best phd in economics in europe

Best Universities for Economics in Europe

Updated: February 29, 2024

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Below is a list of best universities in Europe ranked based on their research performance in Economics. A graph of 60.9M citations received by 3.12M academic papers made by 1,366 universities in Europe was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. University of Oxford

For Economics

2. University College London

3. London School of Economics and Political Science

4. University of Cambridge

5. University of Manchester

6. University of Amsterdam

7. Catholic University of Leuven

8. Imperial College London

9. Erasmus University Rotterdam

10. King's College London

11. University of Warwick

12. University of Edinburgh

13. University of Nottingham

14. University of Sheffield

15. University of Copenhagen

16. University of Bristol

17. University of Leeds

18. University of Birmingham

19. University of Southampton

20. Utrecht University

21. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

22. University of Sussex

23. University of Groningen

24. Tilburg University

25. University of York

26. Lund University

27. Aarhus University

28. University of Glasgow

29. Maastricht University

30. University of London

31. University of Oslo

32. University of Zurich

33. Stockholm University

34. Delft University of Technology

35. Newcastle University

36. Uppsala University

37. Lancaster University

38. Cardiff University

39. University of Liverpool

40. Free University Amsterdam

41. Wageningen University

42. Radboud University

43. University of Helsinki

44. University of Bologna

45. Durham University

46. Ghent University

47. University of Gothenburg

48. Leiden University

49. University of Exeter

50. Sapienza University of Rome

51. University of East Anglia

52. University of Reading

53. Queen Mary University of London

54. University of Vienna

55. University of Strathclyde

56. University of Essex

57. University College Dublin

58. University of Leicester

59. Pierre and Marie Curie University

60. Catholic University of Louvain

61. Bocconi University

62. Goethe University of Frankfurt am Main

63. University of Hamburg

64. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

65. University of Lisbon

66. University of Bonn

67. University of Padua

68. Karolinska Institute

69. University of Bath

70. London Business School

71. Autonomous University of Barcelona

72. Loughborough University

73. Heidelberg University - Germany

74. University of Munich

75. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

76. University of Aberdeen

77. Technical University of Munich

78. Copenhagen Business School

79. University of Twente

80. Polytechnic University of Milan

81. Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin

82. University of Antwerp

83. City, University of London

84. University of Geneva

85. KTH Royal Institute of Technology

86. Free University of Brussels

87. National Research University Higher School of Economics

88. University of St. Gallen

89. Linkoping University

90. University of Surrey

91. Brunel University London

92. Pompeu Fabra University

93. Free University of Berlin

94. University of Barcelona

95. University of Milan

96. Queen's University Belfast

97. University of Kent

98. Humboldt University of Berlin

99. Umea University

100. Stockholm School of Economics

Economics subfields in Europe

Home > Academics > PhD Programmes > Doctorate in Economics

Doctorate in Economics

Three-Year PhD Programme

Programme in English

Presentation

The PhD in Economics at Sciences Po, supported by the Department of Economic s, is now one of the very best European programs, as reflected by the recent recruitment of our students by top universities  (UCLA, ENS Paris, HEC Paris, Carlos III).

This programme is designed to provide world-class theoretical and practical training in economics. It rains highly qualified economists for academic careers, and for careers that require the highest quality of doctoral training:  international irganisations, think tanks, research organisations, public ministries, banks, insurers , etc.

The PhD program in economics trains top economists who seek to pursue university and academic careers in France or abroad, as well as careers requiring high-level doctoral training: in international organizations, think tanks, research institutions, government agencies, banks, and insurance companies.   

Students seeking to pursue an international academic career are supported throughout the job market process. Many oral and written communication skills trainings are offered and members of the department of economics help prepare students for interviews and seminars.  

Integration with the Economics Department

Students are affiliated with the  Department of Economics , which provides them with a workspace and the best environment for drafting their dissertation. A professor from the Department of Economics serves as a primary supervisor to help guide their research. Their dissertation committee includes two additional professors. 

Through the program’s seminars, doctoral workshops and research events, doctoral students fully participate in the Department of Economics’ activities. PhD students are in constant contact with the many invited professors. A very small number of applicants are admitted, allowing for greater attention and guidance for each student: an individualisation of each student’s path for the success of all.    

Structure of the program

The doctoral program in economics should ideally be completed in three years.

Candidates who do not yet hold a Masters degree must apply for the Masters in Economics.  Those who select this option will receive a “Masters in Economics” from Sciences Po at the end of their second year and will be able to apply to the PhD program.

