Last Updated: 31 Jan 2023 Views: 3038 (After reading, tell us below if this answer was helpful)

How can I get access to Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS)?


Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) is a system designed to give researchers access to a range of financial databases (such as CRSP, Compustat and LSPD) though a common interface with integrated support.

In order to gain access to WRDS you will need a valid username and password. Some taught modules provide students with a 'class account' (such as Current Issues in Empirical Finance). However, most UG, MSc students, PhD students and academic staff will need to apply for their own individual username and password.

Duo 2-factor authentication

WRDS is upgrading account security by utilising Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) by Duo Security. Duo is recognised as an industry standard and is designed to be a simple and secure method for enhancing security. You will likely be familiar with it for accessing other University of Manchester services.

From 5 December 2022, all individual WRDS web users will be required to register with Duo in order to log in. See the following support provided by WRDS:

Requesting a WRDS account (students)

In order to receive your own username and password, please complete the following steps.

  1. Go to WRDS login page.
  2. Under the login boxes on the left-hand side of the page, click on the link to ‘Register for a WRDS Account’.
  3. Fill in the form, using the information given in the section below called ‘The details to include’ to guide you.
  4. After you submit the form, an email will be sent to library admin staff who will activate your account, usually within one working day.
  5. You will receive an email explaining that your account has been activated. You will also need to set up 2-factor authentication.

The details to include:

  • ‘Username’: University username is recommended
  • 'Password': Your chosen password, see the page for restrictions
  • ‘First name’: your first name
  • ‘Last name’: your last name
  • ‘Email address’: must be your University email address
  • ‘Subscriber’: ‘University of Manchester’
  • ‘User type’: ‘Student (Masters / Undergrad)’ or ‘Ph.D.’
  • ‘When do you expect your degree?’: End date from your library card
  • ‘Department’: your school and division name

 

Creating a WRDS account (staff)

Follow the steps as above except, when filling in the WRDS registration form, state your ‘User type’ as ‘Faculty’ or ‘Staff’ or ‘Research Assistant’. If you select ‘Research Assistant’, more fields will appear, so please also provide the name and email address of your supervisor.

Lecturers and professors should select ‘Faculty’; Library, IT and other PS staff should choose ‘Staff’.

You can create class accounts using your email address, and for 'User type' select 'Shared Account for Class'. You will need to log out of your own account before creating a class account, or use another browser or incognito mode.

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