PhD in French Studies PhD / MA by Research

For PhD in French Studies PhD / MA by Research, tuition is £23,390 (full-time) / £11,695 (part-time).

If you already hold a master’s degree at merit level and wish to pursue original research into French language, literature, culture or related fields, this research programme offers a suitable route. It allows you to deepen specialist knowledge while developing the methodological and analytical skills required for a career in academia, publishing or cultural organisations.

The programme provides flexible start dates in September or January and offers a full-time three-year PhD or a one-year MA by Research, each supervised by experts in French studies. You will design and execute an independent research project, benefit from the department’s resources, and produce a dissertation that contributes to current scholarly debates.

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.