PhD Education at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Our Centre for the Study of Practice and Culture in Education (CSPACE) is active in a wide range of research in education policy and practice, and engages in education research across all age phases, from Early Years, through Primary and Secondary Schools, to FE and Post-16, Higher Education and lifelong learning.

Faculty: Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences | Department: Education and Teacher Training | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time/part-time | Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Research students in Education will join a thriving research community and be part of one of the University’s Research Centres of Excellence. We offer supervision for study either part-time or full-time towards a PhD degree. If you are accepted for a PhD, there is a University-wide taught course in research methodologies, and you will be assigned to a director of studies, and at least one second supervisor will also be appointed.

Career pathways

The PhD award from Birmingham City University is a well-established and valued professional qualification within the education sector. Typical careers include school management, working in further or higher education, or educational consultancy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Essential. Applications for research degrees are normally assessed by interview using the following criteria: That the Faculty is able to provide the appropriate supervisory expertise and resources for the proposed topic. That the proposed research seems likely to satisfy the academic requirements of a research degree. That the proposed research is feasible in practical terms. That you seem likely to be able to cope with the academic demands of a research degree. PhD applicants will normally be expected to hold a Master's degree in a relevant area. You must complete a research proposal and upload this as part of your application. Please note that we will not be able to process your application without having received your research proposal.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,238 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

International applicants: GBP 15,420 a year (2026/27). full-time, 3-4 years; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2026, February 2027, May 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

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