Energy Economics

The School of Economics is offering a full studentship for an MRes+PhD in Energy Economics to research on areas related to economics, applied econometrics and social acceptability of Electric vehicles (EVs) and EV charging infrastructure. We are particularly interested in topics related to consumers, demand, EV fast charging, willingness to pay, and socio-political, community or end-user acceptance. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Mona Chitnis (Economics, University of Surrey), and Dr Chris Jones (Psychology, University of Portsmouth). The PhD research is expected to be a combination of energy economics and environmental or social Psychology. The candidate is free to choose the specific research topic under the umbrella of EV, and would be committed to PhD completion under the above mentioned supervision. The candidate will be expected to contribute to high quality co-authored research outputs.

This PhD studentship would be suitable for a candidate interested in energy and environmental issues based on applied econometrics, applied microeconomics, applied behavioural economics and environmental or social psychology. The successful candidate ideally will have some experience of energy economics, and background in applied econometrics, applied microeconomics, and social scientific research methods.

The candidate will be part of the interdisciplinary FEVER (Future Electric Vehicle Energy Networks supporting Renewables) project funded by EPSRC, and is expected to collaborate with other external project members where appropriate and participate in FEVER meetings and activities.

The candidate will be a member of Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) and will be expected to play an active role in the academic life of SEEC by helping with SEEC related activities.

MRes+PhD programme

The University of Surrey’s MRes Economics programme is designed to prepare you for a research career in academia or in international organisations around the world. The course provides the standard entry route to the PhD Economics programme, providing the foundation towards doctoral research.

The MRes provides cutting-edge training in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics and research methods and is, on successful completion, followed by the PhD programme lasting three to four years during which students take advanced PhD field courses and work on their research. 

In our vibrant research-focused department, you’ll learn from academics at the frontier of their research fields. You’ll be able to develop specialist skills and techniques, benefitting from small cohorts and high-quality interaction with our lecturers. Students will have the opportunity to present their research in the weekly research seminars and financial support to present in international conferences and for overseas research stays is available. 

The programme also provides tailored training to prepare our students for the academic job market placing them in the best economics departments in the UK and overseas. Our students have been placed in teaching and research positions in leading economics departments in the UK and in Europe, in senior roles in central banks and international institutions across the world, and in leading positions in the private sector.

We offer generous studentships for the duration of the MRes/PhD course for those with strong research potential, covering international fees, a yearly stipend (£18,622 in 2022-23) and a yearly research allowance. In exchange, students deliver moderate amount of tutorial teaching/marking/research assistance providing our students with useful teaching and research skills.

According to the latest THE (Times Higher Education), the School of Economics is in the top ten of economics departments in the UK and was ranked in the UK’s top 10 for world-leading research in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

About FEVER project

Transition to low-carbon is one of the key goals for this century to ensure the effects of man-made climate change are limited, and perhaps, mitigated. Through the electrification of transport, polluting fossil fuels and the harmful emissions generated by their consumption can be significantly reduced. The E-transport paradigm is challenging due to the introduction of large energy demands on the electricity supply grid, requirement for the installation of a national charging infrastructure, limited battery capacity leading to range anxiety, uncertainties around cost and user experience, including the expectation that vehicle fuels can be replenished within just a few minutes, to name but a few. These issues span the whole of society and have wide reaching implications: if the Electric Vehicle (EV) experience is not "satisfactory" then consumers will be reluctant to make the switch. Find out more about the overall FEVER project aims.

The School of Economics

With over 40 members from more than 15 countries, the School of Economics at the University of Surrey enjoys a strong reputation for Research and Teaching in Economics, built upon a commitment to high quality, rigorously founded applied and theoretical research, often of direct policy significance. Our research is at the forefront of the field and informs our teaching, ensuring that what you learn is topical, relevant and has societal impact. We have recently invested heavily to recruit staff whose innovative work is having a large impact on international research agendas, as also evidenced by being ranked 10th in the UK in the most recent research assessment exercise (REF2021). Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC) in the School of Economics has a long-standing tradition of energy economics research and has gone through many phases often consistent with the changing energy landscape.

The University of Surrey

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research. With a beautiful and vibrant campus, we provide exceptional teaching and practical learning to inspire and empower our students for personal and professional success. Through our world-class research and innovation, we deliver transformational impact on society and shape future digital economy through agile collaboration and partnership with businesses, governments and communities.

Open to any UK or international candidates.

Typically, applicants are expected to hold an undergraduate degree with first class honours in a relevant discipline and a masters degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent qualifications), but we also accept applications from outstanding candidates without a masters degree. Typically a recent GRE general test result (Quantitative Reasoning part only) is required for entry to our MRes/PhD programme, but this is not necessary for previous Surrey students.

English language requirements - IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element or other equivalent tests are accepted. For detailed entry requirements, including the country specific requirements, please visit the MRes programme page.