Postgraduate

Prospectus
Now is the time | 2024 Entry

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birmingham.ac.uk
Why choose Birmingham?
Our high-quality teaching and supervision will help you take your skills
and career to the next level.

Here, you’ll feel engaged, motivated and challenged, as part

of our inclusive community that has a strong research culture.
At Birmingham, we’ll support your health, wellbeing and personal development.
While our professional and academic careers services will help you take the next
step. This is your time. This is your place.

3rd Most targeted university in the UK by top employers,

High Fliers Graduate Market in 2023

14th in The Complete University Guide 2024 rankings

84th in the 2024 QS World University Rankings

13th in the UK for 4 star research

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

10 Alumni and staff have been recognised with Nobel prizes

More Than 50% of our research is recognised as 4 star

Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

90% of our postgraduates are in highly skilled employment or

postgraduate/professional study.
Graduate Outcomes survey, HESA,
UK Masters Respondents, 2017-18

Welcome
Postgraduates have always been at the heart of our community. Whether joining us
for a taught programme or embarking on research, you bring global experience and
new perspectives that add to the academic and social richness of our University.

The best universities are built on the quality of their education and research. Our
commitment to both shows in our strong placement in global rankings and the
vibrancy of our postgraduate community. We encourage bold, independent thinking
through challenging academic programmes that offer flexibility and choice.

Our ambition means we always strive to do more. By appointing and developing

outstanding academic colleagues in every area. By investing in large new research
programmes and scholarships. By building major national and international research
partnerships that enrich the postgraduate experience.
At the heart of our education and research communities, you will have the full
support of our University Graduate School. With access to events and training
beyond your field of study, the Graduate School will empower your development
through a range of networking opportunities.

Forever investing in the future of the University, we are transforming our campus with
new academic facilities and enhanced services, so we can better support your
wellbeing and success as a postgraduate.

Our University has a history of firsts. As a partner for the Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games, we hosted athletes in our accommodation and
welcomed spectators from around the world to hockey and squash events. Now, we
are the first global top 100 and Russell Group university to set up a campus in Dubai.
This new campus builds on our array of international research and teaching
collaborations, reflecting our ambition as an inclusive, global institution.

Today, we strive for even greater progress, so that you can make a bigger impact on
the world. We look forward to welcoming you and playing our part in your future
success.

Professor Duncan Shepherd

Postgraduate Dean, University of Birmingham

Your Postgraduate Guarantee

By choosing Birmingham, you’re joining a large, diverse and vibrant postgraduate

community. Whatever your area of study, you can look forward to a stimulating,
engaging experience of the highest quality. We call this Your Postgraduate
Guarantee.

This guarantee shows the commitment, resources and support we deliver for all
Birmingham postgraduates. It means:

 You’ll engage with challenging debates, theories and concepts

 We’ll provide a strong choice of programmes to suit your ambitions and
interests, backed by academic expertise and influence
 You’ll enjoy the support and facilities of a global, research-intensive university
 Your experience will be unique, but with a degree that proves an asset in
future and personal development matched to your chosen career

Explore our postgraduate courses: birmingham.ac.uk/pg

Our commitment to you

Careers support:
Our careers support and training will prepare you for the next step in your journey,
and well beyond.
Academic achievement:
You’ll enjoy expert teaching, supervision and resources, helping you succeed in your
degree.

Social, health and wellbeing:

Your health, wellbeing and personal development is as important to us as your
academic achievement, so you’ll get the support to match.

Research culture:
You’ll be welcomed into our vibrant, stimulating community, benefitting from our
global research culture.

Our campus
With historic buildings, modern facilities and green surroundings, our Edgbaston
campus is a place to be inspired.

Home to a diverse, global community of postgraduates, it has everything you need to

thrive, including shops, cafés, study spaces and friendly people.

Take a virtual tour: birmingham.ac.uk/virtual-tour

Life on campus

We’ve created the ideal place for you to live and study. From new accommodation to
new teaching and study facilities, we’ve transformed our beautiful campus close to
Birmingham city centre.

