Postgraduate Prospectus 2016 admissions Postgraduate Prospectus 2016 admissions

143 Pages·2015·9.51 MB·English

Postgraduate Prospectus Postgraduate Prospectus
2016 admissions 2016 admissions
Welcome 3
POSTGRADUATE
ON-CAMPUS OPEN DAYS
Friday 13 November 2015
Friday 4 March 2016 Contents
Welcome from the Vice-Chancellor 4 PROGRAMME LISTINGS
Arts and Law 53 Life and Environmental
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Sciences 165
Our academic disciplines 6 Cross-College programmes 54
Which programme is right for you? 10 School of Biosciences 166
Birmingham Law School 56
Taught programmes 12
School of Geography, Earth
Flexible learning at Birmingham 14 School of English, Drama and
and Environmental Sciences 171
Research programmes 16 American & Canadian Studies 60
Doctoral Training Partnerships School of Psychology 183
School of History and Cultures 80
and Centres 19
School of Sport, Exercise
Fees 20 School of Languages, Cultures,
and Rehabilitation Sciences 189
Funding 22 Art History and Music 102
Entry requirements 24
School of Philosophy, Theology
Making your application 26
and Religion 116 Medical and Dental Sciences 197
WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM? Taught programmes 202
How we measure up 28 Engineering and Masters-level research 210
An international institution 30 Physical Sciences 127
The value of postgraduate study 32 Graduate Entry Medical Course 212
Interdisciplinary programme 128
Help and support 34
Academic support 36 School of Chemical Engineering 129
Social Sciences 213
School of Chemistry 134
POSTGRADUATE LIFE Intracollege programme 214
The Guild of Students 38 School of Civil Engineering 137
Birmingham Business School 215
Get involved 40
School of Computer Science 142
Our campus 42 School of Education 229
Visit the University 45 School of Electronic, Electrical
POSTGRADUATE School of Government and Society 239
The Edgbaston campus 46 and Systems Engineering 146
The city of Birmingham 48 School of Social Policy 258
School of Mathematics 151
Accommodation 50
VIRTUAL OPEN DAYS
School of Mechanical Engineering 155
PROGRAMME LISTINGS
School of Metallurgy and Materials 158
(detailed right)
School of Physics and Astronomy 162
We run virtual open days throughout the year.
Programmes index 267
These include videos, virtual tours, and live Q&A
sessions with staff, current students and alumni. General index 273
The small print 274
Virtual Tour 282
TAKE PAR T www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgopendays
4 Welcome Welcome 5
Welcome from the
Vice-Chancellor
FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY, BIRMINGHAM POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS HAVE
BEEN AT THE HEART OF OUR UNIVERSITY LIFE. WHETHER YOU JOIN US ON
ONE OF OUR TAUGHT PROGRAMMES OR EMBARK ON DOCTORAL RESEARCH,
YOU WILL BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR VIBRANT ACADEMIC COMMUNITY.

The value of postgraduate study is both inherent and transferable, The most recent UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) rated
helping you to develop as a person, boost your professional 81.4% of our research activity as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally
prospects or even change direction in your career. Beyond the excellent’, confirming Birmingham’s position amongst the world’s
transferable skills that you will take with you into the workplace, top universities for research. Our ambition means that we strive
a postgraduate qualification from Birmingham will give you the to do more and better: appointing and developing outstanding
chance to engage in critical enquiry, to grow as a scholar, and academic talent across the breadth of our disciplines, investing
become internationally recognised as an expert in your field. in substantial new research programmes, and building new
national and international research collaborations.
We share your ambitions, and are working hard to boost
the employability of our students. Indeed, our strengths in We recognise that in an increasingly fast-paced world flexibility
this area have been recognised by The Times and The Sunday in terms of how and where you undertake your studies is important.
Times, which has chosen Birmingham as University of Canvas, our online learning platform, offers a highly interactive and
the Year for Graduate Employment 2016. This award innovative way of studying and engaging with your peers. From
recognises the breadth of support and services we provide, PhDs and Business Masters programmes undertaken by distance
giving you the edge in the job market whether your career learning to programmes taught in short, intensive blocks to meet
lies in academia, in business, in public service, or in the needs of those working while they study, through to a suite of
the professions. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on a diverse range of
topics; our portfolio of programmes offers a modern solution for
We are a truly global university: not only are we home to over today’s postgraduate students.
