Economics, Finance and Accounting Research PhD

The Economics, Finance, and Accounting  Department (EFA) offers a rich interdisciplinary environment with expertise in a wide array of research areas. We welcome PhD students interested in topics including, but not limited to: accounting and financial reporting, applied microeconomics and macroeconomics, banking theory and regulation, behavioural economics and finance, corporate finance, development economics, digitalisation, econometrics, economic applications of artificial intelligence, financial markets, growth theory, labour economics, political economy, sustainable and green finance, and taxation.

Our department fosters an inclusive and supportive culture dedicated to helping doctoral researchers realise their full potential. We emphasize advanced quantitative and empirical methods alongside theoretical approaches, encouraging innovative research that can impact academic knowledge and real-world financial and economic policy.Join us to develop world-class research at the intersection of economics, finance, and accounting, guided by expert faculty with diverse methodological expertise.

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team.

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

To support your research journey, you will be supervised by experienced and research-active academics within the Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department at Brunel University of London. PhD researchers are supported through a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages independent thinking, critical analysis, innovation, and academic excellence. Students work closely with their supervisory team through regular meetings, ongoing academic guidance, and constructive feedback throughout the research process. Supervisors provide support in developing theoretical, methodological, and practical aspects of the research, while also encouraging publication development, conference participation, industry engagement, and international collaboration opportunities. In addition to academic supervision, doctoral researchers benefit from a vibrant research culture that includes research seminars, workshops, guest lectures, doctoral training activities, and interdisciplinary research events organised across the department and the wider Business School. These activities are designed to strengthen research capabilities, professional development, and scholarly confidence. The EFA Department is committed to supporting researchers in developing impactful, globally relevant, and future-focused research that contributes to academic knowledge, industry practice, and societal advancement.

How does it work?

As a doctoral researcher within the Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department at Brunel University of London, you will become part of a vibrant, internationally connected, and research-intensive academic community. Throughout your PhD journey, you will benefit from dedicated academic supervision, access to world-class research resources, and opportunities to engage with leading researchers, industry partners, and international collaborators.

• You will work closely with experienced and research-active supervisors who will support and guide you throughout your doctoral studies.
• You will have access to Brunel’s extensive online research facilities, digital learning resources, and library services.
• You will be encouraged to participate in international conferences, research seminars, workshops, and academic development activities to strengthen your research profile and professional network.
• The department regularly organises research seminars, guest lectures, doctoral training sessions, and interdisciplinary workshops designed to enhance research skills, critical thinking, publication development, and methodological expertise.
• You will have opportunities to engage with interdisciplinary and internationally funded research projects across areas including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, branding, sustainability, analytics, operations, and consumer behaviour.
• Researchers are encouraged to publish their work, collaborate internationally, and contribute to impactful research that addresses real-world business and societal challenges.
• Your doctoral journey will be supported within a collaborative and inclusive research environment that promotes innovation, academic excellence, and global engagement.

What are the main benefits of this research degree programme?

• The programme offers an opportunity to undertake a PhD within the internationally recognised Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department at Brunel University of London, known for innovative, interdisciplinary, and impactful research.
• You will join a vibrant and globally connected research community with expertise across business analytics, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, marketing, branding, sustainability, operations, consumer behaviour, and circular economy research.
• The programme provides access to experienced and research-active academics who publish in leading international journals and collaborate with industry, policymakers, and international research partners.
• You will benefit from a supportive and research-intensive environment that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, publication development, conference participation, and international engagement.
• Students have opportunities to contribute to impactful research addressing contemporary global challenges including digital innovation, sustainability, responsible business transformation, operational resilience, and consumer wellbeing.
• You will have access to Brunel’s extensive online research resources, digital learning platforms, doctoral training activities, seminars, workshops, and library facilities.
• The programme supports academic and professional development through research training, networking opportunities, and engagement with internationally funded projects and collaborative initiatives.
• Researchers become part of an inclusive and future-focused academic environment committed to research excellence, societal impact, and global relevance.

Your research proposal

As part of your application, you are required to submit a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words outlining your proposed area of study, research objectives, and methodological approach. A strong proposal should clearly demonstrate the originality, relevance, feasibility, and potential contribution of the research, while aligning with the EFA Department’s research expertise and priorities. Your proposal should normally include the following sections:

Background to the Topic - Introduce the research area, explain the importance and relevance of the topic, and position the study within current academic, industry, and societal debates.

Motivation - Explain why the research is important and timely, highlighting the academic, managerial, policy, or societal challenges that motivate the study.

Research Aim, Objectives and Questions - Clearly define the primary aim of the research together with specific research objectives and research questions that guide the study.

Literature and Research Gaps - Critically review the relevant literature and identify theoretical, methodological, or practical gaps that justify the need for further investigation.

Gaps in Practice - Identify key practical, managerial, industry, or societal challenges related to the research topic. Explain the limitations of current practices or existing solutions and justify why further research is needed to support improved decision making, innovation, and more effective practice.

Methodology - Outline the proposed research design, data collection methods, sampling approach, analytical techniques, and ethical considerations, while justifying the suitability of the chosen methodology.

Potential Theoretical Contribution - Explain how the research may contribute to existing theory, conceptual development, or academic understanding within the field.

Potential Managerial and Societal Contribution - Discuss how the findings may support organisations, industries, policymakers, or society by informing practice, strategy, innovation, or decision making.

References and Academic Support - Your proposal should include appropriate academic references and in-text citations to support and justify all key arguments, methodological choices, and theoretical positioning.

Responsible Use of AI Tools - Applicants may use AI tools responsibly to support idea development, language refinement, and research exploration; however, proposals must demonstrate independent critical thinking, academic integrity, originality, and appropriate referencing practices in line with university research and ethical guidelines.

Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that demonstrate critical thinking, originality, strong academic justification, and alignment with EFA’s interdisciplinary research strengths across business analytics, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, marketing, branding, sustainability, operations, and consumer research.

Application Process

There are two routes to proceed with your application. Applicants may either identify and contact a potential supervisor within the Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department to discuss their research interests and proposal ideas, or apply directly through the application system by selecting the Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department as their chosen research area.

Please upload the completed application form and supporting documents in the links provided on the right-hand side.

Supporting documents

Personal Statement - Please ensure that your personal statement clearly explains your motivation for undertaking a PhD, your research interests, your future academic or professional career goals, and why you have chosen to study within the Economics, Finance, and Accounting Department at Brunel University of London. The personal statement is an important part of the application process as it helps assess your academic motivation, research readiness, alignment with the department’s research strengths, and your potential to contribute to the EFA research community. Applicants should demonstrate a clear understanding of their proposed research area and how the programme will support their long-term research and career aspirations.

Applicants are also required to submit the following supporting documents:

• Your CV
• Your Passport
• Authenticated copies of your academic qualifications
• Master’s and bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts
• Proof of English Language proficiency
• Two references, one of which must be from an academic

Contact in London, UK

Address: Brunel University of London, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom

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Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here: Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme. The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Student Professional Development (SPD) runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.