PhD in Education PhD

Tuition is £22,880 (full-time) / £11,440 (part-time). The application deadline is 1 June.

Graduates of the Education PhD move into roles such as university lecturer, policy analyst, research consultant or senior positions in governmental and non-governmental organisations. Many establish academic careers, while others apply their expertise to drive educational reform, advise on curriculum development or lead research units in the public and private sectors.

The doctorate is organised as a three-year full-time or six-year part-time programme. During the first two years students complete a research training programme and develop a detailed research proposal under the guidance of a lead and a second supervisor. The final stage focuses on producing an 80,000-word thesis and preparing for the viva voce examination. Supervision is supplemented by group sessions, seminars with invited speakers and access to dedicated research facilities.

• 80,000-word thesis evaluated by viva voce
• One-to-one supervision with lead and second supervisor, plus optional group supervision
• 24/7 access to research suite, libraries and computing facilities
• Annual Doctoral Research Conference bringing together the research community

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.