Candidates who already hold a Masters degree in economics from Sciences Po or another world-class university may directly apply to the PhD program.

The 3 doctoral years:

During the three years devoted to the dissertation, PhD students are hosted by the Department of Economics and can pursue  study abroad at partner international universities such as Princeton University, the University of Chicago and the London School of Economics.

The department organizes an internal seminar at which students are invited to make presentations. They may also attend the department’s various other seminars.

See the "Admission to a PhD" page

All students admitted at the PhD level will receive funding. The salary is competitive compared to international standards.

Additional funding is available for exceptional students in economics, history and macroeconomics thanks to the Marie Curie Initial Training Network MACROHIST.

See the "Funding" page

Teaching Staff

The core of the teaching staff are professors of the Department of economics . Some invited professors also participate.

• Pierre-Philippe Combes Head of studies in Economics, CNRS Professor, Department of Economics Sciences Po
• Hadjila Nezlioui-Serraz Administrative Officer Tél : +33 (0)1 45 49 72 35

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• Economic Studies

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45 PhD Degrees in Economic Studies Economics in Europe for 2024

• Behavioral Economics
• Business and Economics
• Econometrics
• Economic Development
• International Economics
• Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Economics

Popular degree type

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PhD Degrees in Economic Studies Economics

There is evidence of economic writing that dates all the way back to the Mesopotamian era. The development of modern economics is largely due to two groups which were known as the physiocrats and the mercantilists. These groups help develop capitalism in Europe in the 16th century.

In all, there are over 4000 Higher Education Institutions in Europe offering a wide range of courses at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level. With more and more of these organizations offering English as the language of education for at least some of their degree programs, universities in Europe are now of higher quality than ever before. Universities in Europe offer a friendly welcome to foreign students and to give a course of knowledge that meets their profession needs in today’s global demand.

Requirements for the PhD program often involve the student having already obtained a Master’s degree. Additionally, a thesis or dissertation primarily consisting of original academic research must be submitted. In some countries, this work may even need to be defended in front of a panel.

Doctoral Programme in Economics

Following the tradition of the national doctoral programme in economics launched in 1990, DPE promotes doctoral education by providing a deepening structure of courses in core areas of economics. 

The Programme's fresh doctors are well placed in international academic institutions, central banks, research institutes, government organizations, and in private sector.

Want to know more? Visit our profile & activities page to learn more about the key research areas and activities in the programme.

More about our PhD Program and our Research Associates Program

• Application
• Mental Health
• In cases of discrimination, sexual harassment, or any form of power abuse
• Soft skills training and key qualifications
• Good scientific practice

INSIGHTS aims to build a bridge between academia, policy makers and the wider public.

• Policy Fellowships
• Conference Presentations
• INSIGHTS Pieces
• Research Projects
• INSIGHTS PhD course: Economics and Transfer to the Public
• INSIGHTS Events
• Internships
• Communication
• Forms & Brochures
• European Winter Meeting of the Econometric Society 2022
• Discussion Papers

Our members, alumni placements and visiting faculty

• Visiting Faculty

Scientific events in the Berlin area

Current Job Market Candidates

• Job Market Candidates

General information

• PhD Program

The Berlin School of Economics PhD Program provides outstanding doctoral students with a vibrant, intensively networked research community. The program develops the students’ talents in a unique combination of a high-level, academic research environment together with applied, policy-oriented research opportunities. Students receive state-of-the-art coursework training and can select from a wide array of specializations. For each specialization, a professional research environment is provided by Berlin’s universities and economic research institutes.

How to apply

Course catalog

Program structure and curriculum

All PhD tracks offered in the PhD Program share the same structure and general curriculum. The program’s curriculum is divided into a qualification and a dissertation phase:

Qualification Phase

During the qualification phase (about three semesters), students acquire methodological and research-oriented training in mandatory course work in economic theory, applied economics, business studies, econometrics, and economic policy. Students define their research area and find supervisory support from two supervisors. They write research proposals that are discussed with faculty members individually and in seminars in order to provide early feedback on the scientific potential of research ideas. This is a central part of the PhD Program, in which the students have full flexibility in the choice of their research topics and of the supervisors. During this phase, students are funded through stipends that allow for this flexibility. In total, students have to complete a  minimum of 90 ECTS credits  in order to finish the qualification phase of the program.