At the centre of our campus, you’ll find the Green Heart that has 12 acres of lush
parkland. It’s a unique and rejuvenating space where many of our students enjoy
socialising, meeting, studying and performing.
Explore life on campus: birmingham.ac.uk/campus-life

Our library

Home to state-of-the-art facilities, our main library has been designed to meet your
learning needs. Whether you want to study or research, independently or in a group,
our library offers informal seating, group study areas and private desks. This modern
space also provides access to a wealth of new technology, including media rooms,
video editing booths and wireless mobile charging.

Our Colleges also provide different learning facilities. Supporting the Arts,
Shakespeare Studies and the Dental and Medical Schools, our libraries offer extra
study spaces and resources to help your development.

Travelling to and from campus

From bike lanes to canal paths, our campus is well connected to the wider city.
Thanks to Birmingham Cycle Revolution, cycling is easy here. A 4km, fully
segregated cycleway links Selly Oak and the University with the city centre. It’s a
safe, healthy and green way to get around Birmingham.

It’s also convenient to get to our campus by bus with the 61, 63, X21 and X22
services running frequently to and from the city centre. The 1 and 41 bus routes from
Moseley stop right outside the University, while the 48 and 244 buses from Harborne
stop close to our campus.

We even have our own railway station – ‘University’. Regular trains will take you from
Birmingham New Street to campus in under eight minutes, making trips to and from
the city centre quick and easy.

Guild of Students

Home to bars, shops, support services and food outlets, the Guild of Students is a
thriving hub of activity. Whatever your interests or background, there are over 300
student groups, societies, and associations you can join. The Guild helps our
students to have fun, develop their skills, enjoy new experiences and make the most
of their time in Birmingham.

Westmere Research Hub

Beautiful Westmere House is our Postgraduate Researcher Hub. Here our

postgraduate researchers come together to meet, connect, collaborate and innovate.
It’s also where we welcome and provide monthly inductions for postgraduate
researchers who join us after the start of the academic year.

The Student Hub

Our friendly and dedicated teams at the Aston Webb Student Hub will support you
and your development throughout your journey at Birmingham. Here at the heart of
our campus, you can get the information and support you need. As well as being
able to access our Careers Network, Registry and Student Service, you can talk to
us about everything from visas and ID cards to thesis submissions. We also provide
counselling, wellbeing coaching and specialist learning support, workshops and
appointments.

Our research facilities

At Birmingham, we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your ideas, transfer your
knowledge and realise your vision. It’s why we continually invest in new resources
and look at ways to improve our research facilities. A living lab for the future, we’re
always innovating in our extensive range of labs. We explore new possibilities from
robotics and gene therapy to human biomaterials and hydrogen gas fuelling.

New developments

We’ve enhanced the teaching and study facilities at our Edgbaston campus to
provide you with a modern learning environment.
  Teaching and Learning Building - this purpose-built hub for education
has lecture theatres and space for 1,000 students to carry out group or
individual study.
 Collaborative Teaching Laboratory – has labs and practical teaching
spaces for STEM subjects, along with our state-of-the-art School of
Engineering building.

A global university
Explore a world of opportunities in the UK and beyond. As an
international university, our facilities can be found in Birmingham and
overseas, including our Dubai campus.

The Exchange

The Exchange is our city centre hub for education, events and celebration in
Birmingham’s Centenary Square. Bringing our research, teaching and networks
together, it’s a place for new ideas that create better places to live, work and learn.
With comfortable workspaces and a popular café, it’s a venue for students, staff and
the regional community to connect and build new skills. It even hosted global
broadcasters during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At The Exchange, you can get free taster courses, short paid courses and
microcredentials to help you develop professionally. It’s also the home of our new
MBA Essentials programme, delivered by the Birmingham Leadership Institute.

If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, you can access our Incubator and Business
Growth programme or apply for UoB Elevate, a chance to found your own start-up.
(More on page 40.)

Explore our Dubai campus: birmingham.ac.uk/dubai

Dubai campus

Helping students create inspiring futures across the region, we’re the first global top
100* and Russell Group university to set up a campus in Dubai.

Here you’ll find state-of-the-art buildings, purpose-built student housing and parkland
that echoes the Green Heart of our Birmingham campus. Home for up to 2,900
students, our Dubai campus acts as a space for business and the wider regional
community to connect.

