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March 14th, 2023

Invited to the phd interview here’s how to prepare.

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Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Firstly, congratulations! If you’ve been invited to a PhD interview, it means that your application was solid enough to make the shortlist. That’s a small win. Now, onto the preparation for your interview. The PhD interview is an excellent opportunity for you to showcase why you’re a good fit for the programme. This requires you to prepare well for a successful admission. Here are some focus areas and tips for your interview.

Know your research proposal thoroughly

If you submitted a research proposal with your application, ensure that you read it thoroughly and know it well. There’s no such thing as overpreparation with your proposal. Of course, your proposal will be refined several times as you progress along the PhD, but for the interview, you can expect questions around the rationale, methods, and expected outcomes of your research. There can also be questions about the impact your research is likely to have. Also, have a think about the timelines of your project to answer questions around practicality and feasibility.

Research your interviewers

Your invite will indicate who is on your interview panel. Usually, they are likely to be your first and second supervisors. Although you may have contacted them previously and worked with them on your proposal, it’s advisable to read up on their work, research papers that they contributed to, their research interests and the work they’re presently involved in. All this information will be available on the faculty webpages of the department you’re applying to. Knowing this information will help you reiterate why and how you think their supervision will inform your work and how you hope to contribute to their on-going projects.

Brush up on technical know-how

There may be some questions around your past experience and academic background to gauge how well-suited your candidacy is for the topic and the programme you’re applying to. Additionally, these questions will also help your interview panel understand your training needs and how best they can be met to support your studies. Therefore, it’s necessary that you do some reading on the technical aspects of your research, the methodologies you’re proposing to deploy, the analytical tools you’ll be using among others. It’s advisable to be candid about your training needs and what you hope to gain from the programme.

Be sure about your motivations

The interview will be a discussion involving lots of “why” questions. Why do you want to do a PhD? Why do you want to go to LSE? Why do you want to research the topic you’re proposing? The answers for all these questions will be different but the common threads highlight your underlying motivations for applying to the PhD programme. Think long and hard about these questions before your interview. The interviewers want to understand your motivation and ensure that you recognise the commitment involved in signing up for a PhD programme. So don’t be afraid to get personal and really answer with your truest intentions.

The interviewers are likely to ask questions about your funding plans. If you’re planning to self-fund, you must state this clearly. If you’ve applied to funding opportunities, be sure to list them out along with when you’re expecting the decisions from the funding bodies. If you’ve applied to the department’s studentship opportunities, make sure you reiterate it during the discussion. While it’s not necessary to get into the fine details, it’s important that you clearly outline your plans around funding.

Final words of advice

Be reasonably confident. Prepare notes that you can refer to during the interview, if that is permitted. Ask questions about opportunities for collaboration, the research agenda in the department, or even the cohort size. Lastly, make sure to send in a thank-you note to your interviewers post your interview.

All the best! 😊

About the author

I’m Aish, an MPhil/PhD student at the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science. I study the impact that personality characteristics can have on performance at the workplace. When I’m not actively PhD-ing, I spend my time cooking, writing, and hula-hooping.

Thank you, Aishwarya, for your thorough and clear explanations. I truly appreciate your assistance.

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MRes/PhD Finance

Main campus, london, united kingdom, # 6 qs subject rankings, 60 months program duration, yes scholarships, accounting and finance main subject area, program overview, main subject.

Accounting and Finance

Study Level

This programme offers the chance to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication and which makes an original contribution to the field of finance. You will begin on the MRes, and will need to meet certain requirements to progress to the PhD.

Our programme is unique in its integration of finance and economics. During the first year, you will take microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics courses alongside PhD students in Economics. However, in the second year you will differentiate by taking advanced courses in asset pricing and corporate finance. You will leave with a broad understanding of finance and its relations to other fields in economics.

As one of the largest finance departments in the world, we are able to offer opportunities for research in virtually any field in finance. We have strengths in theory and empirics, asset pricing and corporate finance, as well as financial econometrics, behavioural finance, macro-finance, and microeconomic analysis of financial markets and institutions.

