Economics offers full-time and part-time Ph.D. by research. We provide students with a stimulating research environment which merges academic rigour with intellectual breadth. The programme equips students with a strong knowledge of economic theory and analytical techniques, which enables them to conduct solid research in their chosen field of specialization.
The curriculum includes coursework, participation in seminars and workshops, as well as research under the mentorship of research supervisor(s). The programme generally takes four years to complete. It begins with one year of intensive study in the core subjects of economics (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Quantitative Methods), culminating in the submission of a thesis which documents the results of original research. The programme has a small student-to-faculty ratio, which fosters research collaboration between students and faculty members. Students also receive training in research and teaching methods.Our faculty’s research interests span across all major areas of economics, with significant strengths in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, Environmental Economics, Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomics, Applied Microeconomics, Economic Growth and Development, and Econometrics. Our recent publications appear in top economics journals, including Economic Journal, Games and Economic Behaviour, International Economic Review, Journal of Development Economics, Journal of Econometrics, Journal of Economic Growth, Journal of Economic Theory, Journal of the European Economic Association, Journal of Finance, Journal of International Economics, Journal of Public Economics, Management Science, RAND Journal of Economics, and Review of Economics and Statistics, among others.
The Ph.D. programme in Economics is MOE-subsidised. Please visit our website for more details.
Programme Structure & Duration
Typically, Ph.D. students must complete the coursework requirement within the first three semesters (recommended two semesters for Economics students). They should maintain a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50. Students on scholarship might have additional requirements to fulfil such as teaching and service requirements. Students are encouraged to work closely with their supervisor and the graduate co-ordinator to ensure timely completion of all the requirements.
Ph.D. students will have to submit and defend their thesis proposal as part of the Qualifying Examination (also known as the Confirmation Exercise). The Qualifying Examination should be completed within 12 months from start of candidature. The final completed thesis will be examined by a panel of internal and external examiners, after which, an oral examination (viva) will be held.
Thesis submission is made at the end of four years which dovetails with the expiry of the scholarship. Candidature expires at the end of five years.
Curriculum
Students enrolled in the Ph.D. programme in Economics must complete and pass the following:
Six courses: HE7002 Econometrics I, HE7003 Econometrics II, HE7101 Seminar in Microeconomics, HE7102 Seminar in Macroeconomics, HX7001 Research Methods for Social Sciences and one elective (18 Academic Units)
Other Degree Requirements
Qualifying Examination
Thesis
Seminar Presentation
Oral Examination