Doctor of Philosophy - Finance

Global financial markets are experiencing an era of unprecedented upheaval. Just a decade ago, the world was beginning to recover from the financial crash of 2008. Now, however, global markets must contend with the fallout from a health pandemic that has pushed national economies to the brink of collapse. In this challenging environment, the finance sector requires decisive leadership and innovative thinking to navigate the crisis and adapt to the “new normal” that will emerge in the post-pandemic era.

The PhD Finance program offers the opportunity to specialize in a wide range of areas, including: • financial econometrics • behavioural finance • corporate finance • banking • international finance • portfolio and risk management • commodity markets • asset pricing • financing of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Students study at Essex Business School (EBS) at the Colchester Campus, which is the largest department at the University of Essex and one of the most respected finance groups in the UK. The business school maintains an international outlook, attracting doctoral students from around the globe.

The University of Essex hosts several cutting-edge financial research centers and institutes where academics from various disciplines collaborate on common themes, often engaging with external partners at both national and international levels. The Essex Finance Centre (EFiC) collaborates with leading financial services firms, public sector organizations, governments, and policy institutions to produce research that has a tangible impact worldwide. Additionally, the Essex Centre for Macro and Financial Econometrics unites academic and industry expertise from within and outside the University to address significant issues in financial markets.

Within Essex Business School, the Finance Group stands as one of the largest assemblies of finance researchers in the UK. Their research has been cited by the Bank of England, the European Central Bank, and the Federal Reserve, demonstrating its relevance to real-world situations. Members of the group hail from various countries, including Greece, Italy, Spain, China, India, and Mauritius, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the institution.