You are expected to participate in the regular departmental seminars (weekly), as well as occasional workshops and conferences given by internationally renowned speakers. This is viewed as an important part of the learning process on the MRes/PhD in Finance.

Admission requirements

Important dates, tuition fee and scholarships, scholarships.

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

A list of available scholarships around the world

A scholarship application checklist

QS WUR Ranking By Subject

More programs from the university, bachelor ug.

Undergraduate study at LSE is designed for students who are keen to engage critically with their chosen discipline and who want to apply their learning to real world situations. This means you’ll be taught core theory related to your programme of study alongside specialist disciplinary and research skills, and have opportunities to use those skills in real world contexts as you progress through your degree. 

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research , often through teaching from the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have opportunities to participate in projects, discussions and events that are part of LSE’s daily intellectual life. 

Whichever degree programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support , both within your department and beyond. This will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help equip you, professionally and personally, for whatever you do after you graduate.

Visit our Virtual Open Day to find out more.

Our degrees

Our degrees are intended to provide students with a sound intellectual background rather than professional training. LSE graduates go on to a range of careers which are rarely restricted by the choice of degree subject. Success in your degree and in your subsequent career is best achieved by choosing subjects that interest you and that you are good at.

Financial support

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town or country. That’s one of the reasons we provide such generous funding for undergraduate students . Help isn’t limited to UK students. Our funding is available to eligible UK, EU and overseas students, such as the funding awarded by the Uggla Family Scholars Programme . You may also be able to apply for funding from your own government.

How to apply

You need to make your application through UCAS . We don’t consider applications made in any other way. Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. Browse our undergraduate programmes .

Arts and Humanities (5)

Ba geography, bsc geography with economics, bsc history and politics, bsc language, culture and society, bsc philosophy and economics, bsc philosophy, logic and scientific method, bsc philosophy, politics and economics, business and management (5), bsc accounting and finance, bsc data science, bsc finance, bsc management, life sciences and medicine (5), ba anthropology and law, ba social anthropology, bsc psychological and behavioural science, bsc social anthropology, natural sciences (5), bsc environment and sustainable development, bsc environment and sustainable development with economics, bsc financial mathematics and statistics, bsc mathematics and economics, bsc mathematics with data science, bsc mathematics with economics, bsc mathematics, statistics and business, social sciences and management (5), bsc actuarial science, bsc econometrics and mathematical economics, bsc economic history, bsc economic history and geography, bsc economics, bsc economics and economic history, bsc international relations, bsc international relations and chinese, bsc international relations and history, bsc international social and public policy, bsc international social and public policy and economics, bsc international social and public policy with politics, bsc politics, bsc politics and economics, bsc politics and international relations, bsc politics and philosophy, bsc sociology, bachelor of laws.

Graduate study at LSE is designed for students who want to engage critically with their chosen discipline and apply their learning to real world situations. Our postgraduate programmes are shaped to equip students, professionally and personally, for whatever they want to do afterwards.

You’ll be exposed to state-of-the-art social sciences research, and the very academics who have carried out that research. You’ll have the opportunity to pursue your interests in an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to the LSE community’s daily intellectual life, participating in projects, discussions and events with fellow students, academics, alumni and key contributors from across the disciplines.

Whichever programme you choose, you’ll have access to a range of support, both within your department and beyond that will enable you to make the most of your LSE education and help you develop life-long skills and knowledge.

Visit our Virtual Graduate Open Events to find out more.

Types of study

LSE has developed graduate programmes to fulfil your needs whether you intend to pursue a career in industry, business, government, NGOs or academia, and whatever your background. 

The School offers a broad selection of postgraduate degrees, including:

• MRes, MPhil, PhD, visiting research
• Taught master’s (including LLM)
• Double and joint degrees
• Executive programmes

LSE offers generous financial aid to its graduate students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses.

