PhD in Economics: Tilburg University

Course Description

The CentER PhD programme consists of three tracks: Econometrics, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, which are designed to build theoretical and technical knowledge of the subjects and to develop the skills required for cutting-edge research in these fields. Doctoral students are also prepared to become effective teachers, capable of meeting the increasingly high demands for excellence at universities and economic institutes. There are of course strong links with the research performed at CentER in these areas. For each track, approximately two PhD places are allocated per year. Selection of candidates for the PhD programme is based on individual performance during the Research Master programme, and the places will be allocated to the most suitable candidate(s).

CentER's graduate programme provides a comprehensive foundation in economic and econometric theory, broad coverage of applied fields, and in-depth exposure to specific fields of interest, building on what has been acquired in the Research Master programme. In the PhD programme topics courses are taught both by NAKE and by visiting researchers from the international economics community. Some extracurricular courses are also offered: in didactic skills and in written English for academic papers.

Admission requirments

You can apply for PhD if you completed or will complete soon a graduate programme. The graduate programme has to be completed before the December 1 in the academic year that you want to start a PhD. Admission is based on the student's performance in previous academic endeavors with a strong emphasis on research capabilities. Only the most highly qualified candidates are selected for the PhD programme. Note that if you apply for a PhD position, the Admission Commitee can admit you for the Research Master Year 2 in case they see the need for additional course work.

Language requirements

Any student whose mother tongue is not English or who has not worked or studied in an English language environment for at least three years must take the Academic IELTS test.

A minimum score for admission is 6.5, with no component less than 6.0. Alternatively, students may take the TOEFL.

The minimum required score for the TOEFL should be 577 for the paper based version or 90 in the internet based version.