PhD in Economics

Course Overview

The PhD programme combines structured academic training with a strong focus on independent research. Candidates begin with core and elective PhD-level modules – offered in collaboration with other Irish universities – and progress to developing original research across three publishable papers.

PhD students are part of a vibrant research community and benefit from close contact with faculty, participation in weekly research seminars, and access to teaching assistantships and funding opportunities. The programme also supports applications for external funding and facilitates conference participation and academic publication.

Students may also register for an MLitt degree, which normally takes one to two years and is based on a research thesis.

Is it for me?

This programme is ideal for students who want to:

• Conduct original, publishable research in economics.
• Engage in academic and policy-relevant debates at the highest level.
• Pursue a career in academia, research institutions, international organisations, or policy-making bodies.

PhD students receive tailored supervision, opportunities for collaboration, and regular feedback through seminars and academic events.

Course Structure

The length of the PhD programme is a maximum of four years, subject to successful confirmation on the PhD register after 18 months. In exceptional circumstances PhD candidates may complete the programme in a shorter time period but they must be registered full-time for a minimum period of two years. 

• Year 1: In addition to working on their first research paper, PhD candidates in their first year will be required to take a number of taught PhD level modules. MLitt candidates are expected to register full-time for a minimum of one year but usually two years.
• Years 2–4: Focused work on a research thesis, which usually consists of three core papers (at least two of which should be suitable for publication). 

A research thesis is above all a training exercise in research skills, but in undertaking this exercise students are expected to make an original contribution to knowledge. The objective is to carve out a sufficiently focused and manageable subject which allows the demonstration of mastery of research skills while producing a useful and relevant contribution to knowledge. Generally a PhD thesis comprises of three core papers at least two of which are potentially publishable articles.

Visit the course structure section for further details.

Research Environment

The Department of Economics at Trinity currently has 27 full-time academic staff and around 30 research students. The small size of the cohort allows for a supportive and interactive environment.

Research students participate in:

• A weekly seminar series
• Workshops and conferences
• Teaching and tutoring opportunities

Generous funding is available through teaching assistantships and internal research awards.

Funding Opportunities

The Department provides:

• Teaching assistantships
• Departmental research scholarships
• Support in applying for competitive external funding (e.g. IRC)

Visit the funding opportunities section for more information.

Research Themes

PhD students are encouraged to work in areas that align with faculty expertise. Preference is given to applicants whose proposed research topics fall within these areas.

Visit the research themes section to learn more.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants should normally have:

• An MSc in Economics or equivalent, covering material comparable to Trinity’s own MSc in Economics.
• A strong academic record and a clear research proposal.

Preference is given to students proposing topics that align with faculty expertise. Applicants from any country are welcome.

Applications for the PhD in Economics are made through Trinity’s online application portal.

Visit the admissions requirements section for full details.

Further Information

For academic queries or more details about the programme, please contact:
Email: economics@tcd.ie 
Phone: +353 1 896 1279