*QS World University Rankings 2024

Across the West Midlands

Beyond our Edgbaston campus, we have three more locations in the West Midlands.
Two miles south is Selly Oak, a large, green site with a village atmosphere. The
Shakespeare Institute can be found in the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
While the School of Dentistry at the Birmingham Dental Hospital is less than a mile
away. Located in Pebble Mill, it’s the UK’s first stand-alone dental hospital and
school to be built in almost 40 years.

Sport at Birmingham
Sport should be for all, not just a few. It’s one of the ways we bring our diverse
community together, with activities for everyone. So, whether you want to keep fit,
train and compete, or find a fun way to get active, there are hundreds of ways to do
it.

Get active on campus

Love to keep moving? You’ll have access to the same training and performance
facilities used by athletes in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. If you
want to get fit, our Sport & Fitness club on campus offers a full range of classes and
gym memberships. With 100 sports scholarships and 55 student sports clubs, the
choice is yours.

Get out in nature

Why limit yourself to on-campus sports, when you can explore the outdoors? At our
Raymond Priestley Centre in the Lake District, you can try all kinds of activities, from
sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing to mountaineering and rock climbing. If
you’d prefer to stay closer to home, you’ll find watersports at the nearby Edgbaston
Reservoir and our Boat Club on the River Severn in Worcester.

Discover more sport at Birmingham: birmingham.ac.uk/sport

Sport facilities

Discover a wide range of options, including:

 50-metre pool with boom and moveable floor

 200+ station gym
 Around 150 group exercise classes a week
 Steam room and sauna
 10 outdoor tennis courts
 Six glass-backed squash courts
 10-metre climbing wall
 800-seat arena-style sports hall, plus a smaller sports hall
  Pitches including floodlit, water-based, 3G synthetic, natural turf and rubber
crumb
 Martial arts dojo
 Performance and Wellbeing Centre
 The Human Performance Laboratory, with training assistance, nutrition advice
and performance monitoring

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

In 2022, we took sport to a whole new level at the University. An Official Partner for
the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, we were home to the largest athlete
villages, hosting hockey and squash.

As a postgraduate here, you’ll benefit from all that investment. As a university, we’re
bringing more sport to more people, across the city and region.

Find out more about Birmingham 2022: birmingham.ac.uk/birmingham22

Culture and music

Birmingham is a city on the move, with an arts and culture scene that
never stops evolving. Whatever your tastes and interests, there’s so
much to explore.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

From Botticelli to Monet and Van Gogh, the Barber Institute is home to our unique art
collection. Located on our main campus, The Observer calls it ‘the last great art
collection of the twentieth century’ and ‘one of the finest small galleries in Europe’.

Special collections and archives

As a major UK research library, we’re home to around 200,000 books dating from
1471 to 1850. Along with four million manuscripts, you’ll never be short of materials
to study.

The Lapworth Museum of Geology

One of the UK’s oldest geological museums, the Lapworth Museum dates back to
1880. Its many artefacts attract students, researchers and enthusiasts.

The Research and Cultural Collections

Our diverse collection ranges from West African masks, to important 20th-century
paintings such as Peter Lanyon’s mural in the Arts Building.
Winterbourne House and Gardens

As a Birmingham student, you can visit our Arts and Crafts house for free. Relax in
the surrounding gardens, or take in a lecture, exhibition or special interest tour.

The Bramall

Listen to performances from two symphony orchestras, a jazz orchestra, choirs and
many ensembles besides. Home to our Department of Music, The Bramall hosts
everything from classical music to comedy nights. With high-quality acoustics, it
seats 450 in the main auditorium.

Culture on campus

Activate your cultural life with one of our classes, workshops and tours. From taking
a language course, to campus events such as our Birmingham Prom and
Community Festival. You’ll have so many opportunities to connect with students,
academics and the wider community, including graduation balls, alumni events and
international conferences.

Living in Birmingham
The UK’s second city, Birmingham is a vibrant and inspiring place to live,
with a rich culture and diverse community.

Make Birmingham yours

Almost 40% of Birmingham’s population is under 25, making it one of the youngest
major cities in Europe. The top regional city for quality of life in the UK, we also offer
a choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. Our cosmopolitan city has a unique
history and so much to see and do.