At master’s level, the value of support given by LSE ranges in value from 10 per cent of the tuition fee to a full fees and maintenance award. Most master's programmes are eligible for needs-based awards from LSE, including the Graduate Support Scheme, Master's Awards, and Anniversary Scholarships. Selection for any funding opportunity is based on receipt of an offer for a place and submitting a Graduate Financial Support application, before the funding deadline. In addition to our needs-based awards, LSE also makes available scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for students studying specific subject areas.

At doctoral level, LSE offers studentships to new PhD students in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE ESRC Studentships, LAHP AHRC Studentships and LSE & III PhD Studentships on Analysing and Challenging Inequalities. These awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Applications can be submitted online from mid-October in the year prior to entry and most are considered on a rolling basis until all the available places are filled.

Minimum entry requirement vary depending on the programme. 

Executive MSc in Cities

Lse-sciences po double degree in urban policy, ma modern history, msc geographic data science, msc human geography and urban studies (research), msc philosophy and public policy, msc philosophy of economics and the social sciences, msc philosophy of science, msc regional and urban planning studies, msc urbanisation and development, executive global master's in management, executive msc social business and entrepreneurship, global master's in management, msc accounting and finance, msc accounting, organisations and institutions, msc applied social data science, msc data science, msc finance (full-time), msc finance (part-time), msc finance and economics, msc finance and private equity, msc finance and risk, msc health data science, msc management and strategy, msc management of information systems and digital innovation, msc marketing, msc social innovation and entrepreneurship, master's in management, executive msc behavioural science, executive msc health economics, outcomes and management in clinical sciences, executive msc health economics, policy and management, executive msc in healthcare decision-making (with nice), msc anthropology and development, msc behavioural science, msc organisational and social psychology, msc psychology of economic life, msc social anthropology, msc social anthropology (religion in the contemporary world), msc social and cultural psychology, double degree with peking university: environmental policy, technology and health, msc applicable mathematics, msc environment and development, msc environmental economics and climate change, msc environmental policy and regulation, msc financial mathematics, executive master of public administration, executive master's in law (ellm), llm, master of laws, lse - columbia university (sipa) master of public administration (mpa) double degree, lse- sciences po double degree (mpp/mpa), lse-bocconi double degree in european and international public policy and politics, lse-columbia double degree in european politics, conflict and culture, lse-columbia university double degree in international and world history, lse-fudan double degree in the global political economy of china and europe, lse-fudan double master's in international social and public policy, lse-leipzig double degree in global studies and economic history, lse-nus double degree ma asian and international history, lse-pku double msc degree in international affairs, lse-sciences po double degree in affaires internationales, lse-sciences po double degree in european studies, lse-sciences po double degree in the political economy of development, lse-university of toronto double degree (master of public administration/master of global affairs), mpa - data science for public policy, msc china in comparative perspective, msc city design and social science, msc criminal justice policy, msc culture and conflict in a global europe, msc culture and society, msc development management, msc development studies, msc econometrics and mathematical economics, msc economic history, msc economic history (research), msc economic policy for international development, msc economics, msc economics (two year programme), msc economics and management, msc economy and society, msc empires, colonialism and globalisation, msc european and international politics and policy, msc financial history, msc gender (research), msc gender (rights and human rights), msc gender (sexuality), msc gender, development and globalisation, msc gender, media and culture, msc gender, peace and security, msc gender, policy and inequalities, msc global health policy, msc global media and communications (lse and fudan), msc global media and communications (lse and uct), msc global media and communications (lse and usc), msc health policy, planning and financing, msc health and international development, msc history of international relations, msc human resources and organisations (human resource management (hrm)), msc human resources and organisations (international employment relations and human resource management), msc human resources and organisations (organisational behaviour), msc human rights, msc human rights and politics, msc inequalities and social science, msc international development and humanitarian emergencies, msc international health policy, msc international health policy (health economics), msc international migration and public policy, msc international political economy, msc international political economy (research), msc international relations, msc international relations (research), msc international social and public policy, msc international social and public policy (development), msc international social and public policy (education), msc international social and public policy (migration), msc international social and public policy (non-governmental organisations), msc international social and public policy (research), msc international strategy and diplomacy, msc international and asian history, msc local economic development, msc media and communications, msc media and communications (data and society), msc media and communications (media and communication governance), msc media and communications (research), msc media, communication and development, msc operations research & analytics, msc political economy of europe, msc political economy of late development, msc political science (conflict studies and comparative politics), msc political science (global politics), msc political science (political behaviour), msc political science (political science and political economy), msc political sociology, msc political theory, msc politics and communication, msc public policy and administration, msc quantitative methods for risk management, msc real estate economics and finance, msc regulation, msc social research methods, msc social and public communication, msc sociology, msc statistics, msc statistics (financial statistics), msc statistics (financial statistics) (research), msc statistics (research), msc statistics (social statistics), msc statistics (social statistics) (research), msc strategic communications and society, msc theory and history of international relations, master of public administration (mpa), master of public policy (mpp), executive mba (1), trium global executive mba, mphil/phd human geography and urban studies, mphil/phd international history, mphil/phd philosophy, mphil/phd regional and urban planning studies, mphil/phd in management - information systems and innovation, mres/phd accounting (accounting, organisations and institutions), mres/phd accounting (economics of accounting), mres/phd in management - employment relations and human resources, mres/phd in management - marketing, mres/phd in management - organisational behaviour, mphil/phd psychological and behavioural science, mphil/phd mathematics, mphil/phd data, networks and society, mphil/phd demography (social/formal), mphil/phd economic geography, mphil/phd economic history, mphil/phd environmental economics, mphil/phd environmental policy and development, mphil/phd european studies, mphil/phd gender, mphil/phd health policy and health economics, mphil/phd international relations, mphil/phd law, mphil/phd media and communications, mphil/phd social policy, mphil/phd social research methods, mphil/phd sociology, mphil/phd statistics, mres/phd anthropology, mres/phd economics, mres/phd international development, mres/phd political science, mres/phd in economics and management.

