Economics offers full-time and part-time Ph.D. by research. We provide students with a stimulating research environment which merges academic rigour with intellectual breadth. The programme equips students with a strong knowledge of economic theory and analytical techniques, which enables them to conduct solid research in their chosen field of specialization.
The curriculum includes coursework, participation in seminars and workshops, as well as research under the mentorship of research supervisor(s). The programme generally takes four years to complete. It begins with one year of intensive study in the core subjects of economics (Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Quantitative Methods), culminating in the submission of a thesis which documents the results of original research. The programme has a small student-to-faculty ratio, which fosters research collaboration between students and faculty members. Students also receive training in research and teaching methods.Our faculty’s research interests span across all major areas of economics, with significant strengths in Behavioural and Experimental Economics, Environmental Economics, Microeconomic Theory, Macroeconomics, Applied Microeconomics, Economic Growth and Development, and Econometrics. Our recent publications appear in top economics journals, including Economic Journal, Games and Economic Behaviour, International Economic Review, Journal of Development Economics, Journal of Econometrics, Journal of Economic Growth, Journal of Economic Theory, Journal of the European Economic Association, Journal of Finance, Journal of International Economics, Journal of Public Economics, Management Science, RAND Journal of Economics, and Review of Economics and Statistics, among others.
The Ph.D. programme in Economics is MOE-subsidised. Please visit our website for more details.
- A Bachelor's degree in Economics or related field from a highly ranked university, with Honours (Distinction) or Second upper Honours and the ability to pursue research in the candidate's proposed field of advanced study.
- An adequate background in Mathematics/Quantitative Methods.
- Applicants applying to the Economics programme are to note that the GRE (General) test is not mandatory, but GRE scores submitted along with applications would be taken into consideration. Those who did not graduate from the Autonomous Universities in Singapore are advised to take the GRE.
- A good language proficiency score: IELTS score at least 7.0 (overall); TOEFL score at least 105 (IELTS is preferred). The IELTS/TOEFL score must have been attained within 2 years prior to application.
- Applicants who fulfilled either of the following criteria are exempted from the IELTS or TOEFL submission:
- Native language is English.
- Bachelor's or Master's Degree (must be at least 3 years of study) where English is the medium of instruction. A letter from the respective universities is required indicating the duration of studies, name of programme and medium of instruction.
- Applicants whose Bachelor's degree is from NTU, NUS, SMU or SUSS need not submit the letter.
- It is recommended that applicants contact a professor they are interested in working with to discuss the possibility of supervision for their proposed research topic.
Application Period & Other Information
Please click here for the Admission Quick Guide.
Enquiries can be sent to ac-sss-ge@ntu.edu.sg.
Typically, PhD students must complete coursework requirement within the first two semesters and complete Qualifying Exam by 12th month of candidature. The Qualifying Exam requires completion of coursework, submission of the thesis project proposal and an oral presentation to the QE examiners. A minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50 (for Nanyang research scholarship students and self-financed students) and 4.0 (for NPGS and PGA scholarship students) is required before passing QE. Students submit thesis between 3rd to 4th year of candidature and complete thesis revisions and oral examination between 4th to 5th year.
PhD students must complete and pass the following:
Prescribed Electives comprising core courses (12 Academic Units)
Critical Literacy Modules comprising Epigeum Research Integrity course, Fostering Community of Respect and Support course, AI Literacy course and Communication Courses (5 Academic Units)
Seminar Attendance throughout candidature (3 Academic Units)
PhD Qualifying Examination
Seminar Presentation and Research Publications
Thesis
Oral Examination