It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city and almost half decide to stay in
the region after they graduate. Birmingham is more than somewhere to study. It’s a
place to get future ready.

All the space you need

Our historic green campus is just a few minutes away from the vibrant energy of an
exciting modern city. We even have our own railway station on campus. So, you’ll
find it easy to stay connected with rail journeys taking you to the thriving city centre
in less than eight minutes. Offering a warm welcome, Birmingham is one of the most
culturally diverse cities in Britain. There’s something for everyone.

Food

With new restaurants and food festivals always springing up across the city, you’re
bound to find something to your taste. Digbeth Dining Club has won many awards for
hosting independent food stalls and pop-ups across the city. While on campus we
have our very own farmers’ market, offering local, environmentally friendly produce.
With so many independent events, collaborations, and day and night markets, you’ll
soon discover new favourite foods and places to eat.

Shopping

Our ever-changing city offers everything you need from independent shops to
famous brands in the city centre. You’ll be spoilt for choice. As well as major
shopping centres like the Bullring, Selfridges, Mailbox and Grand Central, you can
find vintage clothing stores and artisan workshops in the world-famous Jewellery
Quarter.

Culture

Birmingham is home to a vibrant cultural scene. As well as world-leading museums

and art galleries, there are urban festivals such as Birmingham Pride and the Mostly
Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival. You can also explore the industrial district of Digbeth,
where the city’s history is brought to life.

Explore what our city has to offer: birmingham.ac.uk/city

University accommodation

Choose from a range of accommodation in our three student villages, all just a short
walk from campus.

Vale Village

The Vale is a green parkland space beside a peaceful lake. A 15-minute walk from
the main campus, you can choose between a studio or studio apartment. With a
friendly community atmosphere, you’ll also find a bar, restaurant, café, convenience
store and laundrette on your doorstep.

Pritchatts Park Village

Discover self-catering accommodation in a relaxing setting. Pritchatts Park is only a

7-minute walk from campus. You’re also close to Harborne and the University train
station. With shared meeting rooms, a lounge area, quiet study zone and games
room, it’s the ideal living space to meet other postgraduates. Prices start from £238
per week.

Selly Oak Village

Jarrat Hall offers ensuite rooms with shared kitchens, one of the best ways to make
new postgraduate friends. Close to the vibrant Selly Oak high street, it’s just a five-
minute walk from campus. Prices are around £174 per week.

Learn more about our postgraduate accommodation:

birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation
Studying at another location?

If you’re studying at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, we can help

you find somewhere close to the campus.

Find accommodation in Stratford: birmingham.ac.uk/stratfordliving

The information on this page is correct at the date of publication (October 2023), but
may have changed. Please visit: birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation for the most up-
to-date details.

Across our campus and accommodation villages, you’ll find over 30 places to eat
and drink. Giving you lots of fun ways to socialise and connect.

Search for properties

To help you find a safe, comfortable place, we’ve built our own property search
engine, Birmingham Studentpad. You can use it to connect with trusted landlords
offering homes for rent in the area, for both longer and shorter term stays.

Only landlords certified by the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS) can
advertise on the site, meaning you’ll be renting from a responsible landlord who does
everything by a strict code of conduct.

Search for a student home: birminghamstudentpad.co.uk

Private accommodation

Whether you’re looking for a shared house, single apartment or a family home, you’ll
find lots of private properties to choose from. Renting outside of our accommodation
can give you more flexibility around location and budget. That’s why many of our
students prefer to search for their own private rental.

Close to campus

A five-minute walk from campus, Selly Oak is the closest residential area, with
weekly rent costing around £100–£175, excluding utilities.

Host Student Apartments also offer ensuite rooms and premium studios just a few
minutes walk away. Prices start from £204 per week, while Host The Metalworks
have a range of rooms on the edge of campus from £180 a week.

You can find more studios across the street from campus on Bristol Road. Both
Battery Park and Athena Studios offer private student housing from £235 per week.