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In-course financial support for final stage PhD students

In-course financial support may be available for students in the final year of their phd.

Registered PhD students in their final writing up stages can apply financial support from LSE. This is particularly relevant if you have been funded for only the first three years of your PhD and are close to finishing but cannot quite reach the point of submission due to financial difficulties. We would not expect anyone already supported for their fourth year to apply (eg LSE Studentship Awardees).  The purpose of this scheme is to enable you to submit within the normal maximum period of registration.  

The awards offered under this scheme vary in size and depend on each applicant’s situation. Other income from any part time employment or teaching will be expected and taken into account. 

MRes or MPhil level students, or PhD students who have knowingly registered under-funded at the start of their research programme cannot be considered for this funding.  

Please note that students who have already submitted their thesis and are awaiting their viva are not eligible.

How to apply

This funding is assessed using the PhD Final Year Fund form (PDF). This application form can be completed electronically and submitted by email. Awards are made throughout the academic session; there is no fixed deadline to apply.

Your academic supervisor(s) will be asked to support you application and to confirm your expected date of submission.

Once you have submitted the completed application form with any relevant supporting documentation you should expect to receive a decision within ten working days.

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Careers advice

Finance and private equity.

Whether you’re certain about your future career goals, or need some guidance on your career options - we are here to help.

While some of our students arrive at the LSE with a clear idea of the career paths they would like to pursue, many more students start their studies unsure about the kinds of jobs they would like to apply for. There are also students who change their minds: it is not unusual for students to arrive thinking they want one kind of job, only to discover partway through their studies that they are more interested in something else.

Whichever category you fall into, the  Department of Finance   and  LSE Careers   are here to help you on your career journey and provide you with the best possible opportunities to find your future job.

Graduate destinations

Our graduating students go into a wide range of employment sectors all over the world. You can find out more about recent graduate destinations – from the top employment sectors, to the top destinations - from the dropdowns below: 

See our most recent Employment Report .

