Finance

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Finance

Introduction

Specialising in applied finance, particularly corporate finance and governance and with significant expertise in asset pricing, financial economics and banking.

Study Information

At a Glance

Degree Qualification
PhD

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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.

Our Research

The Finance group research themes focus on:

  • Financial economics, corporate finance & corporate governance
  • Asset pricing & applied financial econometrics
  • Banking & financial institutions
  • Financial technology & applied mathematics

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.

Research Interests

Corporate Finance & Financial Economics

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

More information about the team

Asset Pricing, Capital Markets and applied financial econometrics

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.

Experts: Professor Angela Black, Dr Fotios Papadimitriou

More information about the experts

Our Experts

Director
Fotios Papadimitriou
PhD Coordinator
Filipa Alexandra da Silva Fernandes, The University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

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 Scholarship

Entry Requirements

PhD 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

    Fees and Funding

    View the tuition fee rates

    Scholarships

    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.

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    Research Summary 2025

    Read interviews with academics and PhDs about their research activities.

    View 2025 Edition

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    Research Insights Series

    Summaries of the latest research from our leading academics.

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    Careers

    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.

    World Class Facilities

    The University of Aberdeen, established in 1495, is Scotland’s third oldest and the UK’s fifth oldest University. The university’s ancient campus reflects its long-standing academic tradition, with historic buildings such as King's College, which dates back to the 15th century. This blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities creates a unique atmosphere where students can experience the best of both tradition and innovation.

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    Sir Duncan Rice Library

    Sir Duncan Rice Library

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    Affordability

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    Contact Details

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    Business School
    University of Aberdeen
    Edward Wright Building
    Dunbar Street
    Aberdeen
    AB24 3QY