Research degrees

About the project

Looking to become an expert in your field? Birmingham City University is home to a supportive and friendly research environment, with access to experienced academic supervisors to guide you on your PhD journey.

Research Degree Courses

Find out more about the PhD courses on offer across our faculties at Birmingham City University.

Research Centres

Our research centres work to address key local, national and global challenges, in line with the priorities of the University and our students.

Fees and Funding

Find out more about all the funding opportunities that are available to you, as well as guidance on fees and studentships.

How to apply

Get help and advice on the application process, and find out what to expect when studying a PhD and sending your application.

Postgraduate Research Stories

Hear from our postgraduate researchers on what studying a PhD is like, from career opportunities to effective time management.

Contact Us

Got any queries or concerns about what studying a PhD at BCU is like? Send us a question or find the answer in our Research Degree FAQs.

0:07 you study a 0:09 PhD number one become an expert in your 0:12 field doing a PhD at BCU allows you to 0:15 develop yourself not only personally but 0:17 professionally um it allows you to 0:19 establish networks and it allows you to 0:22 um broaden your scope and the research 0:24 that you are really passionate about 0:25 make a true impact in the 0:27 world pursuing further research enables 0:30 you that chance to really add something 0:33 to you know the growing field within 0:35 your of of research it allows you to 0:37 potentially make breakthroughs it allows 0:39 you to network with people nationally 0:41 and internationally um and it allows you 0:43 to make a real big change to the world 0:46 and the ever growing um Innovation 0:48 surrounding research in higher education 0:51 connect with other 0:53 researchers BCU brings together uh 0:55 students from across faculty and across 0:58 the whole University from the Arts and 0:59 the Humanities and the Sciences uh to be 1:02 able to network with each other and to 1:03 talk about our own research and uh 1:06 discuss ways in which we can collaborate 1:08 with each other as well with our 1:09 research um the doctor research College 1:11 in particular at BCU is really 1:13 supportive uh in bringing us together as 1:16 a unit receive advice and 1:19 support supervisors within BCU are 1:22 incredibly supportive and they are 1:24 experts in their field um they are 1:26 internationally renowned experts in your 1:27 field being able to have that two-way 1:31 relationship with your supervisors and 1:33 with wider members of the academic 1:34 community at BCU is integral to your 1:37 research and integral to um your 1:39 development as a as a as a professional 1:41 in your field grow personally and 1:44 professionally it broadens your mind to 1:48 what is possible or what what you can 1:50 achieve as an individual uh it enables 1:53 you to break down barriers and overcome 1:56 obstacles um that you thought would 1:58 never be possible at the time I'm really 2:00 proud to be able to contribute towards 2:02 the ongoing research that um is integral 2:06 to our identity as a city within the UK 2:09 and as as a country Birmingham is so 2:12 foundational to um so much research 2:15 going on in the UK at the moment it's so 2:17 culturally significant and has such a 2:19 rich history with regards to Industry to 2:22 Innovation um to the art and the humanity 2:25 scene as well um there is no better 2:27 place really

Hear from a final year PhD researcher on the benefits of studying a PhD at Birmingham City University.

PhD Studentships

PhD studentships are PhD funding opportunities supported by the University and organisations, where your research will be actively used in overcoming real-world problems.

Postgraduate Research virtual event

Catch up on our Postgraduate Research Virtual Open Event to learn about our research opportunities and get expert advice from current staff and students , a ll from the comfort of your own home.

Research Hub

The Research Hub is located on our City Centre Campus, and is available to all Postgraduate Research (PGR) students, whether they are just beginning, or continuing, their research journey. This dedicated space allows PGR students to come together to study, receive training, give talks and network, and provides hot desking for Research Office staff who work with PGR students.

Join a virtual open event

Thursday 19 March, 4 - 6pm

If you're considering postgraduate research at BCU, this event is designed to help you learn about:

• The research degree application process - Researching degree funding - Applying as an International postgraduate research applicant

Getting Doctorate Ready

Considering a PhD? Getting Doctorate Ready is a free online programme offering step-by-step support to help you understand doctoral study, develop your research project, and prepare a strong application.

Researcher Blogs

Hear from our postgraduate researchers on what studying a PhD is like, from career opportunities to effective time management.

Research Centres

Our research centres consist of groups of experienced academics and postgraduate researchers exploring topics which address key local, national and global challenges.

Research Projects

Solving real world problems with our expertise. Our research talent and drive to add a genuine contribution to knowledge help us make a difference through our work.

Graduate Scholarship

The Graduate Scholarship is a 20% fee reduction available to all BCU graduates (BA, BSc, LLB, MA, MSc, LLM, PGCE) enrolling onto an eligible Master’s or PhD qualification for the first time in 2026/7.

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