5,000 international students from over 150 countries, but we
have representative offices and collaborative partnerships with At Birmingham you will benefit from the experience of over a
I AM a specialist registrar in Ophthalmology. The best part of my job is
leading universities around the world. All of this ensures that our century of academic success, the UK’s most striking and beautiful
the satisfaction I receive from performing operations that make a
University is well connected and measures its success against campus, an academic reputation for innovative research focused
real difference to a person’s quality of life. The skills that I learnt from the MSc
the highest international standards. on the world’s greatest challenges, and a proven record of
definitely helped me secure this competitive post. You are at the cutting edge
ensuring our students receive a high-quality education. What
of medical practice and research, and I can say with certainty that I would
We are proud of Birmingham’s unparalleled reputation for ambition makes us stand out today is our commitment to and investment
not be the clinician I am today if it were not for the Masters degree course
and attainment. We have a long tradition in innovation and our in even greater success in our second century, and the impact
at Birmingham.
success in developing our postgraduate community is testament that our graduates and research will make around the world.
to this. Our Graduate School provides the best possible research
and education environment – from dedicated postgraduate HARRY ROBERTS, Functional and Clinical Anatomy MSc alumnus.
space in which you can work, to events and training programmes Harry is pictured at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
to support your development. We ensure that our teaching,
learning, and research support is first class, enabling you
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
to fulfil your potential. Professor Sir David Eastwood
Vice-Chancellor
6 Essential information Essential information 7
Our academic disciplines
BIRMINGHAM HAS BEEN CHALLENGING AND DEVELOPING
GREAT MINDS FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY. WE ENCOURAGE
OUR STUDENTS TO CHOOSE A FIELD OF STUDY ABOUT WHICH
THEY ARE PASSIONATE, TO PUSH FORWARD THE BOUNDARIES
Life and Environmental Medical and Dental Social Sciences
OF KNOWLEDGE AND MAKE AN IMPACT ON PEOPLE’S LIVES.
Sciences Sciences
Programmes in:
Our academic disciplines are organised
Programmes in: Programmes in: Business, including Accounting and
into five colleges, each of which is divided Arts and Law Engineering and Finance, Economics, Management
Biosciences Applied Health Research
into a number of schools and departments. Physical Sciences and Marketing
Details of the subject areas offered by Programmes in: Earth Sciences Cancer and Genomic Sciences
Conflict, Cooperation and Security
each college are given opposite. African Studies and Anthropology Programmes in: Environmental Health and Cardiovascular Sciences
Development Management
Risk Management
Pages 54–266 of this prospectus contain Art History, Curating and Visual Studies Chemical Engineering Clinical Sciences Education
Geography and Environmental
detailed information about all of our Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Chemistry Immunology and Immunotherapy
Sciences, including Urban and German Studies
postgraduate courses. The fees, entry Greek Studies Civil Engineering Regional Studies Inflammation and Ageing Health Services Management
requirements and study options available
for each course are given in a table at Canlads Asirccsh, aAenocloiegnyt History Computer Science Psychology Metabolism and Systems Research International Development
the start of each discipline’s programme Electronic, Electrical and Sport, Exercise and Microbiology and Infection International Political Economy
listings, which is divided by programme Drama and Theatre Arts Systems Engineering Rehabilitation Sciences
International Relations
level (taught Masters, research Masters English Language and Mathematics
and Doctoral Research). Each course Applied Linguistics Local Government Studies
Mechanical Engineering
entry also gives contact details and a English Literature, Film and Political Science and
Metallurgy and Materials
web address to help you find out more. Creative Writing International Studies
Physics and Astronomy
History and Cultural Heritage Russian, European and
Pages 38–52 give an introduction to
Eurasian Studies
Law
the University, offering a flavour of what
Social Policy and
it is like to be a postgraduate student at Modern Languages
Social Research
Birmingham. Quotes from current and past Music
postgraduates offer first-hand accounts Social Work
Philosophy
of what they think about the University.
Guidance on how to make your application Shakespeare Studies
can be found on pages 26–27. Theology and Religion
GO TO GO TO GO TO GO TO GO TO
PAGE 53 PAGE 127 PAGE 165 PAGE 197 PAGE 213
8 Essential information Essential information 9
Contact us
We want you to make the right decision. To help you do this, Main University Switchboard
each programme entry contains a contact email address. Use Tel: [phone]
this if you have queries about the nature of the course or its entry By telephoning this number, you can be transferred
requirements. For details of opportunities to visit the University, to any school or department within the University.
or to meet with members of the Postgraduate Recruitment
team at national and international events, please see Admissions
page 45 or visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgevents Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
If you are a prospective PhD student (doctoral researcher) or an
international student, then we have specialist advisors who can Postgraduate Recruitment
help you with your application and provide general information Email: [email protected]
about the University. You can also contact our Admissions Tel: [phone]
and Recruitment teams for further information and guidance.
Whatever your query, we are here to help you at every step International Recruitment
of the way. Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]
Doctoral ReSEARCHer Enquiry Service
Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]

I AM Director of the Egypt Exploration Society. I had a fantastic
start in the subject: my tutors were excellent both in terms
of what they taught me academically and in all the opportunities that
‘Before applying for my PhD,
they gave me – not least in introducing me to the organisation that
I contacted the Doctoral Researcher I now run, and in helping me to get my first work in Egypt. I’m under
contract to write a book on Egyptian tombs and have presented
Enquiry Service for help and advice.
two TV documentaries.
The doctoral researcher who
answered my queries provided DR CHRISTOPHER NAUNTON, Egyptology MPhil alumnus. Christopher is
me with plenty of useful information pictured at the headquarters of the Egypt Exploration Society in London.
that really helped me to make
up my mind about starting the
PhD at Birmingham.’
Rebeca Cubas-Peña, PhD, Department of English GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
10 Essential information Essential information 11
‘I graduated with a PhD in December office if I had any problems. During my
2013 having spent three years investigating PhD I taught undergraduates, presented
the impacts of climate change, particularly at conferences and published a number of
precipitation, on the UK road network. papers. These were all great opportunities
Throughout my PhD I spent most of my for me to develop skills and gain experience
days in the Geography Building conducting for the future. I was also fortunate to have
Which programme is right for you? my research. This involved looking at large the opportunity to attend the Climate
sets of data, identifying relationships KIC Summer School, spending six weeks
through statistical analysis and creating in Paris, London and Zurich, which
a number of models. I was based in an office was a great experience and a fantastic
with other postgraduates and at Birmingham opportunity to meet other researchers.
there is a lively postgraduate community so Since graduating, I have been working
there is always a lot to do. The Department at the Environment Agency on a
has a number of seminar series that are project to update data in their flood-risk
brilliant for learning about all the other management database. I am starting a
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING POSTGRADUATE
research going on. I met with my supervisors new job as an assistant analyst at JBA
STUDY THEN YOU WILL NEED TO DECIDE WHICH on a regular basis, usually once a month, but Consulting over the summer. The skills
PROGRAMME OPTION BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS. sometimes more depending on the piece I gained at Birmingham have provided
of work. In between meetings I could always the perfect basis for this new challenge.’
send my supervisors emails, or drop by their
Taught or research? All of our research programmes include research skills training
The postgraduate experience can vary greatly depending on to give you the tools that you need to carry out the investigation DR ELIZABETH WOOD, Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences PhD alumna
the type of degree programme you choose. If you wish to further of your topic. and analyst at JBA Consulting.
your knowledge of a subject, to prepare for a research degree,
to gain a vocational qualification or to make a fresh start in a Details of each type of degree programme are given on the
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
subject that is new to you; then you may like to consider one following pages 12–18.
of our taught Masters courses, such as the MA or MSc.
Full time or part time?
A combined research-and-taught Masters, such as the MRes, While full-time study is the more common way to undertake a
‘Being a taught postgraduate student computer room in the Law School.
will provide you with both taught modules to increase your postgraduate degree, many of our postgraduates find that for
involves much more independence than During my studies I have also had
knowledge of a subject, and the opportunity to complete a professional, family or financial reasons they prefer to take their
being an undergraduate. Although the the opportunity to be involved in the
research thesis with the appropriate training and supervision. degree course on a part-time basis, and some courses cater
course is still structured, there is much organisation of a conference for the
They are often taken as a stepping stone to doctoral study. for this.
more scope for independent learning Graduate Centre for Europe. My role
which provides a great opportunity for as a committee member gave me an
A research Masters, such as the MSc by Research, is a good Please note that due to visa restrictions, international
developing new ideas and study skills. insight into the academic conference
way to investigate a topic from your undergraduate study in students (from non-EU/EEA countries) are normally only
Each semester we study three modules process from beginning to end. I was
greater depth, to prove your capacity for undertaking research eligible for full-time study (unless undertaking a programme
which we choose at the beginning of the also given the opportunity to be an
and/or to demonstrate your suitability to progress to a by distance learning).
year. To help choose our modules we are editor for the Centre’s academic journal,
doctoral degree. provided with lots of information and course The Birmingham Journal for Europe.
Distance learning? outlines. We also have the opportunity This proved to be an invaluable
Doctoral degrees, such as the PhD, are the highest level If you have commitments that do not allow you to study via to ask module leaders detailed questions experience as I developed my feedback
of academic qualification. They allow you to prove yourself the standard on-campus mode, then you may like to consider about the programme in person or by email. and evaluation skills. I really enjoy being
to be capable of conducting original research and making applying for a distance learning programme (a mode of study a student here as the large number
a contribution to a field of knowledge. As a postgraduate that is sometimes also referred to as distance education). ‘Outside my classes I study in the of postgraduates creates a dynamic
researcher you will usually contribute to the research life The main advantage of studying by distance learning is its University libraries and use the communal learning environment.’
of your department by presenting papers at seminars and flexibility. You can study at home, in your own time and at
conferences. Doctoral researchers often teach undergraduate your own pace, so you can combine achieving a qualification ZAINAB NAQVI, LLM alumna and Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham Law School.
classes during their degree programme. with work or family commitments.
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
12 Essential information Essential information 13
‘I started an MSc in Marketing having ‘Before I graduated from the MSc, I was
completed a BSc in Biological Sciences. offered a job as a Marketing Assistant for an
By making the switch to Marketing, I have established distributor of life science laboratory
been able to apply the skills I had learnt equipment, consumables and reagents. While
during my undergraduate studies to a the course content at Birmingham has helped
Taught programmes completely different subject. Changing me apply marketing principles to my work, the
disciplines was initially quite daunting way in which this was delivered was equally
but I settled in quickly, made great friends important. The heavy emphasis on group
and had excellent support from staff. work prepared me for today’s collaborative
working environment.’
EMILY YEUNG, Marketing MSc alumna and Technical Sales Representative
at Appleton Woods Ltd.
THESE PROGRAMMES ARE ASSESSED BY A
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
COMBINATION OF COURSEWORK, EXAMINATION
AND DISSERTATION.
Other study options n MSc Marketing
Our taught programmes lead to the following qualifications: Master of Public Health (MPH) Distance learning n MSc International Business
n Master of Arts (MA) This is a modular 180-credit programme in Public Health. If you are unable to study on campus we offer a range of n MSc Human Resource Management
n Master of Science (MSc) It can be studied full time, part time or by flexible learning. programmes through distance learning, which you can study n MA Social Research
n Master of Laws (LLM) providing that you have regular access to a computer with an n MSc International Development (with pathways)
n Master of Education (MEd) Master of Business Administration (MBA) internet connection. With most learning materials online, you See the Change Direction page of our website for more
n Master of Public Health (MPH) We offer a suite of high-quality MBA programmes in a variety will have access to our libraries along with a vast collection of information: www.birmingham.ac.uk/changedirection
n Master of Business Administration (MBA) of flexible formats. The MBA can be studied as a 12-month e-resources. For a full list of all our distance learning programmes,
n Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) intensive full-time programme, or alternatively you can choose see: www.birmingham.ac.uk/distancelearning Pre-Masters courses for international students
n Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) to study preliminary courses that can extend the programme For international students who do not meet the entry requirements
duration to 21 or 24 months. It can also be studied part time Continuing professional development (CPD) for MA/MSc courses in the fields of Biosciences, Economics and
All of our degrees are set within a credit framework designed over two to four years, delivered in intensive blocks. We offer a range of study options that provide flexibility for Music, the Birmingham Foundation Academy (BFA) offers Masters
to measure your academic achievements. We expect all employees and employers to meet real business and career programmes with an integrated pre-Masters year. This year is
students to accumulate 180 credits in each full year of study Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate (PGDip/PGCert) needs. All of our CPD courses are designed to reflect work-based designed to bridge the gap between your current qualification
on a Masters-level course, which is equivalent to 40 hours’ These courses are usually nine months or less in duration and practice, while also benefiting from our internationally significant and the postgraduate programme to which you will progress.
learning a week. Credits are acquired by taking a number can be studied on a full-time, part-time or modular basis. Some research. Many of our courses are accredited by professional
of compulsory and optional modules. programmes have additional requirements such as relevant work bodies and count towards CPD portfolios. Postgraduate programmes are available in Music, Economics,
experience. The Postgraduate Diploma generally comprises 120 Development Management, International Development,
Master of Arts/Science/Laws (MA/MSc/LLM) credits and the Certificate is usually worth 60 credits. Conversion courses Microbiology and Infection and Molecular Biotechnology
These taught programmes are normally one year in duration Upon completion of their undergraduate studies, some graduates and can be found in the Course finder section of
if studied on a full-time basis, or two years if taken part time. Level of study England/Wales/ European Credit Transfer realise that the career path that they had previously chosen this prospectus.
They comprise 180 credits. For most Masters programmes Northern Ireland and Accumulation System is no longer the way that they want to go. We have a number
you need a good undergraduate degree (usually a 2:1), credits (ECTS) credits of postgraduate opportunities for graduates where no prior For more information please visit the International pre-Masters section
or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject. knowledge of the subject area is expected. These include: of the website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/pre-masters
Masters 180 90
n MSc Computer Science
Postgraduate Diploma 120 60
Master of Education (MEd) n MSc Health Economics and Health Policy
The MEd qualification is restricted to qualified and experienced Postgraduate 60 30
teachers and takes three years, but is otherwise similar in Certificate
structure to MA/MSc/LLM programmes.
For module information
NEXT STEPS www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/courses
and to apply, visit:
14 Essential information Welcome 15
Section
I AM Research Communications
Officer for Parkinson’s UK. I love
demonstrating science to people, both in and
out of the lab. I would love more people to get
Flexible learning at Birmingham involved in science and be excited about all the
weird and wonderful things that scientists around
the world are discovering every single day. My
Intro
time at Birmingham opened my eyes to new
career paths and new experiences, and it has
prepared me for a job that I really enjoy.
DR BECKIE PORT, Cancer Sciences PhD alumna.
AT BIRMINGHAM, WE ARE COMMITTED TO DEVELOPING POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMMES THAT OFFER YOU FLEXIBILITY IN YOUR LEARNING. FROM Bodycopy
PART-TIME AND DISTANCE LEARNING OPTIONS THROUGH TO DEGREE
PROGRAMMES TAUGHT BY OUR FACULTY OVERSEAS. WE OFFER
A RANGE OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE.
Current flexible learning programmes include post-qualification Our flexible online learning platform presents a modern solution for
teacher training in our School of Education, part-time MBA today’s international postgraduate students, connecting you with an
and MSc programmes taught by the Business School faculty international network of peers and course leaders who are experts
in Singapore, and a bespoke leadership development programme in their fields. It is a unique online environment for inquisitive minds
for the NHS delivered by our Health Services Management Centre and busy professionals alike, ideal for postgraduate students who
in partnership with KPMG and Manchester Business School. require a level of freedom that goes beyond that of a traditional
campus setting.
We recognise that in our fast-paced world you need to be given
as much flexibility as possible in what and where you are studying. Learn more
Huge advances in technology are making this a possibility, providing Tel: [phone]
students with a campus-quality experience from the convenience of
their own home. To enable this, we have recently invested in Canvas,
our online learning platform, which offers a highly interactive and New online postgraduate courses for 2015/16
innovative way of studying and engaging with your peers. It is also We have recently launched three new postgraduate
fully available on mobile and tablet devices, so you can access distance learning courses:
your learning content wherever you are. n Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
n Masters of Science in International Business (MSc IB)
Demonstrating our commitment to flexible learning, we offer a suite n Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), which are delivered
through FutureLearn, the UK’s first MOOC platform. These are short,
open-access courses that need no previous qualifications and cover
a diverse range of topics, from Hamlet to dental photography. Many
of our MOOCs are run in partnership with other organisations, such
as the BBC and the NHS. These partnerships are testament to
the quality of online learning you can expect from Birmingham.
Learn more about MOOCS at: www.futurelearn.com
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
16 Essential information Essential information 17
Master of Research (MRes)
Research programmes
This programme, which combines research and taught elements,
is normally one year in duration if studied on a full-time basis, or
two years if taken part time. It requires the production of a thesis
of between 15,000 and 20,000 words on a specific research topic.
Providing a structured study programme and a broad range of
training, the MRes is an ideal stepping stone to a PhD programme.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
THESE PROGRAMMES INVOLVE THE COMPLETION OF ORIGINAL
The PhD is normally a three-year (full time) or six-year (part time)
ACADEMIC RESEARCH. THEY ALSO INCLUDE RESEARCH SKILLS TRAINING research-only degree and may include the equivalent of up to
THAT WILL EQUIP YOU TO BECOME AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER 120 credits of research training spread over a notional 540 credits
for the three years of the programme. Working closely with the
CAPABLE OF ADVANCING KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR FIELD.
support and guidance of a supervisor, you will produce a thesis,
which at PhD level is a work of original scholarship worthy of
Our Masters-level research programmes are: Master of Arts/Science by Research (MA by Research/MSc publication in a learned journal. Your thesis is usually required
n Master of Arts by Research (MA by Research) by Research) to be between 50,000 and 80,000 words in length depending
n Master of Science by Research (MSc by Research) These research-only Masters programmes are normally one year on your subject area.
n Magister Juris (MJur) in duration if studied on a full-time basis, or two years if taken part
n Master of Philosophy (MPhil) time. They comprise 180 credits. They involve the investigation and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with Integrated Study
n Master of Research (MRes)* evaluation of an approved research project and the presentation This four-year programme (also known as the New Route PhD),
of a research thesis. As with doctoral study, you will receive combines the traditional PhD research with a range of skills-
Our doctoral research programmes are: supervision by one or more members of academic staff. For most and subject-focused taught modules comprising a maximum
n Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Masters programmes you need a good undergraduate degree of 180 credits.
n Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with Integrated Study* (usually a 2:1), or an equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject.
n Doctor of Engineering (EngD)* Your thesis is usually required to be around 40,000 words in Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
n Doctor of Medicine (MD)* length depending on your subject area. This programme, usually lasting four years, integrates research with
n Doctor of Education (EdD)* taught postgraduate work comprising a maximum of 180 credits.
n Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm)* Magister Juris (MJur)
n Doctor of Clinical Psychology (ClinPsyD)* This research-only Masters programme in Law is similar in assessment Doctor of Medicine (MD)
n Forensic Psychology Practice Doctorate (ForenPsyD)* and duration to the MA by Research. It requires you to research and This part-time programme, usually lasting two years, may include
n Doctor of Applied Educational and Child Psychology write a 40,000-word thesis under the supervision of a member of taught postgraduate work comprising a maximum of 180 credits.
(AppEd and ChildPsyD)* academic staff.
n Doctor of Practical Theology (DPT)* Professional doctorates (DPharm, EdD, ClinPsyD, ForenPsyD,
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) AppEd and ChildPsyD, DPT)
*These courses include taught components, details of which This research-only Masters programme lasts two years if studied Usually spread over three years, these programmes comprise
(when applicable) can be found in the programme pages of on a full-time basis, or four years if taken part time. It involves the research-related work and subject-focused taught modules and/or
this prospectus. investigation and evaluation of an approved research project and professional practice with research, within a programme of 540
the presentation of a research thesis. As with doctoral study, you credits. You are assessed by a combination of written examinations
All of our degrees are set within a credit framework designed to will receive supervision by one or more members of academic and/or project reports, dissertation or thesis. Each programme
measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to staff. Your thesis is usually required to be around 60,000 words comprises a maximum 180 credits of taught modules.
accumulate 180 credits in each full year of study on a Masters-level in length depending on your subject area.
course, which is equivalent to 40 hours’ learning a week. Credits are Doctoral For full details of our PhD programFmleexsi banled PshtaDff srteusdeya rocpht iiontnesrests, please order your
acquired by taking a number of compulsory and optional modules. Researcher bespoke copy of the Doctoral Research Prospectus at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp
18 Essential information Essential information 19
Doctoral Training Partnerships
and Centres
OUR PARTNERSHIPS MEAN THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE AN
INSPIRATIONAL AND INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT.
AS A DOCTORAL RESEARCHER AT BIRMINGHAM YOU WILL BE A
VALUED MEMBER OF OUR ACADEMIC COMMUNITY AND WILL BENEFIT
FROM WORKING ALONGSIDE WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHERS.
I AM a lecturer in crop production and agronomy
at Harper Adams University. Doing my PhD
at Birmingham gave me all the skills I needed and more
We are very proud of the breadth and depth of the research Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
– the highlight was being invited to speak at the Plant
undertaken across the University. Our academic community Council (EPSRC)
and Animal Genome Conference in California.
comprises internationally renowned research staff and extremely n Carbon Capture and Storage and Cleaner/
talented doctoral researchers whose research helps to develop Fossil Energy CDT
DR LAURA VICKERS, Biosciences PhD alumna. innovative solutions to address big issues by combining original n Formulation Engineering IDC
thinking with academic rigour. As a Birmingham doctoral n Fuel Cells and Their Fuels – Clean Power for the 21st
researcher, you will have the opportunity to work across Century CDT
GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR MENTORS: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/mentors
disciplinary boundaries, both within the University and n Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and Their Applications CDT
with a range of industry, higher education and n Innovative Metal Processing CDT (IMPaCT)
research council partners. n Manufacturing Technology EDC
In some circumstances, more flexible modes of study for the Distance learning n Midlands Integrative Biosciences DTP (MIBTP)
degree of PhD may be available, such as PhDs awarded jointly If you are unable to study on campus we offer a range of Our Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP), Centres for Doctoral n Nuclear Engineering EDC
with other institutions, for example through joint Universitas 21 programmes through distance learning (also referred to as Training (CDT), and Industrial (IDC) and Engineering Doctorate n Physical Sciences of Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences
PhDs, and PhDs by distance learning or split-location study. distance education in some subject areas), which you can Centres (EDC) offer full studentships to enable you to undertake CDT (PSIBS)
study provided that you have regular access to a computer and complete your doctoral degree. They all draw upon the n Physical Sciences for Health CDT (Sci-Phy-4-Health)
Universitas 21 joint PhDs with an internet connection. Supervisory sessions take place expertise and research facilities of a broad range of collaborative n Structural Metallic Systems for Gas Turbine
Universitas 21 (U21) has established a unique framework for via audio and visual communication services, such as Skype partners, enabling you to benefit from their expertise and to Application EDC
jointly awarded PhDs, which is open to doctoral researchers at or Facetime, rather than in person. With most learning materials become part of interdisciplinary networks that work together
Birmingham. Under this scheme, two partner universities create online, you will have access to our libraries along with a to provide excellence in doctoral research training. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
a tailor-made programme of study for each doctoral researcher, vast collection of e-resources. A full list of postgraduate n Central England NERC Training Alliance DTP (CENTA)
taking your specific research needs into account and enabling distance learning programmes can be found at: Our research council-funded collaborations include: n NERC CDT in Oil and Gas
collaboration with another U21 university. Each institution will www.birmingham.ac.uk/distancelearning
allocate you a minimum of one supervisor with whom you will Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Learn more
have actual or virtual joint meetings, and you will enjoy access Split-location registration n The Midlands 3 Cities Consortium DTP www.birmingham.ac.uk/dtp
to the same facilities as other doctoral researchers enrolled at For some doctoral programmes, split-location registration is an
both partner institutions. option available for competent, disciplined and well-motivated Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)
overseas students who are unable to live full time in Birmingham. n ESRC DTC
For a list of participating institutions and to find out more please It lasts between four and six years, depending on individual
visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/universitas21 circumstances, and involves a reduction in the normal overseas
fee. The majority of the registration period is spent either in your
country of residence or another country, with shorter periods Doctoral For full details of our PhD programmes and staff research interests, please order your
at the University of Birmingham. Please contact the admissions Researcher bespoke copy of the Doctoral Research Prospectus at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/drp
tutor for your department to discuss this option.