Live in the city

Many postgraduates prefer to live in the centre of Birmingham. In the heart of city
life, it’s only a short train ride to campus, direct from New Street to University Station.
To find you a place in the city, we work with accommodation providers who offer a
wide range of options.
If you feel more at home in the suburbs, Moseley and Harborne are two nearby
villages very popular with students. Each has a trendy feel, with a variety of bars,
restaurants and cafés. Just next to Moseley is Kings Heath, where rents are a little
cheaper.

Community Living

If you’re renting privately in Selly Oak, our Community Living service brings students
and locals together with a dedicated hub offering free drinks, Wi-Fi and advice,
including a contract check.

Learn more about Community Living: community-living.org.uk/

Explore your private renting options: birmingham.ac.uk/renting

Our research
Help us challenge and change the world.

What will you discover?

Research drives us, and the world forward. It also supports our academic expertise,
benefitting thousands of lives every year.

At Birmingham, you’re free to pursue your own independent research, while building
the skills and confidence to make an impact on global society.

Our research focus

A platform for significant, pioneering research, Birmingham is a hub for innovation,

delivery and academic rigour. We focus on global issues, with a collaborative, cross-
disciplinary culture. One that produces practical answers to some of the world’s
greatest challenges.

Combined with modern facilities, collaborative networks and academic expertise, it’s
an approach that shapes and inspires all our teaching, creating and learning.

Global opportunities

Diversity and collaboration are at the heart of our community. That’s why we’re a
member of Universitas 21, an international network of universities that supports
global research collaboration.
At Birmingham, you’ll get to do research at some of the world’s most prestigious
universities. Or, you could work with postgraduates who visit us from those same
universities. Exposing you to different ideas and cultures, it’s a great way to build
your international experience.

Work freely with renowned academics

Our research is about finding practical new solutions for the economy, policy and
society. To help, we share findings with our peers and engage with the public,
supporting government and industry.

As an active part in our research community, you’ll have the freedom to thrive as an
independent researcher and professional in your field.

Our research centres

It’s normal for us to collaborate across disciplines, partnering with institutions in the
UK and around the world. We often work with business and industry too. All helping
to create research teams who are recognised globally for their work.

Our Institutes and Centres of Excellence play a key role. They secure funding, build
cross-sector partnerships and promote innovation across teaching, learning and
research.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses both the quality and broader
impact of research in all universities in the UK. In the 2021 results, we were ranked
12th overall in the UK for Research Power.

More than 50% of research at Birmingham was recognised as 4 star; the highest
score. This reflects the transformative impact of our research community on today’s
major social and environmental issues.

Careers
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of
your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers
Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Exclusive opportunities

Our Careers Network offers funded work placements across all kinds
of sectors, plus direct access to 100s of employers through careers fairs, workshops
and presentations. We even run internships, exclusive to our students.

Mentoring and more

It’s your future, so develop it your way. Our Careers Network mentoring schemes will
match you with an expert in your area of interest. From career planning to application
workshops, drop-ins and one-to-one appointments, you’ll have lots of opportunities
to develop, with help for freelancers too.

A lifetime of support

For specialist career support, our postgraduate teams are here to help.
It could be advice on your career path, further study or your field of research. You
can also get help securing funding or working in the UK. With access
to our careers services after you graduate, you can count on us for life.

Get careers support: birmingham.ac.uk/career

Connect with our global alumni

As an active part of our community, our alumni love to share their experiences,
giving you a unique insight into their career journeys. They’re also a great source of
professional support, providing guest lectures, mentoring and work placements.

Meet our global alumni: birmingham.ac.uk/alumni

Get ready to go further

You could be looking for an academic role, switching sectors or building your
professional experience. Whatever your journey, our employer links and support for
postgraduate enterprise will boost your career even more.

Open new doors

Our close ties with employers could open a world of new opportunities, from global
organisations, to public sector, not-for-profit and Birmingham’s rich community of
small businesses.

In fact, we’re the 3rd most targeted university by the largest number of top employers
in 2022-23 (Graduate Market High Fliers Report).

Gain real-world experience

Employability and enterprise are built into all our programmes, meaning your
development will fit your subject and apply to your career once you graduate.

At Masters and PhD level, you can work with real employers, applying your
knowledge to strategic challenges. Opportunities include short and long placements,
plus employer-led projects within your degree.

What support will I get?

