Doctoral programme: Economics & Public Policy

Economics & Public Policy

The research areas of Economics, Health Economics and Policy sit within the Department of Economics and Public Policy. The department investigates a diverse range of topics including: the effect of government climate change policies on business; the contribution of knowledge assets to economic growth; determining fairness and value in the telecommunications industry; and how to improve the quality of service in the public sector.

The department welcomes applicants from a wide variety of academic disciplines who are united by a desire to conduct innovative quantitative or qualitative research that aims to inform policy and practice at global, national and local levels. PhD students have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty whose projects engage a range of different industries as well as researchers from across Imperial.

Research areas

The department has a particular focus in health economics and policy, studying incentives for individuals and health organisations. The research interests of the Faculty are broad, with expertise in effects of innovation and globalisation, information systems in healthcare delivery, technologies on healthcare practice, economic analysis of energy systems, sustainable energy business and economics of climate change. Our projects engage a range of different industries as well as researchers from across Imperial College London. Faculty and doctoral students use analytical methods from health economics, health policy analysis, technology and innovation management, organisational behaviour and management information systems.

A PhD at Imperial College London is a demanding academic qualification. We therefore look for evidence of strong and consistent academic performance and expect applicants to have high grades at undergraduate and Master’s level, including a strong dissertation. From graduates of UK institutions, this would normally equate to a combination of at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree at undergraduate level and a Master’s degree awarded with Distinction. Please see the College Country index for the international equivalent of these qualifications, though please bear in mind that the Business School may ask for higher grades than the College minimum. In exceptional circumstances, we will consider candidates holding a strong First Class Honours undergraduate degree, without a Master’s, if accompanied by very strong academic references and outstanding CV and personal statement.