PhD English at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

A PhD in English will help you to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers. You will work closely with a team of specialist academics in your chosen field, and receive excellent support tailored to your individual needs. This course is eligible for PhD studentships via the Midlands4Cities Doctoral Training Partnership.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Design and Media | Department: English and Creative Writing | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time; 4-7 years distance learning | Study mode: full-time/online/part-time | Intake: September 2026, February 2027 | Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area. You will also be supported by the wider research community in the Faculty and you will have regular opportunities to attend research seminars, conferences and symposia. Being a BCU PhD student has been a fulfilling and challenging experience.

Career pathways

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research career in industry or commerce. Our English PhD research degree will help you create opportunities to develop research skills that support professional practice, research and/or academic careers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

To apply for our English PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant English literary or linguistic field from a British or overseas university. Exceptional applicants without a Master's degree, but holding a first class Bachelors degree in English, may be considered dependent upon the academic coherence and promise of their research proposal, and its consonance with the academic expertise of the School. We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers without formal academic qualifications but with appropriate levels of professional experience. Please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (max. 500 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have. You’ll notice that it asks you whether you’ve thought about potential supervisors. Blanket applications, which leave this section blank, are often rejected. You may wish to contact one of our members of academic staff to discuss a potential project, and you are encouraged to do this. Applications, however, should be sent through official channels, beginning with the initial enquiry form.

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

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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities