Department of Economics

The Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are research degrees. Research degrees involve independent study, directed by a supervisor, and the production of a thesis. The essential difference between the master and doctoral levels, aside from the length of the registration period, lies in the quality of a successful Ph.D. thesis, which must be judged to be the result of original research, an addition to knowledge and worthy of publication either in full or in an abridged form in a refereed journal. The award of a M.Phil./Ph.D. also requires the candidate to defend his/her thesis at a public, oral examination. The maximum period for registration for full time M.Phil. and Ph.D. students are three (3) years and five (5) years respectively and part time students' maximum registration is five (5) years and seven (7) years respectively.

Candidates seeking entry to the M.Phil. programme should hold a Bachelor’s degree (Second Class Honours or above), in addition to the courses outlined in the M.Sc. programme. M.Phil. students are required to read for courses totalling a minimum of six (6) credits, and courses must be of the graduate level. 

Candidates seeking entry to the Ph.D. programmes should hold Master’s degree from an approved university with a specialty in the area of study. Students may be required to attend an interview prior to being accepted. Students applying for M.Phil./Ph.D. degrees must prepare an appropriate research proposal for consideration in the area in which they wish to pursue. Ph.D. students are required to read for courses totalling a minimum of nine (9) credits and courses must be of the graduate level. 

The intention of these taught courses is to provide students with research techniques and skills that will not only help them to complete their current research topic, but will also stand them in good stead for life after university. M.Phil./Ph.D candidates who have completed the M.Sc. in Economics are encouraged to apply for exemption from taught courses. The Department will decide on the eligibility and acceptance of candidates.