Top Employers*

• China International Capital Corporation (CICC)
• Credit Suisse
• Deutsche Bank
• BofA Securities
• CITIC Securities
• McKinsey & Company

Top Locations*

Top sectors*.

• Investment Banking
• Financial Advisory
• VC/Private Equity
• Asset Management

* Data collected from MSc Finance and MSc Finance & Private Equity programmes

Pathways to finding a job

There are many different pathways you can take to find your future job. The sections below provide an overview of some of the most common approaches our students have used to secure employment once they graduate. Remember: each approach is different and has its own pros and cons, so be aware that some pathways will suit your needs more than others and that there is no right or wrong approach.

Graduate Schemes (or 'the Milkround')

Graduate schemes (also known informally as ‘the Milkround’) are career schemes provided by employers – often investment banks and strategy consulting firms - that are aimed at recent graduates. 

The specific details of graduate schemes vary between different employers but most begin immediately after your graduation and offer a graduate-level job for a specified period of time, usually between 2 and 3 years. These roles may involve some rotations between different departments. Most employers will offer the opportunity for more permanent roles on completion of the scheme.

Graduate schemes are very competitive, so early research and preparation is essential. They also involve a lengthy application process generally consisting of an online application form with competency based questions and a one page CV (curriculum vitae or resume). You may also be asked to submit a cover letter. Shortlisted applicants will usually be invited to take an online numeracy test. If successful, a first interview will then follow (possibly video interview format), with progression to an assessment centre for further interviews. If your application gets through the first screening you may be surprised by how quickly you are invited to take online tests (e.g. numerical, non-verbal reasoning and problem solving tests) and/or a video interview, so ensure you have done some practice tests/interviews and are familiar with the format and time pressure.

Would suit:

• Students who have done their employer research and already have a clear idea of the sector they would like to work within.
• Students who have already completed an internship or other work placement.

Key things to remember:

• Research is key: thoroughly research the different employers and tailor each application accordingly.
• Prepare early: most schemes open as early as August and close in October or November (your course begins in early September).
• Take advantage of virtual LSE Careers events: meet representatives from different employers at the many LSE events, such as graduate fairs for banking & finance and consulting.
• There is a strong value of having your application reviewed by LSE Careers so you may want to wait until you have started at the LSE before sending off your applications. Remember that most organisations accept only one application per student in a 12-month cycle.
• Entry to these schemes is very competitive so don’t be disheartened if you are not successful.  Most students will have many unsuccessful applications due to the competitive nature of the process. However we find that as a group our students are very supportive of each other, and we often find that our students do very well in ultimately finding a role they are happy with, whether on a graduate scheme or through a different path.

Internships

Graduate internships are similar to full-time graduate schemes but are much shorter, lasting from anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. They are paid positions, and in many cases can lead to an offer of a full-time position by the employer. These are offered by most investment banks, strategy consulting firms, and other financial and tech institutions.

The application process is similar to that for full time positions, although deadlines are usually later in the autumn or January, and some ‘off-cycle’ internships are offered even later in the academic year. 

• Students who have done some employer and sector research but want some experience to be certain of their choice.
• Students without any previous industry experience.
• Quality of applications wins over quantity. Students who take a scatter-gun approach generally make poor, unfocussed and unsuccessful applications. One application can take 6 to 8 hours, so use your time carefully and narrow down the organisations you apply to.

Entry level roles

Entry-level or lateral hire positions are jobs advertised within organisations that are not specifically reserved for new graduates. There is no general recruitment period, but most tend to recruit later in the academic year giving you more flexibility and time to identify suitable roles and employers. LSE Careers has strong contacts with hundreds of organisations, often via alumni, and advertises positions for graduates and lateral hires in all financial services areas, consulting, start-ups and other sectors.

• Students who have completed an internship.
• Students open to jobs with smaller firms or start-ups.
• LSE Careers is a key resource so attend their employer fairs and be sure to check the Careers website for new jobs regularly.
• Networking and meeting representatives from different employers, including alumni, is often key to your career search.

