Economics

We offer the PhD in Economics programme in English, leading to the degree conferred by our British partner, The University of Buckingham. The academic focus at IBS is on rigorous academic research to enrich understanding of regional, national, and international economies and to contribute to the set of analytical tools and perspectives that facilitate policymaking in this area.

Course outline

PhD in Economics students will be encouraged to conduct rigorous academic research to enrich understanding of regional, national, and international economies and to contribute to the set of analytical tools and perspectives that facilitate policymaking in this area.

The PhD in Economics is an advanced research degree during which students undertake supervised but independent research that leads to a thesis of not more than 100,000 words embodying the results of that research. The thesis must demonstrate extended familiarity with and a comprehensive understanding of the subject and the academic literature in the area; show an ability to construct and execute a plan for primary research, including the collection and critical analysis of data; and embody an original contribution to knowledge in the field of economics.

Postgraduate students on our PhD programme will first be enrolled on a Probationary PhD Status. All students enrolled onto the programme will be supported by supervisors who will help them develop a research and writing plan and guide them through the preparation of a formal final research proposal during their first two semesters of study. All research students must also subject their work to an annual progress review. Upon demonstrating satisfactory progress at the Annual Review exam at the end of their first year, which includes successfully defending a feasible research proposal, students are upgraded to Full PhD Status. If students should not be successful at their first Annual Review, they may either be asked to resubmit an amended proposal, have their registration changed to an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree or, in extreme cases, have their registration terminated.

Recommended PhD topics for economics

IBS welcomes research proposals that match or are similar to IBS staff’s current research topics and/or fall within the potential supervisors’ areas of expertise. Please consult the guide to writing a research proposal below before submitting an application.

Below is a list of PhD topics that our academic staff have suggested as research opportunities for PhD in Economics students to undertake. IBS encourages PhD candidates to develop a proposal around one of these topics.

Economic policy

• Role and effects of state ownership at various levels of development
• Economic policy-making in vulnerable democracies
• Welfare reforms in ageing societies
• Corruption, its psychological, organizational, social / cross-cultural, and / or developmental aspects

Behavioural economics

• The role of emotions in economic decision-making
• The effects of trust on cooperation and competition

Banking

• Post-2008 business models in banking
• Globalization in banking
• Fintech versus traditional banking models

Finance

• Blockchain and cryptocurrencies: effects on market allocation mechanisms, macro policy, politics etc.
• Revolution in global payments industry and financial inclusion

Networks / big data

• Big data as "game changer"? Ethical and social problems of the data-driven world
• Data as a new form of power, analyzing and interpreting new types of assymmetries
• Social networks and performance
• Network-type factors behind economic competitiveness. (And network-analysis in general)

Academic requirements:

• First or second class, upper division Master's degree. Please email your detailed research plan and one academic referee’s report soon after your online application to info@ibs-b.hu.

• Sufficient English skills and academic knowledge that the IBS Research Officer checks with an Orientation Interview via Skype.

English skills:

The IBS Research Officer checks the applicant's English skills with an Orientation Interview via Skype after the online application.