We offer many opportunities for you to make the most of your student experience, on
and off campus. We can help you gain experience, develop a broad range of skills
and make useful contacts for your future career:

 One-to-one career guidance from college-specific advisors

 CV and job application advice
 Our yearly programme of careers fairs on campus
 Employer presentations, helping you build contacts and learn what they have
to offer
 Careers workshops, including interview skills and finding work experience
 Graduate mentoring
 Skills training for postgraduates, including real-world business challenges
 Tailored careers support, events, skills training and conferences for
postgraduate researchers
 Entrepreneurial skills training, with advice on starting your own business
 Online action-planning tools and self-enrolment career development courses
 Postgraduate Professional Development Award – recognising your
commitment to employable skills, creating your own pathway with
masterclasses, activities and more

Each of our Colleges hosts its own careers and employability team, with tailored
advice, guidance and careers events tailored to your course.

Start up business

UoB Elevate is a business growth programme, based at The Exchange in

Birmingham city centre and enables our student and graduate entrepreneurs to
develop their business with tailored support, mentoring, funding and alumni networks
available. The incubator offers free office space, Wi-Fi and meeting spaces in the
heart of the city. If you want to pursue your own venture and take a different graduate
route, you’ll be supported to achieve your ambition and to support the wider region
and community with your ideas.

Frankie and Paris are PhD students and co-founders of Bloomwise, helping small
businesses to support their employees’ mental health. Frankie has recently won
Start-Up Founder of the Year for Midlands Women in Tech.

‘Our idea was first developed as part of the Virtual Consultancy

Challenge (VCC) in 2020, a virtual training programme and team
competition to solve a real-life challenge for an industry or charity
client. Our solution was selected as the winner and since then we
have registered as a company and have been further developing our
idea.

The Exchange provides the support and guidance that can help us
grow our business. It provides us with a means to sell our products
due to better access to small businesses and through regional
 business support schemes. Additionally, it will give us access to
funding schemes, investor networks, and intern hiring opportunities,
which we believe are vital to our future business plans.’

Frankie and Paris,

Founders of Bloomwise

Post-study visas for graduates

If you’re an international graduate who’d like to stay in the UK, you can apply for a
post-study work visa. If you’re eligible, you can work in the UK for two years after
completing your Masters degree, regardless of the subject.

If you’ve completed a PhD, you can stay for up to three years. You can also switch
visa types while living in the UK, with no study time limits at postgraduate level.

Learn more about visas: birmingham.ac.uk/gradroute

Supporting you
As a safe, inclusive community, your wellbeing is our top priority. We’ll
support every part of your mental and physical health, so you can realise
your full potential.

If you’re facing any concerns or challenges, you can get assistance from The
Student Hub in the Aston Webb Building on campus, or online through Student Help.
Whether you’re looking for information, guidance, emotional support or a specific
service, The Student Hub is a great place to start.

Support for researchers

Access a range of online skills training, such as thesis guidance, research methods
and communicating your research. Our Research Skills Team will help you become a
better researcher and prepare you for each step of your doctoral journey.

With in-person events and workshops, it’s all designed around the diversity of
research we conduct here. You’ll also be personalising your development and
building transferrable skills linked to your career ambitions.

Assessment and personal enrichment

Each semester, you’ll have dedicated time to prepare for exams and complete other
assessed work. We also hold the UoBe Festival between semesters, a campus-wide
student enrichment week where you can take part in activities that interest you.
These could include engaging with research, hearing from speakers and employers,
or volunteering for community and outreach work.

Enabling disabled students

Birmingham is an inclusive learning community where we want everyone to have the

best experience. So, if you have a disability (including long-term health conditions,
specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or a mental health difficulty), you can
get help from our Student Disability Service.

Disclosing a disability won’t affect your academic course admission, but will make
sure you get any support or adjustments you need. Our professional team offer
specialist advice, including help getting any disability funding support you may be
entitled to.

Studying as a parent?

If you’re studying while caring for young children, you’ll find three different day
nurseries on campus. Each offer a high standard of care and experience, with
reduced nursery fees to support you during your studies.

Supporting your wellbeing

If you’re having any practical, emotional or psychological issues, our confidential

service can help. Staffed by professional counsellors and wellbeing advisors, it offers
one-to-one sessions, online counselling, and a range of support groups. The Guild
also runs a free, impartial and confidential advice service. All from fully trained
advisors, with practical advice on every aspect of student life.

