If you have a master's in economics and want a funded PhD in the UK, the University of Liverpool Management School has a four-year Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) for students starting in October 2027. The first step is an expression of interest, not a full application. It is due before 5 pm UK time on Friday 27 November 2026, which is under a month away.
This guide uses the university's course page and the scholarship listing that reproduces the fellowship details. Check the university's own pages before you submit anything, because details can change.
What the fellowship is
A GTF is a studentship for full-time PhD students. You do your research and also take on a fixed number of teaching hours during your time at Liverpool. In year one, you complete a short teacher training programme run by the university alongside your PhD research modules.
The listing says it covers:
- Full PhD programme fees
- An annual maintenance grant of £21,805
- Higher education teacher training and practice
It can be combined with external bursaries and with Management School funds, including a £700 per year GTF allowance from Year 2 and the Conference Support Scheme. The listing marks the maintenance figure with an asterisk, so confirm the exact terms with the university.
For context, the course page lists the 2026/27 international full-time fee as £25,350 per year, and says fees may change for 2027/28. That is the bill the fellowship is meant to remove.
Who can apply
The listing says applicants from all countries, Nigeria included, are eligible. The requirements it gives are:
- A UK master's degree, or international equivalent, in economics or a related discipline, preferably at merit or above
- Demonstrable quantitative and programming skills
- A strong research proposal
The listing shows English language proficiency as "not required" in its summary. The course page, however, says international applicants may need English language certificates for the online application. Treat that as unresolved and ask the Postgraduate Research Team which applies to you. Our guide to English test options and waivers explains what to ask.
Research areas they accept
Proposals are welcome in microeconomic theory, applied microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and financial econometrics, political economy, industrial organisation and sports economics. You can also suggest your own theme. Programme modules cover research foundations and advanced macro, micro, macroeconometrics and microeconometrics.
Step-by-step: how to apply
- Check your fit. Do you have a relevant master's and evidence of quantitative and programming ability, such as a thesis using econometrics, R, Stata or Python?
- Look at the staff list. You don't have to contact supervisors. You can name relevant academics in your application, but the listing says this is not compulsory and won't necessarily give you an advantage. The department makes the final match.
- Submit the expression of interest form before 5 pm UK time on 27 November 2026. Attach your research proposal, personal statement, highest degree transcript and CV.
- Wait to be invited. Suitable candidates are contacted directly and invited to submit a formal application. Applicants who skip the expression of interest step will not be considered. You don't need the online portal yet.
- Apply online if invited. The course page says to prepare transcripts and degree certificates, passport details, English certificates if you're international, a personal statement, a CV and two referees' names and contacts.
Preparing the documents from Nigeria
Transcripts are where Nigerian applicants lose time. Request yours now, since universities can take weeks. See how to get transcripts and certificates from a Nigerian university. Line up two referees too, and give them the deadline in writing. If one is a busy supervisor or boss, this guide on asking for a recommendation helps.
Writing a proposal that gets you invited
- Keep it to one clear question, not a whole career plan.
- Say what data or method you would use, and why you can handle it.
- Show you've read the work of the Liverpool economists you'd fit with.
- Tie your master's dissertation to the proposed topic.
Be honest everywhere. The university says false or missing information can lead to rejection or a withdrawn offer, and that use of generative AI in your application must be acknowledged.
Hypothetical budget check
Imagine you are invited and accepted. The grant is £21,805 a year. Divided by 12, that is roughly £1,817 a month before your own costs. Rent, food, transport, a visa and health surcharge, flights and a laptop all come out of that or your savings. The listing does not say what visa costs are covered, so plan for them separately. Our study visa checklist covers the process.
Common mistakes
- Treating the November date as the formal application deadline. It is for the expression of interest.
- Sending a generic proposal with no named method.
- Missing the transcript because the registry was slow.
- Assuming teaching duties are optional. They are part of the award.
- Paying anyone for a "guaranteed" place. Read our piece on fake scholarship agents and apply only through the university.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a second funding round?
The listing says there are two funding calls this academic year and that round one has started. It gives no date for round two, so ask the university.
Do I need an essay?
The listing says no essay is required, but you do need a personal statement and research proposal.
Can I apply with a non-economics master's?
The requirement is economics or a related discipline. If yours is related, email the Postgraduate Research Team before the deadline.
Where do I apply?
Through the University of Liverpool's Economics PhD page: liverpool.ac.uk/courses/economics-phd.
Your next step: this week, request your transcript and draft a one-page research proposal, then submit the expression of interest several days before 27 November.
Sources
- Economics PhD | University of Liverpool
- University of Liverpool Graduate Teaching Fellowship for Economics PhD Students
Details checked against the official sources above on 29 October 2026. Things change, so confirm on the official site before you act.
Scholarship details, deadlines and eligibility can change. Always confirm on the official website before applying, and never pay anyone who promises to "guarantee" a scholarship.