Accounting (Economics of Accounting)

A PhD in Accounting from LSE consists of six coursework units, completed over two years, followed by a thesis which is usually expected to take a further three years.

Economics of Accounting (EoA) Track

This track primarily examines accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective. You will normally commence in late August, by attending an introductory course before the start of the academic year.

Introductory Course in Mathematics and Statistics
Provides you with the essential mathematical, statistical, economic and econometric background.

First year

In your first year, you take courses in Microeconomics, Econometrics and Financial Economics. You will also take transferable skills courses which are not examined.

Microeconomics
Introduces you to the basic analytical tools that are necessary to conduct research in any field of economics.

Econometrics
Introduces you to modern, technical tools for empirical analysis in economics, for cross section, time series and panel data, focusing on the properties of different estimation models as well as on the illustration of the use of these techniques in practical problems.

Financial Economics
This course provides you with an in-depth introduction to the theories of asset pricing and corporate finance.

Further training and transferable skills courses: 

Topics in Accounting Research (EoA)
Focuses on studying accounting and financial reporting issues from an economics perspective. This course is not examined in the first year, but you are required to attend. The course is examined in the second year.

Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Economics of Accounting (EoA) Research Seminars and Workshops

Second year

Topics in Accounting Research (EoA)

Research Paper in Accounting
A research paper of between 6,000 and 8,000 words, related to your designated major field, to be submitted at the end of August of the second year.

You will also be required to complete elective courses to the value of 1.0 unit in relevant fields, e.g.:

• Corporate Finance for Research Students (1.0)

 Or any other graduate- or research-level course available in the School with permission. 

Further training and transferable skills courses:

Accounting Work in Progress Seminars
This is a non-examined course which all PhD students in Accounting (AOI and EoA tracks) are required to take from Year 2 onwards. You present your work in progress to fellow students and faculty, including drafts/outlines of your Year 2 research paper, and ongoing PhD work thereafter.

Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Economics of Accounting (EoA) Research Seminars and Workshops

PhD programme

After meeting the progression requirements, you progress to PhD registration and begin to work on your thesis. You will continue to attend the following seminars and workshops:

Topics in Accounting Research (EoA)
Accounting Work in Progress Seminars
Department of Accounting Research Forums (ARFs)
Economics of Accounting (EoA) Research Seminars and Workshops 

You can find the most up-to-date list of optional courses in the Programme Regulations section of the current School Calendar. 

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

Support for your career

Throughout the programme, you are expected to participate in departmental research seminars, forums, workshops and internal brownbags enabling you to grow familiar with the process of presenting and discussing academic papers with experienced faculty, and provide opportunities for networking. Funding is also available for you to attend and present papers at academic conferences.

LSE Careers has a team dedicated to PhD students offering a wide range of resources and advice. You will receive regular updates on career events and workshops offered by LSE Careers and the LSE's PhD Academy.

Teaching

The Department aims to give all doctoral students the opportunity to teach during the programme. Developing teaching skills and experience is an important component of the students' career development and prepare you for future academic roles. To make this experience as valuable as possible we draw on the support of LSE's Eden Centre.