Speculative applications

Speculative applications are job applications you make to employers you are interested in working with who have not necessarily advertised a vacancy. Most students who make speculative applications do so because they are particularly interested in and passionate about the specific organisation they are applying to.  

During the year you will have the opportunity to meet and network with a wide variety of employers and alumni, and you will also benefit from a variety of careers sessions and learn more about your own motivations and skills. This will help you tailor a more successful application. Remember that these applications are unpredictable in their outcome but can prove successful.

• Students who are confident in networking and have a keen interest in a specific sector or organisation.
• Students open to jobs with smaller firms or start-ups
• Networking and meeting representatives from different employers, including alumni, will be advantageous for your career search. Be open to a process of meeting with, getting to know, and speaking to representatives of the organisation you would like to apply to.
• Think carefully about why you want to work at that specific organisation and what you can offer them. 

LSE resources to help you

We are pleased to offer our students extensive advice and support to help you set and achieve your career goals in the following ways.

Departmental careers support

The Department of Finance offers an in-depth Professional Development Programme for our students, in order to help develop your skills and assist you in your job search. In previous years, skills training and workshops have included:

• Introduction to how the City works
• Preparing a CV
• Networking Skills
• Case Study Course
• Cover Letters and Application Processes
• Application Forms
• Financial Modelling
• Communication and personal impact training day at the  Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Sector introductions :

• FM410 Private Equity  is accompanied by a programme of practitioner seminars led by a range of experts in the field
• The City Speaker Series consists of talks by industry professionals from a range of sectors, including investment banks, asset management, hedge funds, boutique banks, consulting and capital markets.

Networking opportunities:

• MSc Finance alumni networking events are held three times a year, and are an opportunity for students to network with alumni from the programme, as well as with MSc Finance (part-time) students.

One-to-one careers guidance:

• CV checking one-to-one sessions
• Mock interviews and technical interview practice with our experienced in-house careers consultant

LSE Careers

LSE Careers  is one of the best in UK for the support it offers to students and also its links with recruiters. As a student at the LSE you would be able to access the following:

Employer presentations:  many employers give presentations and hold events, allowing you to meet their representatives, either virtually or in person. These events will be a great way for you to learn about each organisation and its culture.

Careers Fairs:  the LSE holds many careers fairs, including a dedicated banking and finance careers fair, which takes place in October. Many of the major banks attend. Once you are an LSE student you will be eligible to register and attend this recruitment fair, and many others including the consulting careers fair. 

Skills workshops:  there are skills workshops taking place throughout Autumn and Winter term, including a number of sessions dedicated to your programme during September. There is also a central programme of job hunting workshops plus a range of companies coming in to LSE offering training sessions covering topics including technical finance interviews and case studies as well as insights into specific business areas.

Careers and CV advice and practice interviews:  the team of LSE careers consultants is available for 1:1 meetings to discuss your CV, your general careers options, or specifics such as interview techniques. When you have a job interview coming up you can have a practice interview.

With so much going on, particularly during October and November, when there will often be more than one recruiter event each night, you will need to be focused and targeted when it comes to the time you spend at these events. It is very important not to overstretch yourself and let your studies suffer.

How can I prepare before I arrive at LSE?

One of the key pieces of advice that former students pass on to offer holders is that you should prepare as much as possible for this process before you arrive at LSE. Students are often surprised at the time and amount of work required to complete applications.

This is the best preparation you can do before arriving at LSE. Once you start your programme you will find that your time is in high demand. Research what industry sectors interest you and the types of roles you may wish to explore, even before you start the programme. You can then research further by attending virtual recruiter presentations on and seeing how the courses you study may influence the areas you may wish to work in.

The following links are good starting points for your research:

• Efinancialcareers
• Target jobs

Update your CV with your most recent education, internship experience, and other relevant information  before  you arrive at LSE. Banks prefer CVs to be one page only. Focus on highlighting the generic skills that recruiters will be looking for, such as quantitative skills, analytical skills, communication and teamwork, emphasising results and achievements.

