University of Copenhagen

What you'll study

The PhD programme is a research-focused programme that combines advanced coursework, active participation in seminars, and the completion of an original doctoral thesis under supervision. In the initial phase, students normally complete advanced courses in microeconomic theory, macroeconomics and econometrics, alongside specialised electives that reflect their research agenda (for example, labour economics, public economics, international trade, development economics, environmental and resource economics, industrial organisation, behavioural economics or finance).

Programme components typically include:

• Advanced coursework: core courses to establish theoretical and methodological foundations and elective courses to build specialised expertise.
• Research seminars and workshops: regular departmental seminars, paper presentations, and discussion groups that expose students to cutting‑edge work and foster peer feedback.
• Supervised research: individual supervision by faculty, with a supervisors' committee guiding the development of the thesis and research projects.
• Teaching and departmental duties: opportunities to teach or assist in courses, which support professional development and communication skills.
• Qualification milestones: internal progress reviews or a qualifying assessment to confirm readiness to proceed to the thesis phase, followed by the research and writing period culminating in a public defence.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master's degree (or equivalent) in economics, finance, or a closely related discipline, with strong preparation in microeconomics, macroeconomics and quantitative methods. A clear research proposal or statement of research interests that aligns with the department's expertise is required.

• Academic record: evidence of strong performance at the master’s level, including coursework in advanced theory and econometrics.
• Research potential: prior research experience is advantageous (master’s thesis, research assistantships, publications or working papers).
• References: two or three academic references that can attest to the applicant’s research aptitude.
• Language proficiency: proficiency in English is required; applicants whose prior education was not in English will need to document their English skills according to the university’s general rules.
• Additional materials: curriculum vitae, transcripts, and a writing sample (such as a master’s thesis or research paper) are typically requested.

Admissions are competitive and often linked to advertised funded PhD positions or departmental recruitment rounds. Candidates without all formal qualifications but with exceptional research experience may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD programme in Economics pursue careers across academia, the public sector and the private sector. Common paths include:

• Academic research and teaching: postdoctoral positions and professorships at universities and research centres.
• Policy institutions: research and advisory roles in central banks, ministries of finance, national statistical agencies and international organisations.
• Think tanks and research institutes: leading applied and policy‑oriented research projects.
• Private sector: economic consulting, data science and quantitative roles in finance, strategy and market research.
• Non‑profit and international organisations: research, evaluation and programme design roles addressing development, environment and social policy.

The programme’s emphasis on rigorous theory, empirical methods and independent research prepares graduates for roles that require strong analytical, econometric and communication skills.

Why study at University of Copenhagen

The University of Copenhagen’s Department of Economics offers a research environment with active faculty working across a broad range of fields in economics, providing opportunities for co‑supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration. The department hosts regular seminars, visitor programmes and collaborations with other faculties, enabling exposure to international research and networks.

Students benefit from close supervision and a structured doctoral training framework, while being based in Copenhagen, a city with a strong policy and research community, including central bodies, think tanks and international organisations. The programme’s integration of advanced coursework, seminar culture and empirical training makes it well suited for those aiming for high‑level research and policy careers.