Education PhD/MPhil – (Ph.D.)

Contents

A PhD requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally three years full-time or six years part-time. Exceptionally, the School at its discretion may in individual cases reduce at the time of admission the period of study required of a student on a full-time PhD programme by up to one academic year or its equivalent.

It is a requirement that students without an MPhil degree begin at the Masters level (MPhil) before transferring to PhD level. PhD registration is then backdated to the commencement of the study. This process helps to ensure that student and supervisor are clear that a PhD is possible before formally registering - no time is lost and no more expense incurred than by direct entry to PhD.

The PhD is by thesis only, and is examined by a work of 80,000 words maximum and an oral examination. Students are required to complete a research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One to one supervision is provided throughout the length of the formal registration. Students who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.

Types of research programme

Research degrees can be taken in a number of different ways – full-or part-time, through individual supervised research, or with credit accumulation. The successful completion of a programme of research can lead to the award of MPhil and PhD. Those taking the MPhil are encouraged to complete a research training programme, and submit a 40,000-word thesis. PhD students without an MPhil degree begin at Masters level before applying to transfer.

PhD registration is then backdated to the start of your study. This process helps to ensure that you and your supervisor are clear that a PhD is possible before formal registration; no time is lost, and no more expense incurred, than by direct entry to PhD. It is worth noting that in exceptional circumstances it is possible to reduce the period of study required of a student on a full-time PhD programme by up to one academic year or its equivalent.

The PhD is assessed by thesis only, and is examined by a work of a maximum of 80,000 words and an oral examination. You are required to complete a research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One-to-one supervision is provided throughout the length of formal registration. Students who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.

Applying for PhD and MPhil programmes

When applying for a PhD or MPhil programme you are required to submit a three-to four- page (A4) typed research proposal, which outlines the nature of your proposed study. This proposal will not be held as a final contract and may change in negotiation with your supervisor. However, it is an indication that you have the background ideas and knowledge to begin independent research in the broad area of your interest. It also enables us to send your application to appropriate members of staff for consideration.

Faculty

Excellence in both research and teaching has become the key to institutional success in higher education. The University of Birmingham defines its mission as a Research University, placing itself amongst the nation’s leading universities in the creation and communication of knowledge. As one of the University’s largest Schools, Education has a central role in advancing the research and teaching standing of the University.

The School is one of the largest in the University with over 2300 full-time equivalent students from the UK and many other countries, 120 academic staff and 80 support staff. Reflecting its commitment to providing opportunities for lifelong learning, teaching programmes are characterised by diversity in levels of study, modes of study and programme content. Initial professional qualifications such as PGCE in both primary and secondary education and; a wide range of opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) to Masters level are part of the provision. Many of our professional development courses are offered through a range of part-time and full-time modes, including a major commitment to distance education.

Significant opportunities for research-based study and research training opportunities through study for MPhil, EdD and PhD Degrees are available. This provision has recognition from the ESRC as a Mode A training provider and applicants can apply for ESRC studentship awards.

The School has a long and distinguished tradition of research and scholarship across its academic areas with former School of Education achieving 5 ratings in the 1992, 1996 and 2001 Research Assessment Exercises. This commitment to being a national and international centre of excellence in research is a key element of the mission of the School. This is reflected in the research responsibilities of the Academic Divisions of the School, the orientation of the School’s strategic planning, its management structure, its staff development policies and staff support programmes.

The School occupies two purpose-built sites in the University, occupying space on the Edgbaston campus and Selly Oak campus of the University. Both sites have access to high quality library and information services. On the Edgbaston site there is a library in the Education building that subscribes to about 300 specialist periodicals and contains approximately 75,000 volumes. On the Selly Oak site, the Orchard Learning Resources Centre (OLRC) has been designed to meet the requirements of more technologically-based approaches to information storage, retrieval and use.