Course summary
While the traditional PhD requires you to engage entirely in research training, this programme enables you to gain added value from taught, subject-based modules. This course allows you to broaden and deepen your subject knowledge at the same time as undertaking your own research and developing a set of transferable professional skills in preparation for a variety of careers. Your coursework in year 1 will be taken in the MA in Social Research programme, within the University’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised Doctoral Training Centre. This programme provide postgraduate researchers with a thorough and advanced education in social research design and the most up-to-date training in methods of data collection and analysis. The combination of core modules and short courses on more advanced topics provides flexibility to relate training to the thesis topic. If you pass the coursework component, you will progress to normal PhD study in years 2 – 4. You will work closely with your supervisors in designing and undertaking your own research project, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. You will also undertake additional training in advanced methods and transferable skills, guided by the regular training needs analysis that forms an essential basis for your Career Development Plan.
Modules
Introduction to social science research; research design; social research methods I; social research methods II; optional modules.
Assessment method
Research project.
Entry requirements
An excellent undergraduate degree with evidence of research ability; or undergraduate and postgraduate degrees which are not necessarily in fields directly related to the intended area of research. Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. The University accepts a range of qualifications from different countries. Students can satisfy our English language requirements in 2 ways: by holding an English language qualification to the right level or by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
For more detailed information on available funding and fees for postgraduate courses please visit: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research/fees-and-funding
Provider information
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT