The PhD degree requires a minimum period of study of 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time and is by thesis only, supported by appropriate research training.
Taught aspects of the course
As a PhD student, you will begin working on your research project right at the start of the first year. With the support of their Research Supervisor, you will also go through a training analysis to identify any needs that you may have.
PhD students are required to study 30 credits of modules, 10 of which are spent on a compulsory Introduction to Research Methods module. The remaining 20 credits can be made up of modules from across the University that will help to achieve your learning needs.
One popular module is Postgraduate Teaching Assistant training, which students often take in year 2 or 3, enabling you to be able to teach within the school, and ultimately making you all the more employable after your study.
Modules are flexible and can be studied in blocks, part time or weekends to fit your commitments.
The Thesis
The thesis is an examined work of about 80,000 words, and an oral examination to defend the thesis. This thesis will be a work of original scholarship and be worthy of potential publication in a journal. Students are required to undergo research training, except where appropriate research training has already been undertaken.
PhD students are also encouraged to take part in a colloquium between the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Warwick University, where students present their work and receive comments and advice on subject matter and findings.
Further Information
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