Faith and friendship

Our Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is for students of all faiths and none. Here you can meet
for worship, relax in the Oasis Lounge, see a chaplain for spiritual and religious
advice or pastoral counselling. We have chaplains from most major faith traditions,
as well as many faith groups and societies run by students.

Explore all our support: birmingham.ac.uk/support

Your postgraduate community

Join one of the UK’s largest postgraduate communities. Our 14,000+ postgraduates
make up around 40% of our student population.

Our community is safe, diverse and inclusive, with strong student representation and
dedicated resources such as our University Graduate School and the Guild’s full-
time Postgraduate Officer.
Life at Birmingham is about far more than studying a degree or course. It’s about
getting involved in research, groups, publications, talks, conferences and more. Our
friendly postgraduate community has so much to offer. We’d love to welcome you in.

University Graduate School

The University Graduate School (UGS) is your postgraduate hub, a place to network
and socialise with students from across the University. Working with many of our
other support services, the UGS offers everything from advice and support, to
training, facilities, tutoring and supervision.

The school runs a diverse programme of events through the year, such as cultural
celebrations, the Research Poster Conference and our Images of Research and
Study competitions. With a full calendar, you’ll have the chance to gain new skills,
while finding creative ways to share your knowledge and research with the public.

But why stop at our events, when you can organise your own? They could be social,
academic or related to wellbeing. The UGS will support your every step, with lots of
opportunities to network with students, staff and colleagues. The more you take part,
the more you’ll raise your profile and enhance your transferable skills.

Student ambassadors

Every year the UGS recruits 10 researchers and 10 Masters students to become
ambassadors, who get a financial bursary in return. Together, they support and
promote UGS activities, even creating their own postgraduate events. If you’re
passionate about building a community, it’s a great way to develop your skills.
‘The best thing about being a doctorate researcher at the University
of Birmingham is undoubtedly the sense of belonging. I really feel
like a member of the academic community who is heard, respected,
and valued.’

Daniela, PhD Law

Your social community

There are many ways to get involved with our student community. At the heart of it all
is the Guild of Students, helping everyone connect and thrive together.

Representation

The Guild of Students is your students’ union. Study with us and you’ll
automatically become a member. Our community elects a team of seven full-time
and seven part-time student Officers to lead the Guild each year. This includes a
Postgraduate Officer who’ll represent your interests, both on and off campus.

The Postgraduate and Mature Students Association (PGMSA) is a student-led

group that works with the Guild and the University. Here to champion the needs of
postgraduates and mature students, the PGMSA also organises regular social
events throughout the academic year.

Groups and societies

With over 400 active student groups and societies, you’re sure to find one that fits
you. Covering interests, activities, charities and causes, they cater for our entire
student community; a great way to make new friends.

Added to this, each School runs its own social activities, research fora, seminars and
groups for postgraduates. All open to you, the moment you start your course or
degree.

Get involved

Represent your student community. Become a student Rep or Guild Officer. You can
fight for the causes you believe in, or campaign for changes you want to see. On
campus, or in the world.

Get in touch: postgraduate@guild.bham.ac.uk

Twitter: @guild_postgrad
Facebook: /guildpostgraduate
Instagram: @guild_postgrad

Your global community

Helping you feel at home

To help you adjust to life as a postgraduate, the Guild also offers free, impartial and
confidential advice. There’s also welfare support for mature or part-time students,
while if you’re an international student, Global Buddies is a scheme to help you settle
in.

From making new friends, to getting the most out of life at Birmingham, you’ll have
the full support of our friendly student community, including after you graduate.

Our global network of over 300,000 alumni spans more than 190 countries. With
local alumni groups from the USA to Hong Kong, it’s a way to keep in touch, share
memories and build work connections, wherever the future takes you.

Jobs, skills and volunteering

Earn money and build skills while you study. Guild Jobs gives you access to part-
time vacancies across the University and city.
You can also boost your CV by volunteering in the Guild, University and local
community. There are thousands of projects to choose from, all flexible around your
studies.

