PhD Programs
Objective
The goal of the Ph.D. program in Economics is to train individuals to become high quality researchers in line with international standards. Our aim is that our graduates will be able to successfully compete for employment at research institutions, public policy organizations, and the private sector. The creation of a dynamic research community at the University of Cyprus will raise the level of economic research in Cyprus and will infuse public debate on economic policy with scientific methods and rigorous analysis.
Admission requirements
Minimum requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program are:
- Master's degree in Economics or related field (e.g. mathematics, statistics). Applicants much have fulfilled all requirements of their master's degree by the month of September in the year of admission.
- Very good command of the English language. This can be certified by international examinations such as GCE, TOEFL or other examinations.
Positions are offered every year for admission in September. Application materials are available at this site around February and the deadline for application in usually in April. Late applications may be considered as long as positions are available.
or
the
downloadable application form where all application materials should be sent to:
Department of Economics
University of Cyprus
P.O. Box 20537
CY-1678 Nicosia
Cyprus
Program structure
The Ph.D program is a four year program (eight semesters, 240 credit units). Three semesters are taken up by coursework and a minimum of five semesters are required for the research phase.
- Coursework - comprehensive examinnations
During the first year students take compulsory courses which prepare them for the comprehensive examinations in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics at the end of the year. The aim of the comprehensive exams is to assess whether students have attained a satisfactory command of basic economic tools and ideas before they move on to conduct specialized research in their chosen field. Students much complete this requirement no later than their 5th semester of studies. Full details about the examination are provided in our Comprehensive Examination Guide.
- Specialization - Submission of research proposal
During the second year of studies students take four field courses which give them the opportunity to acquire expertise in their area of interest. At this stage students are expected to discuss their research interests with faculty members, a process that will lead to a mutual agreement between the student and a faculty member who will become the student's main advisor. Under the guidance of his advisor the student will prepare and successfully defend his research proposal by the end of his third year of studies. The procedure for defending the research proposal is stipulated in University regulations.
- Research - Submission of dissertation
The student will conduct with his research under the guidance of his advisor. The procedure for defending the dissertation is stipulated in University regulations.
Credit for previous coursework
Credit may be given for up to one year's (60 units) worth of graduate level coursework taken at other universities. Students can not be exempt from the comprehensive examinations. It follows that completion of the Ph.D. requires that students spend at least three years at the University of Cyprus.
Advising
The Ph.D. Program Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and guiding Ph.D. students from the time of admittance until they have found their main advisor. The advisor follows the student's progress and offers the necessary guidance.
Sample progam of studies
1st semester (30 c.u.)
ECO - 601 Microeconomic Analysis I (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 602 Macroeconomic Analysis I (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 603 Statistics and Econometrics I (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 604 Analytical Methods in Economics (7,5 c.u.)
2nd semester (30 c.u.)
ECO - 651 Microeconomic Analysis II (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 652 Macroeconomic Analysis II (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 653 Statistics and Econometrics II (7,5 c.u.)
One of:
ECO - 673 Applied Econometrics (7,5 c.u.)
ECO - 680 Financial Econometrics (7,5 c.u.)
Optional course (7,5 c.u.)
3rd semester (30 c.u.)
ECO - 690 Comprehensive Exam in Microeconomics (2,5 c.u.)
ECO - 691 Comprehensive Exam in Macroeconomics (2,5 c.u.)
ECO - 692 Comprehensive Exam in Econometrics (2,5 c.u.)
Optional course (7,5 c.u.)
Research stage (15 c.u.)
4th semester (30 c.u.)
Two optional courses (2 x 7,5 c.u.)
Research stage (15 c.u.)
5th-8th semester (4 x 30 c.u.)
Research and thesis write-up (30 c.u.)
TOTAL 240 c.u.