Theory, followed by Practice of Economics Research. The latter is a core module taught in term 3 of year one (after the conclusion of the examination period), but assessed at the beginning of year two.
In year two of the programme, students are required to take five field option modules from the list below. Please note that the availability of options may change due to the availability of staff and module preferences by students.
Teaching and learning
You will be taught by leading academics in the major fields of Economics using a combination of lectures and classes.
You will also be heavily involved in developing your own research under the supervision of one of our leading academics in the form of your MRes dissertation.
Class sizes
Lectures and classes typically have 5-20 students in year one.
In year two class sizes vary between 3 and 15 students.
Typical contact hours
In year one you will have 9 hours of lectures per week and 4-5 hours of seminars. In year two, teaching is mainly on a seminar basis (6 hours per week).
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Reading lists
If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the .鈥�
You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the .鈥�
Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module鈥檚 host department.
Pre-Sessional Advanced Mathematics
You are recommended to attend the pre-sessional course in Advanced Mathematics which will be taught in the two weeks before the University鈥檚 main term begins. The course is designed to ensure that your maths knowledge and skills are at the standard required for you to succeed on the MRes/PhD course.
Entry requirements
First Class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject and/or Distinction at Master鈥檚 level.
A GRE score is required as part of your application. You must upload a copy of your GRE score report to the application portal. Applications submitted without a GRE score will not normally be considered.
IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Research themes
99% of the Department's research was rated world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*) in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), placing the Department second in the UK.
Areas for PhD supervision
We have active research groups in:
Applied Economics
Economic History
Development Economics
Data Science
Economic Theory
Econometrics
Education
Industrial Economics
International Economics
Labour Economics
Macroeconomics
Political Economy
Public Economics
Experimental and Behavioural Economics Modules
Supervisors and proposals
There are several routes to finding a PhD supervisor at 天美传媒. Searching for a supervisor and submitting a research proposal will look different depending on the opportunity you are applying for. Below you鈥檒l find guidance from the department about what is required for this course.
For more general advice, including top tips for finding and contacting a potential supervisor, and what to include in your research proposal visit the university鈥檚 guidance webpages.
Please do not write to members of faculty regarding supervision or entry to the PhD, as we do not recruit PhD students in this way.
All of our PhD students must either complete the MRes Economics at Warwick or demonstrate they have completed a two-year MRes at another institution (with a syllabus closely matching that taught at Warwick) and achieved excellent results.
A research proposal is not necessary at the stage of application; all successful applicants enrol in the MRes degree first, but you can upload a statement of purpose if you wish.
You will also be asked to include the following in your application:
Personal Statement which communicates your interest and/ or CV
Your degree transcript(s), including details of any modules you have yet to complete
English language certificate (if applicable)
Two academic references
Your GRE score (if you have one): This should be uploaded as a pdf document to your portal after you have submitted your application
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and assessment and some student amenities.
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.鈥�
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
Access to research material that is not available via university resources
Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
Robe hire for your degree ceremony
The majority of students offered a place on the programme will also be offered a Departmental Scholarship consisting of a fee waiver and a maintenance award. You are not required to apply for a scholarship at the time of application for the MRes/PhD programme.
Join us to understand the complexities of global economies through rigorous, research-led learning. Be part of a curious, collaborative community as you develop advanced analytical skills - engaging with economists whose work influences policy, industry and global debate.
Ranked 25th globally in the QS Subject Rankings for Economics and Econometrics 2026 - and 1st for Economics in the UK in the Good University Guide 2025 and 2nd in the Complete University Guide 2027鈥� we鈥檙e acclaimed for cutting-edge research and strong partnerships with academia, policy makers and employers.
You鈥檒l have access to dedicated facilities, including a common room and study spaces for MSc students where students can work independently, collaborate on group projects, meet with staff, or simply relax. Based in the Social Sciences Building at the centre of campus, the department is close to the Library, Warwick Arts Centre and the main lecture theatres of Ramphal, Oculus and FAB buildings - placing you at the heart of Warwick鈥檚 vibrant academic community and close to a range of study and learning spaces.
Life at Warwick
This is where your journey begins. Our campus is the heart of it all. It鈥檚 more than just a campus - it's the places you visit, the people you meet, the fun that you have; the experiences you have here will be transformative.
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities.
Our campus is where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and caf茅s, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes鈥� walk from central campus.
Follow our students around campus on our social channels to see their experiences first-hand.
Teaching facilities
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs. You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas
顿颈蹿蹿别谤别苍迟鈥�study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces, computers, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia resources and more
Supporting you
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Whether you live on campus or off campus, in private accommodation in the well-serviced local area, you鈥檒l be part of a community to get the most from your experience at Warwick.
Societies and sports play a huge part in community life at Warwick. With over 300 to choose from, getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and share in experiences. Whether you鈥檙e into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Why Warwick
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At Warwick, it鈥檚 where you discover who you could become.
68th
Warwick is ranked 68th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
standard teaching; the highest possible rating across all three categories (student experience, student outcomes, and overall)
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6th
Coventry is ranked as the 6th Best Student City in the UK, and 43rd in the world.
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Our alumni community still call Warwick home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As Warwick graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Applications for 2027 entry will open on 1 November 2026 and will close on 15 January 2027.
Please do not write to members of the faculty regarding supervision or entry to the PhD.
All of our PhD students must either complete the MRes Economics at Warwick or demonstrate they have completed a two-year MRes at another institution (with a syllabus closely matching that taught at Warwick) and achieved excellent results. If you are interested in direct entry to the PhD, please apply for the MRes/PhD in the first instance. If you are selected for an interview, you should at this stage make clear to the admissions committee that you are seeking direct entry to the PhD.
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
Next steps
Explore your future university further at an upcoming event, online or in-person. Can't join? Receive regular email updates or ask current students and staff questions about life at Warwick.
