PhD-Multinationals, transfer pricing, and tax competition: competition for capital versus competition for profits
PhD @Loughborough University posted 14 hours agoJob Description
Project details
There is growing concern among policymakers and the public that ‘aggressive tax planning’ by multinational corporations, such as international profit shifting through transfer pricing, undermines national tax bases and reduces public spending capacity. However, most economic analyses of tax competition have traditionally focused on contests for real capital, such as foreign direct investment (FDI), rather than on contests for reported profits.
This PhD project aims to address this gap by using both empirical and theoretical methods to investigate the emerging intergovernmental tax competition for reported profits and how it differs from the traditional competition for FDI. Key, policy-relevant questions to be explored include: How can ‘aggressive tax planning’ by multinationals be effectively tackled? How do the identities of a country’s international competitors shift when the focus is on reported profits rather than FDI?
The project will be supervised by a team comprising a leading researcher in tax competition, and experts in the economics of international trade and globalization. It tackles a highly topical issue in international policymaking and offers significant potential for impactful publications and the launch of a successful research career. As a PhD student within Loughborough Business School, you will join a vibrant research community and benefit from advanced training opportunities designed to support your academic and professional growth.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Dr Ben Ferrett
Secondary supervisor: Dr Bo Gao
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
At least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) with a UK master’s degree (with an average programme mark of no less than 65%) or international equivalent.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Loughborough Business School requires a minimum IELTS band 7.0 or above with not less than 7.0 in each component. Further details are available on the international website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
£5,006 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£22,360 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025, January 2026, April 2026 and July 2026.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
- Put together your research proposal (between 2,500 to 3,000 words including references). Share your research proposal with the identified supervisor(s) and confirm they are willing to be named in support of your application. You are also encouraged to ask for feedback to develop your research proposal.
- All applications should be made online. Under programme name, select ‘Business School’. Please upload with your application a research proposal, copies of your transcripts/certificates, English language certificate and contact details of two academic references, one of which must be from your most recent degree. Please quote the project reference number: LB25-BF-BG-unfunded.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents.
The selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them take a decision on your application.
