Overview
Introduction
We welcome research students from other universities to spend from one term up to one academic year at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ as a Visiting Research Student (VRS).
The VRS scheme allows students who are registered as doctoral researcher at other institutions to participate in research activities in the department and the School, to interact with other research students, and to benefit from the expertise of ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ faculty, the training offered by the , and ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Library facilities. Note that Visiting Research Students don’t have access to any ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ taught courses.
We welcome applications that complement the academic interests of faculty members in the department and we recommend that you investigate their research interests before applying. Once you have found an academic whose research interests are relevant to your own you should contact them directly, outlining your proposed area of research, to see if they’ll agree, in principle, to act as an advisor during your time at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳.
As a VRS, you won’t be able to take accredited or examined courses or be fully supervised in the same way as an ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ doctoral student. You’ll be able to participate in doctoral workshops and research seminars, interact with other doctoral students, and discuss your research with your nominated advisor. You’re expected to be self-funded.
Because of its emphasis on independent research, the VRS scheme is better suited to students who are at an advanced stage in their doctoral training and research.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is home to one of the top economics departments in the world, with expertise across the full spectrum of mainstream economics.
Our academics and researchers are working at the frontiers of developments in the field and our research has a global impact. Over the past 50 years, this research has influenced almost every major intellectual development within the discipline.
As a department, our academics advise governments and central banks, aid agencies, and private-sector organisations in the UK, Europe and around the world. Our research insights help tackle global challenges such as economic instability, inequality and climate change, often catalysing profound policy shifts.
Past and present faculty members have shaped economic policy at a national and international level and our teaching staff have included a former Bank of England governor and Chief Economist to the World Bank. We count nine Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students.
Within the department, we offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as doctoral training in economics. Our alumni find high-earning and rewarding roles in government, international institutions, business and finance.
Learn more about our programmes and research.
Why ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
1st in London for the 13th year running
6th In the world
Carbon Neutral In 2021, ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
To apply as a visiting research student, you apply in the same way as for our MRes/PhD programmes, with the same entry criteria. Find the entry criteria for the MRes/PhD Economics.
We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. For this reason, we recommend that you take a look at our staff research interests before applying.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including existing and pending qualifications)
- statement of academic purpose
- references
- CV
- GRE/GMAT
- outline research proposal
- sample of written work.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
Competition for places at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
GRE/GMAT
GRE is recommended. The department reserves the right to request GRE if deemed necessary.
Fees and funding
The shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes offered by the School.