PhD Economics

PhD in Economics

The Department of Economics currently runs a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programme in Economics on full time basis. The PhD programmme is designed to train students in advanced economic theories and methods of policy as well as analysis and economic management in the public and private sectors. The programme aims at providing strong foundation for students who intend to pursue teaching in the tertiary institutions in Ghana and abroad; and who may be interested in taking research positions in research institutions.

Admission Requirements

A good first degree in Economics at least Second Class (Upper Division) plus a good masters degree (with an average grade not less than a B or equivalent) in economics or related field with sufficient background in Microeconomics, Macroeconomics and Econometrics from a recognized tertiary institution. A good background in statistics and mathematics will be an added advantage. A Thesis proposal is NOT required. Admission is subject to passing an interview.

Fees

Students pay two types of fees each year. The first type of fees is the Academic Facility User Fees (AFUF). The second type of fees is Bench fees. Both fees are paid directly to the university.

Components of the programme

(a) Core courses:

1. ECON 751: Advanced Microeconomic Theory I
2. ECON 752: Advanced Microeconomic Theory II
3. ECON 753: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory I
4. ECON 754: Advanced Macroeconomic Theory II
5. ECON 755: Advanced Econometrics I
6. ECON 756: Advanced Econometrics II
7. ECON 857: Research Methods and Computer Applications I
8. ECON 858: Research Methods and Computer Applications II

(b) Elective courses:

1. ECON 859: International Economics I
2. ECON 860: International Economics II
3. ECON 863: Health Economics I
4. ECON 864: Health Economics II
5. ECON 867: Environmental and Resource Economics I
6. ECON 868: Environmental and Resource Economics II
7. ECON 871: Public Sector Economics I
8. ECON 872: Public Sector Economics II
9. ECON 873: Monetary Economics I
10. ECON 874: Monetary Economics II

(c) Research component

ECON 990: PhD Thesis

Comprehensive Examination:

At the end of the first year, PhD candidates take comprehensive examination in the following courses:

• Microeconomics
• Macroeconomics

 

Semester-by-semester course structure

Year 1, Semester 1

Advanced Microeconomics I

Advanced Macroeconomics I

Advanced Econometrics I

Year 1, Semester 2

Advanced Microeconomics II

Advanced Macroeconomics II

Advanced Econometrics II

 

Year 2, Semester 1

Research Methods and Computer Applications I

Plus two (2) elective courses to be selected from the following:

International Economics I

Health Economics I

Environmental and Resource Economics I

Public Sector Economics I

Monetary Economics I

Year 2, Semester 2

Research Methods and Computer Applications II

Plus two (2) elective courses to be selected from the following:

International Economics II

Health Economics II

Environmental and Resource Economics II

Public Sector Economics II

Monetary Economics II

 

Year 3 to Year 4

Thesis

Research (Thesis Work)

Candidates are expected to formulate their research ideas and develop them into full research proposal by the end of their first year on the programme. The proposal will be presented in an open departmental seminar. Supervisors will be assigned at this stage of the programme.

The PhD thesis can take one of two forms:

1. A monograph:  – here a student takes one topic and writes a very “big” book.

2. Article Based: - here a student writes at least three publishable articles, of which at least one should have been accepted for publication in a recognized peer reviewed journal before the final defense can be organized.

In order to promote and monitor the research effort and progress of our doctoral candidates, the department organizes seminars on weekly basis, where faculty members, faculty members in other departments and research institutes, PhD and MPhil candidates give a lecture or seminar on a defined topic.

 

Mode of Application 

1. First of all, candidates must purchase an eVoucher by paying an application fee at the following banks: GCB, Ecobank or uniBank.
2. Upon payment of the application fee, candidates will receive an eVoucher containing an application number and PIN that will grant access to the online admissions portal.
3. Candidates should then proceed to online admissions website: https://apps.knust.edu.gh/admissions/ and begin the application process.
4. Once the process has been completed, candidates must print out 3 copies of the completed application form from the portal and submit them (by post) to the School of Graduate Studies along with all relevant documents (Photocopies of Certificates, Recommendation Letters, and (Transcript for those attending KNUST for the first time)) to the following address:

The Secretary
School of Graduate Studies
KNUST
Kumasi-Ghana

 

Only candidates who successfully gain admission will be notified subsequently.

All International Applicants must apply online. International applicants who are admitted will be required to pay an application fee of USD 200.00 before registration.

Please contact the Department of Economics for further details on 0322497532\0322062100