Finance

PhD in Finance

The Departments has a formally structured PhD programme in Finance, which has received research training recognition from the ESRC. The aim of the programmes is to train students whose research is of the highest international quality. Students are strongly encouraged to participate at an early stage in their research training in appropriate international workshops and colloquia. They are also offered the opportunity to gain teaching experience, with appropriate training, without detracting from their research time.

The structure of the PhD programme is designed to provide a broad based training in theoretical and empirical research methods in finance. Student progress is regularly monitored by the departmental Postgraduate Assessment Review Panel, as well as through normal supervisory mechanisms. The Departments has a very strong research culture which includes an active seminar programme and a programme of distinguished visitors. It also has close links with the Financial Markets Group.

Programme Director PhD Finance: Dr Rohit Rahi, A351

The route you take through the PhD Finance programme will depend on your background, and previous masters degree. You are required to do a seminar presentation in your first and second years, and must attend the Capital Markets Workshop and EC501 Research Work in Progress. You are also encouraged to attend any relevant seminars in related areas. In the second year, the research courses include assessed research papers as part of the assessment requirements.

ROUTE 1

Students from the MSc Accounting and Finance or MSc Management and Regulation of Risk programmes and those from other relevant programmes, either at LSE or elsewhere, will enter in Year 1 and take the courses specified below.

Year 1
You must take the following courses and pass the exams with a mark of at least 65% (pass mark 50%) in the first year to proceed to the second year of registration.

*Students who intend to do theoretical research are strongly advised to take Advanced Microeconomics in their first year.

Year 2
All courses are examined.  Students are required to pass AC503 and the optional course with a mark of at least 65% (pass mark 50%) to proceed to their third year of registration.

One full unit equivalent optional course from:

** With permission from the instructor.

Subsequent Years
You will spend the remainder of your PhD registration period carrying out research and thesis writing. During this time you must continue to attend the Capital Markets Workshop, FM505 PhD Seminar in Finance and you should attend any other seminars closest to your field of study.

ROUTE 2

Students who have taken the MSc Finance and Economics or MSc Finance and Economics (Research) programmes at LSE will be considered for Route 2 entry, subject to the approval of the Programme Director.  Under exceptional circumstances, students with adequate background from other relevant programmes, either at LSE or elsewhere, may be considered for Route 2 entry, possibly with additional course requirements, again subject to the approval of the Programme Director.

Year 2
You must take the following research courses and pass the exams with a mark of at least 65% (pass mark 50%).

One full unit equivalent optional course from:

** With the permission of the instructor.

Subsequent Years
You will spend the remainder of your PhD registration period carrying out research and thesis writing. During this time you must continue to attend the Capital Markets Workshop, FM505 PhD Seminar in Finance and you should attend any other seminars closest to your field of study.

Examinations
All PhD students in Accounting and Finance are required to achieve a pass mark of 65% in their examined courses. The examiners may decide under certain conditions to condone a lower pass mark if there is strength elsewhere. Students failing a paper can, at the examiner's discretion, taking into account overall performance, resit that paper on one occasion only.

Progression to PhD Registration
You will initially be registered for an MPhil. In order to progress to PhD registration, you must have achieved a pass mark of 65% in your taught course exams, and have made satisfactory progress in your research. The Department's Postgraduate Review and Assessment Committee, will review the progress of each research student, and make recommendations for upgrading to PhD on a case-by-case basis.

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