Specialising in applied finance, particularly corporate finance and governance and with significant expertise in asset pricing, financial economics and banking.
The PhD programme provides an opportunity to undertake original research into a wide variety of areas. The department has a lively team of academic staff, with their own individual research topic areas. Our research aims to improve the understanding of today’s business and policy implications. The finance staff is engaged with practitioners and academic institutions within the UK and abroad.
Our PhD program is aimed at those who wish to become experts in a specialised finance field. Our purpose is to involve PhD students in our areas of expertise, providing them with a strong setting in which to pursue their research, and encouraging and helping with publication. As a research graduate, you will be equipped to design and conduct high-quality research and encourage to present your work both within the department and at international conferences. To support research and teaching, the group benefits from database subscriptions, including Datastream, Thomson ONE banker and Bloomberg.
In the first year, students are normally encouraged to study several chosen courses in applied finance which will develop their quantitative and qualitative research skills as well as their knowledge of the finance research literature and methodologies. An appropriate programme of study is developed for each student in consultation with the candidate’s supervisor.
The Finance group research themes focus on:
The finance group has strong links with both economics and accountancy, using cross-disciplinary methodologies to address relevant issues in finance. There is also a strong interface with the real estate group where shared interests yield research output in the areas of risk measurement and diversification benefits.
To explore capital structure decisions under capital market imperfections. Specifically, issues related to capital structure and firm behaviour. The examination of dividend policy, corporate governance, financial development, financial distress and bankruptcy.
Experts: Professor Gerhard Kling, Dr Filipa Da Silva Fernandes, Dr Daniel Gyimah, Dr Laura McCann, Dr Huong Vu, Dr Seungho Lee, Dr Fotios Papadimitriou, Dr Yaodong Liu
To undertake research in empirical testing of asset pricing models. This could cover topics such as time-series properties of asset returns (i.e. predictability, volatility), cross-sectional properties of asset returns (i.e. CAPM, factor models) and the pricing of equity index derivative securities financial frictions on asset markets.
To explore research in the area of banking and financial markets, specifically on topics related to bank efficiency, financial stability, credit markets, investment efficiency.
Experts: Dr Chunxia Jiang, Dr Filipa Da Silva Fernandes
To conduct research on cryptocurrencies/FinTech related subjects. Specifically, the links between cryptocurrency and international investment markets, market efficiency of cryptocurrencies, the price/volatility relationship among cryptocurrencies.
Experts: Professor Gerhard Kling, Dr Seungho Lee, Dr Seungho Lee
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipPhD Programme
Applicants for this programme must have a good honours degree in finance or a related subject.
In addition, applicants must provide a detailed research proposal.
APPLICANTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO CONTACT POTENTIAL SUPERVISORS BEFORE MAKING AN APPLICATION.
We are open to discussing all potential projects with applicants, including the possibility of undertaking these via distance learning.
Guidelines for writing a Research Proposal.
Applicants must provide two academic references from their most recent academic institution. For further guidance on applying, please contact bs-research@abdn.ac.uk.
If English is not your first language you must also show evidence of attaining standards in English. View details of English language criteria.
International Applicants
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
PhD graduates in Finance can work in government departments, central banks, a variety of financial institutions and multinational corporations. At the Business school many of our PhD graduates also go on to forge successful academic careers in other top Universities.
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
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