How to apply for a PhD programme
The PhD programme typically takes three to four years of full-time study or six to seven years part-time. It culminates in the submission of a thesis, which should not exceed 80,000 words (excluding bibliography and appendices).
Important: Each department within the Business School has its own specific PhD application process. Be sure to carefully review the departmental guidance below for detailed instructions and deadlines.
Department of Economics
-
New students normally start their course at the end of August, so you should aim to complete your application by the end of June to allow the Department of Economics time to make a careful decision. If you will need a visa, early application is recommended.
If you are interested in a PhD degree within the Department of Economics, you should:
-
Check your eligibility for PhD studies at the University of St Andrews (to make sure that your application is not rejected on formal grounds). Successful applicants for the PhD will normally already have, or are currently completing, a good MSc degree equivalent to the Department’s programmes in Economics or Finance and Economics.
-
Check that your proposed topic falls within the areas of expertise covered in the Department of Economics. Staff research expertise can be found in the potential supervisors section. Find a member of staff whose interests broadly cover the topic that you are interested in studying by reading about their research. If you cannot identify a supervisor, please email the the Business School's postgraduate research office for advice.
-
Once you have identified a supervisor, please do the following two things at the same time:
-
Email the appropriate potential supervisor to present an informal description of the project and provide further information if asked.
-
Email the Business School's postgraduate research office to register your interest in a PhD degree within the Department of Economics and inquire about funding opportunities.
-
-
After discussing your research interests with a potential supervisor and the postgraduate research office, proceed with your formal application.
Apply now
What do I need to submit?
As part of your application, you will need to submit:
- a single detailed research proposal (between 2000 and 3000 words)
- an up-to-date CV
- a scholarly writing sample (generally an essay from previous coursework on a relevant topic)
- evidence of qualifications (final undergraduate and postgraduate transcripts)
- two letters of reference from academic referees, at least one of which should describe and give detailed information on your research performance and capability at Masters level
- evidence of English proficiency where required
What should I know about the research proposal?
The research proposal should give a detailed description of your planned research project, touching on the following points:
- your research questions and their relation to previous work on the topic or field
- what new contributions your work will bring to your topic
- the theoretical framework
- your planned methodology
- a rough outline of your research that will lead to a dissertation
- references to the relevant literature and materials to be used
Fees and funding
For detailed fee information for the upcoming academic year, please refer to the postgraduate fees and funding page.
The Department of Economics offers limited funding for select applicants. To be considered, you must have:
- Submitted your complete online application, including references.
- Received a formal offer from the University.
- Indicated your interest in 'Department funding' on your application.
We also encourage you to explore other scholarship opportunities, all of which will have their own specific deadlines.
Location of studies
PhD students are generally expected to live within a commutable distance of the University throughout their studies. For exceptions or temporary relocation requests, please refer to our detailed guidelines on location requirements.
Part-time studies
While part-time study is generally not recommended for Economics PhD students, you are welcome to contact the Business School's postgraduate research office to discuss your specific situation. Please note that part-time study is not an option for students on a student visa, and you should confirm that any funding you have is applicable to part-time enrollment. For details on switching from full-time to part-time study, please refer to the University's procedures.
-
Department of Management
-
When to apply?
If you intend to self-fund your studies or receive funding from another source, you can apply at any time to begin studies in August, September, October, January or May.
If you do not intend to self-fund your studies and have a funded studentship (for example, from the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science), applications can be made throughout the year for September entry.
At present there is no closing date for applying to the programme. There is, however, intense academic competition for places at St Andrews, and only a limited number of spaces available.
Submit a full application
After you have secured support from a potential research supervisor, you can start the online application. If a 'Management' option is not immediately available on the web form, please select 'Business School'.
You will need to complete the online application form and upload the following supporting documentation:
- covering letter stating research area, motivation for the project and its relevance to a particular thematic group
- research proposal, which must be no longer than 1,500 words excluding references
- up-to-date CV
- details of two academic referees, including email addresses
- academic transcripts, which must be certified copies
- a piece of coursework by you in the area in which you intend to study, which must be different from your research proposal and no longer than 3,000 words
- confirmation of supervision agreement
You will also need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate if English is not your first language. The Business School requires an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with a minimum score of 6.5 in every section of the test.
Fees and funding
For detailed fee information for the upcoming academic year, please refer to the postgraduate fees and funding page.
The Department of Economics offers limited funding for select applicants. To be considered, you must have:
- Submitted your complete online application, including references.
- Received a formal offer from the University.
- Indicated your interest in 'Department funding' on your application.
We also encourage you to explore other scholarship opportunities, each of which will have its own specific deadline.
Location of studies
PhD students are generally expected to live within a commutable distance of the University throughout their studies. For exceptions or temporary relocation requests, please refer to our detailed guidelines on location requirements.
Part-time studies
While part-time study is generally not recommended for Management PhD students, you are welcome to contact the Business School's postgraduate research office to discuss your specific situation. Please note that part-time study is not an option for students on a student visa, and you should confirm that any funding you have is applicable to part-time enrollment. For details on switching from full-time to part-time study, please refer to the University's procedures.