Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Economics

Economics is a social science which studies how goods and services are produced, distributed, traded and consumed. Economics also aims to improve the allocation of resources and create stable, predictable markets that ensure citizens can live prosperous lives. Economists analyse human behaviour in an effort to find patterns and predict financial decisions based on factors such as risk and reward. Some of the main economic debates revolve around important questions like: do markets self-regulate, or is there a need for government intervention to keep them stable?

Economics consists of two main sub-disciplines: Microeconomics which analyses the interaction between different economic agents; and Macroeconomics which explores the entire economy of a society.

Economy will teach you how money was created and help you understand how barter works. You can learn how banks function, the dynamics of debt, what credits are and much more. You’ll also study financial crashes, their causes and try to come up with ways to prevent future economic disasters.

While attending a an Economics degree you will study topics like interest rates, exchange rates, economic indicators, and equity markets, allowing you to see how they all influence different industries around the world. Courses in Economy will also focus on economic theory and fundamental economic principles such as free market theory and theories promoting market regulation from governments. Students develop a broad understanding of public policies and their socio-economic impact on legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.

Economics graduates have successful careers as economists, financial risk analysts, chartered accountants, investment analysts, statisticians, etc. To be a great economist you'll need problem-solving skills, critical thinking, as well as analytical abilities.

View all PhDs in Economics. Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Economics.