Economics of personal finance

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

The Economics discipline at the OU has strong research interests in the area of personal finance. This covers topics such as the capacity of people to make decisions on personal finance, as well as work on the access that people have to financial institutions. Recent research interests include work on financial inclusion (access that people have to financial services) as well as pensions reforms.

We also carry out research on gender and personal finance, such as differences between men and women within household budgets and the impact that government decisions have on men and women. Members of the discipline contribute to the Women’s Budget Group.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

Topics could include:

  • Household budgeting
  • Gender and economics
  • Financial capability
  • Financial inclusion
  • Pensions and tax.

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £11,958 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £5,979 per year

Some of our research students are funded via The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Women researching finances on tablet computer
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Dr Rajiv Prabhakar

Email: FASS-Econ-PG-Admissions
Phone: +44 (0)1908 659656

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.