The Department of Economics at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is inviting applications for entry into its PhD programme. The PhD programme is a 4-year programme and is open to students who have completed a Masters degree in Economics (or a related field). Our PhD programme is aimed at high-calibre students who wish to pursue a research career in academia, government, research organisations, or in business.
Research areas
The wide variety of research areas within our department include Behavioural and Experimental Economics; Labour, Education and Health Economics; Macroeconomics and Financial Markets; Political Economy and International Trade; Industrial Organisation; Economic Theory.
We also host a modern experimental lab known as LExEL and the International Housing Market Observatory.
Funding opportunities
LUMS and ESRC scholarships are available for outstanding students from all nationalities. The scholarships cover tuition fees for four years and include a generous living allowance.
Information session
We are inviting you to attend an online information session about LUMS PhD programmes on 13th January 2026, 12:00-13:30 (GMT). Prospective students will obtain information about our PhD programme and the application process, funding, our world-leading research, living in Lancaster, and job opportunities after graduation. To attend, please register at LUMS PhD Studentship & Funding information session - Events - Lancaster University The online information session will be presented by the Directors of LUMS Doctoral Programmes.
Important deadlines
We recruit candidates on a continuous basis.
Application deadline for ESRC scholarships: 2nd February 2026.
Application deadline for LUMS scholarships: 16th March 2026.
We will be reviewing the applications received after this date as they may still be eligible for funding from a department. However, to maximize your chances of receiving a scholarship, we advise all candidates to submit their application as soon as possible.
Further details about all these awards can be found at: Funding for PhD | Lancaster University
For more information, contact Sarah Patterson or Matthew Watson at: lums-phd@lancaster.ac.uk
To apply, go to: www.lancaster.ac.uk/lums/postgraduate/apply-for-phd