Dissertation Phase

During the subsequent dissertation phase (about three years), students write a doctoral thesis while having the opportunity to apply their knowledge in the professional research environment that is provided at the Berlin universities and research institutes participating in the Berlin School of Economics. In this phase, students are typically employed at their supervisor’s chair or in research groups at research institutes.

The PhD will be awarded by one of the institutions in the Berlin School of Economics with the right to award doctoral degrees. In most cases, the PhD is awarded by the institution the student’s first supervisor is affiliated with.

The following chart gives an overview of the general structure of the PhD Program:

Researchers Guide

This guide includes academic advices from the researchers of the Berlin School of Economics.

Special thanks to the INSIGHTS Team, researchers of Berlin School of Economics, Agne Kajackaite, Aleks Zaklan, Alexander Kriwoluzky, Ally Xin Lin, Annekatrin Schrenker, C. Katharina Spieß, Christian Basteck, Ciril Bosch-Rosa, Dorothea Kübler, Francis de Véricourt, Georg Weizsäcker, Gyula Seres, Hande Erkut, Hannes Ullrich, Jana Hamdan, Levent Neyse, Lisa Bruttel, Lutz Weinke, Mira Fischer, Müge Süer, Nikolaus Wolf, Peter Haan, Robert Stüber, Sebastian Schweighofer-Kodritsch, Simone Maxand, Vincent Meisner, and Pablo Brañas-Garza.

You can download the web version

or print the printable version

Also note the compiled information on our website about support and resources, for example Mental Health.

PhD Program

The doctoral programme lasts in average 3 years during which students write their thesis within one of PSE laboratories. This programme is organized within the École Doctorale d’Économie ( ED465 ) that gathers research teams in Economics and related fields (applied math, statistics, sociology) of the University Paris 1, EHESS, ENS and ENPC. While preparing their thesis, PhD students receive training in the writing of academic articles in the fields of expertise of PSE’s faculty and are required to participate in both PSE’s regular research seminars and external conferences.

A number of PSE PhD alumni have been awarded prizes for their work, showing the high academic standards and the encouraging environment of this programme.

• Writing a thesis at PSE
• Details about the programme
• PhD students list
• Thesis Defenses 2022-2023
• Thesis Defenses 2023-2024
• Job Market Candidates

This programme is co-funded by a French government subsidy managed by the Agence Nationale de la Recherche under the framework of the Investissements d’avenir programme reference ANR-17-EURE-0001

PhD Programs

Phd programs in the bse research community.

Both of these PhD programs are organized jointly with the Barcelona School of Economics.

Many students in both PhD programs are alumni of the BSE Master's programs. The BSE PhD Track Master's Program is the first year of the UPF PhD Program.

Job market candidates and placement results

Both the UAB and UPF PhD programs have a well-established track record of placements in Economics departments, central banks, and research institutions around the world.

PhD Job Market Placements 2024

Read about the candidates on BSE Focus

PhD Job Market Candidates 2024-25

Candidates will be posted soon!

Examples of placements from recent years include:

• Banca d'Italia
• Banco de España
• European Commission
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• Morgan Stanley
• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• Princeton University
• United States Federal Reserve Board
• Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
• University of Bonn

Full details of all PhD job market results from all cohorts are available on the websites of both PhD programs:

IDEA-UAB PhD placements by year UPF PhD placements by year

BSE research activities for students in both PhD programs

Phd jamboree.

The BSE PhD Jamboree is an opportunity for students in both PhD programs in the BSE community to show off their research, exchange ideas, and receive feedback on work in progress. The Jamboree is organized and led by the PhD students themselves.

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PhD in Economics and Finance

This page has been developed for PhD applicants who have been recommended for admission to the PhD Program in Economics and Finance at Bocconi University in Milan.

Most likely you are considering several graduate programs. We believe that if you learn about our program, Bocconi University, and the city of Milan you will be able to make an informed decision about where to attend graduate school. Of course, we think Bocconi is the best choice you can make.

We have put together information about Visit Day, the Bocconi University in Milan. After reviewing the information if you still have questions, please contact Angela Baldassarre  ( [email protected]) .

   Visit Day Schedule ( work in progress)

     - Overnight accommodation : Hotel d'Este****

     - “Beer get together”  ( Venti136 lounge bar at Roentgen's corner )         How to participate remotely Contact PhD Students’ Representatives for information

Info for prospective students: Handbook (full set of rules)

All about Bocconi Campus

All about Milan