PhD in Nursing PhD / MSc (Res)

Tuition is £22,880 (full-time) / £11,440 (part-time).

The programme is arranged over three years of full-time study or six years part-time, with annual progress reviews and a final thesis defended in a viva. In the first year you submit a progress review and a project report; the second year adds a mini-project report on a thesis chapter; the third year focuses on a thesis plan and the final dissertation.

Graduates move into research fellowships, postdoctoral positions, medical writing, scientific roles in pharma, clinical trial coordination and similar posts across NHS Trusts, biotech companies and academia. It is aimed at nurses or health professionals who already hold a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject and can propose a clear research project.

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.