You will have opportunities to receive one-to-one advice on your CV from a careers specialist, as well as learn how to write a finance focused CV, through sessions run by the Department of Finance and LSE Careers.

• CVs and cover letters

Start working on applications

If you are already clear on the types of roles and organisations you want to apply to, you can use the summer before you arrive at LSE to start working on and submitting applications. But do bear in mind that the guidance and expertise available to you once you arrive at LSE will certainly help you prepare better applications. Please see the following recommended guide for preparing your applications:

• Writing a successful application

Prepare for interviews, tests and assessment centres

Online applications for graduate schemes will ask a series of competency based questions. Before you arrive, you should start preparing answers for the types of questions you may be asked, particularly thinking about examples you can provide for: how you can demonstrate specific competencies, such as teamwork or communication. See the following links for more guidance:

• Competency based questions
• Common banking interview questions
• Interview and assessment centre preparation
• Interview tests and exercises

Keep in mind while job hunting

• Prioritise your studies:  With so much going on, particularly during October and November, when there will often be more than one recruiter event each night, you will need to be focused and targeted when it comes to the time you spend at these events. It is very important not to overstretch yourself and let your studies suffer.
• Job applications take time:  Remember that quality always wins over quantity. Be strategic and focused with your applications, ideally developing a balanced portfolio of application options. Look at areas experiencing growth and also beyond the well-known graduate training schemes.
• There is no one ‘right way’ to secure a job:  Remember that there are many ways to find a job and that you will find the one that suits you best. What works for somebody else may not necessarily work for you, and vice versa.
• We are here to support you:  If you need any support or guidance, or even just someone to discuss your options with, the Department of Finance and LSE Careers is here to support you. Please make use of the opportunities on offer and know that you can reach out at any time.

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LSE PhD Studentships

It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution

For 2024 entry, LSE will be offering studentships to new PhD students, in 2023 this was 88, in the form of LSE PhD Studentships, LSE DTP  ESRC Studentships  and London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP)  Studentships.

The awards are open to high calibre students of all nationalities studying across all research areas at the School.

Eligibility

LSE PhD Studentships are tenable for four years and cover full fees and an annual stipend, which for 2024 entry is £21,237. They are available for UK and international students undertaking research in any LSE discipline, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory academic performance.

These awards will be made solely on the basis of outstanding academic merit and research potential. This relates both to your past academic record and to an assessment of your likely aptitude to complete a PhD in your chosen topic in the time allocated.

How to apply

Academic departments nominate students for consideration by a School panel for all PhD funding opportunities they may be eligible for. There is no separate application for any of these studentships.

To be considered for this funding, you must submit your complete application for admission to LSE by a specific date. This date differs by academic department. Refer to the individual programme page for the relevant deadline information.  Find your graduate programme .

• deadline for the research programme in the Law School for 2024 entry: 1 December 2023
• deadline for the research programme in the Department of Economics for 2024 entry (including PhD Studentships and ESRC funding: 14 December 2023
• funding deadline for first round of PhD Studentships and for ESRC funding for 2024 entry: 15 January 2024
• London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP) PhD Scholarships  deadline: 26 January 2024, 17:00 GMT
• funding deadline for second round of PhD Studentships deadline for 2024 entry (some departments only): 25 April 2024

Find out about ESRC Studentships .

More information on how to apply for a place on a PhD programme .

Student stories

"I received an LSE PhD Studentship, which covers both my tuition and living expenses. It was a huge honour to receive funding from such a prestigious institution and without this support it would have been impossible for me to pursue my PhD."

Katherine Furman East London, South Africa MPhil/PhD Philosophy LSE PhD Studentship

ESRC Studentships Scholarships for PhD study and master's linked to a PhD

How to apply The application process, UCAS and when to apply

Undergraduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

Graduate fees and funding Details on available scholarships, bursaries, loans and tuition fees

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