Funding
Funded
Driving business productivity in Northern Ireland
Queen's Business School | PHD
Reference Number
QBS/2025/NIPR1
Application Deadline
28 February 2025
Start Date
1 October 2025
Overview
Northern Ireland has a long-standing productivity gap to the UK. This fully funded studentship for three years will support research towards a PhD, awarded on the basis of original research presented in a written thesis. The PhD project will examine the drivers of business productivity in Northern Ireland, to better understand how government policy can support businesses to improve their productivity, working alongside the project’s collaborative partner, the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.
Higher productivity is important as it determines long-run living standards. The UK has experienced a recent slowdown in productivity growth, with large regional inequalities. Northern Ireland is one of the UK’s poorest performing regions for productivity, yet we know relatively little about why productivity is lower in Northern Ireland. Working with the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy as a collaborative partner, this project provides an opportunity to gain new insights into why low productivity persists in the Northern Ireland economy.
The project will use data on firm-level productivity to better understand business performance in Northern Ireland, including how much of the differences in firm-level productivity can be explained by business characteristics, and how much may be explained by other factors, such as the surrounding business ecosystem. This will allow insights into how the timing and sequencing of government support affects productivity. These findings will inform how a systems-based approach to government policy and support might be adopted, with findings placed in the context of policy interventions in similar lagging European regions.
This collaborative studentship includes a 3-month placement with the project partner, the NI Department for the Economy (DfE). When hosted by DfE during the project, the student will benefit from working closely with a team that focuses on productivity, gaining insights into working as a professional economist in a policy environment. In addition to this real-world experience helping inform the analysis undertaken as part of the project, it will develop the student’s technical and professional skills for their future career. Throughout the project, the student will have the opportunity to meet with teams and individuals from across government departments, developing their ability to engage at the frontier between research and policy.
The student’s training will be complemented by the Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme at Queen's Business School, which will develop their research skills, including subject-specific training, alongside supporting their future career development, with the opportunity to network across disciplines.
Applicants must apply by submitting both i) a CV of 2-pages maximum; and ii) a cover letter of 1000-words maximum, which outlines their motivation for undertaking a PhD examining Northern Ireland’s productivity performance and how they meet the following criteria:
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
1. Candidates should hold either: i) a UK 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University), and a UK Masters degree in Economics or a cognate discipline with a final result of at least 60% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University); or ii) a UK first-class undergraduate degree in Economics or a cognate discipline from a high-ranking, research-focused university and have demonstrated an ability to conduct academic research.
2. Experience of performing research in the area of productivity.
3. Experience of research on the Northern Ireland economy.
4. Ability to be self-led and self-organised within the framework of agreed schedule of work.
5. Ability to communicate effectively and present ideas and research findings clearly.
6. Keen to learn and develop.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
1. Evidence of significant post-graduation research experience, for example by having completed a ‘predoc’ research assistance scheme.
2. Experience of presenting research to policymakers.
3. Evidence of the potential to maintain and develop engagements with non-academic stakeholder groups.
Candidates may be called to interview as part of the selection process. A final offer to the successful candidate is subject to contract.
The studentship commences on 1 October 2025, and is funded by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. In addition to the above criteria, successful candidates must also meet the eligibility criteria for DfE-funded studentships, which can be accessed here:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/department-economy-postgraduate-studentship-scheme
Apply at the direct online portal https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php and enter the text “DfE Collaborative PhD Studentship” into the funding field.
Informal enquiries may be directed to: Dr David Jordan (d.jordan@qub.ac.uk).
Funding Information
This studentship is funded by the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy. To be eligible for consideration for a Department for the Economy Studentship, a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications. Please see here for further details: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/department-economy-postgraduate-studentship-scheme
For UK domiciled students the value of an award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support. As an indication, the NI DfE rate for maintenance support in 2024-25 was £19,237 (tax free) per annum.
Project Summary
Supervisor
David Jordan
Mode of Study
Full-time: 3 years
Funding Body
Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Economics overview
The economics group is an energetic and enterprising research cluster that continuously strives for excellence in both its teaching and its scholarship. The group's research strengths cover economic theory, applied economics and econometrics. The group has a particular interest in game theory and economic history. Aside from gaining close research advice and direction from their supervisors and other academics in the group, research students benefit from attending courses and tailor-made reading groups to complete their background preparation in economics.
Queen's Business School prides itself on research-led teaching and offers its research students experience as teaching assistants in a variety of undergraduate courses. Students regularly attend the School's various seminar series, which attract leading academics from around the world. Students also present their work at these events, gaining invaluable advice and preparation for the academic job market.
Mode of study/duration
Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent).
Course content
Research Information
Associated Research
Institutional and relational economics
Social networksStrategic formation of coalitions and networks
Banking crises
Crime and conflict
Political economy
Methodology and history of economics
Behavioural and experimental economics
Economics of education
Financial econometrics
Health economics
Labour economics and social policy
Panel data
Demography and economic growth
Entrepreneurship
Long-run development
Career Prospects
Introduction
The School has a proven track-record of placing its PhD graduates in tenure-track research and teaching posts at top universities in the UK and elsewhere.
People teaching you
Postgraduate Administrator
Business School
Email: qbs@qub.ac.uk
Course structure
There is no specific course content as such. Students are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School, which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students are also expected to carry out their research under the guidance of their supervisors.Over the course of study students can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School.
Students will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’, which means that they have satisfied staff that they are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether students should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until they have completed ‘differentiation’.
Differentiation takes place about 9 months after registration for full time students and about 18 months for part time students. Students are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about the student’s capacity to continue with their study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification.
To complete with a doctoral qualification students are required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words and attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend their thesis.
A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.
The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or industry.
Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes, because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.
The part time research degree is an exciting option for those already working in the accounting field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.
If students meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether supervision is available in the chosen area as students are only accepted if expert research supervision can be offered in the chosen area. Therefore, the research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.
Undertaking a PhD is a substantial commitment, and the research proposal is an important part of the application process. Thus, given the importance of the research proposal in the application process, applicants are encouraged to take time in preparing their proposal. In addition, applicants should read the information about studying and applying for a PhD in Queen's Business School at:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/study/postgraduate-research/
Assessment
Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.
This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a UK 2.1 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) and a UK Master's degree in a relevant discipline with a final result of 60% (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University).
In cases where applicants have not completed a Master's degree, applications may be considered where applicants hold a 1st class Honours undergraduate degree from a high-ranking, research focus university and have demonstrated an ability to conduct academic research.
International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £5,005 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £5,005 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £5,005 |
| EU Other 3 | £20,500 |
| International | £20,500 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2021-22, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Economics costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
Additional course costs
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.
Bench fees
Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.
How do I fund my study?
1.PhD OpportunitiesFind PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.
2.Funded Doctoral Training ProgrammesWe offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.
3.PhD loansThe Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.
4.International ScholarshipsInformation on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students.
Funding and Scholarships
The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Find a supervisor
If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.