The Guild also hosts a wide range of events and workshops to develop your
academic and vocational skills. From Employability Fairs, to masterclasses and
postgraduate networking events, they’ve got everything covered.

Learn more about your students’ union: guildofstudents.com/

Our programmes
With more than 600 taught programmes and a range of research
opportunities to choose from, Birmingham is one of the most popular UK
universities for postgraduate study.

birmingham.ac.uk/pg-options

Which programme should you choose?

Whatever your lifestyle, we’ve got the flexible study options to match. From part-time
and distance learning, to microcredentials, short courses and overseas faculties,
you’re sure to find the right programme for you.

What level of study?

This will depend on the qualifications you already have and the level of professional
development you want to achieve. Your subject of interest may have an influence,
too. Most people study a Masters once they finish their undergraduate degree, but
we also offer some programmes such as Postgraduate Certificates
or Diplomas.

Decide your mode of study

Study on campus, block delivery, blended and distance learning. You’re free to
choose the option that suits you. You may also be able to transfer from one approach
to another.

Full-time or part-time?

Full-time studies might be the most common choice, but part-time may fit better
around you. Whether on campus or online, many of our courses will let you choose.
But if you’re an international student, you may need to study full-time to qualify for
your visa.

Distance learning
Can’t study on campus? Why not do everything online? Distance learning lets you
complete your studies from home, at your own pace. You’ll have exactly the same
qualification, with the same quality of learning, but without having to move.

Masters-level taught programmes

Choose from one-year full-time or two-year part-time programmes. Both involve a

number of modules, which include coursework, exams and a dissertation. A Masters
is a great way to build on your knowledge, prepare for a research degree, gain a
vocational qualification or even change career.

How modules and credits work

You’ll gain 180 credits in each full year on a Masters-level course. You’ll complete
both mandatory and optional modules, each based on a single subject or as part of
the wider area of study.

Each 20-credit module is equivalent to 30-35 hours of learning per semester,

combining independent study with time spent in lectures and seminars.

Postgraduate microcredential
Standalone (10-20 credits)
Unbundled module (10-20 credits)

Full programmes
Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
Masters Degree (180 credits)

Degree Apprenticeships?

Want to go further in life? Perhaps you’re a manager looking to transform your career
through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Our Level 7 degree
apprenticeships combine university study with on-the-job training. Each is part-time
and studied at postgraduate level. Whether you’re a student or employer, they could
be the answer.

Changing career?

The world’s evolving fast and so are you. Circumstances, interests and ambitions all
change as you grow. Our postgraduate degrees could be the start of an exciting new
career path. So make sure you explore our many course options and see if there’s
one for you.

birmingham.ac.uk/degreeapprenticeships

Short courses
Build on the skills you have or develop a whole new set. Our short courses can help
you progress in every stage of your career. Offering flexible, degree-quality
education in smaller chunks, they can help towards a University certificate or formal
qualification.

What are short courses?

From face-to-face modules taught over four days, to pure online learning, our list of
short courses is growing all the time. Meaning you’re bound to find one that matches
your interests and goals.

There are typically 3 different types of short course you can study with us:

1. Microcredentials
Taught over 8–12 weeks, microcredentials can help you learn new skills in fast-
growing industries, without paying for the whole Masters degree.

Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters, they can be used as
standalone credentials, with some also counting as academic credits towards a full
Masters.

2. Skills Bootcamps
As part of the UK government scheme, Skills for Life, we offer a range of Skills
Bootcamps, with some fully funded. You could be looking to progress your career, or
switch to a new one. These bootcamps will give you the skills, while fitting around
your life.

3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Refreshing your skills at work is more important than ever. Our non-credit CPD
courses will help you stay ahead in a fast-changing world. All delivered in a
supportive learning environment.

‘Coming from a life science and health care background, learning to

code was a huge challenge for me, but it was totally worth it. I
couldn’t be happier in my new role with Gymshark and I have the
advice and support of the course leaders during‘ and after the
course to thank for that. It’s been brilliant putting what I learnt into
practice at my new job.’

Sumaya,
Skills Bootcamp in Coding

Explore all our short courses: birmingham.ac.uk/shortcourses

Research programmes at Birmingham

Masters-level research programmes

Working towards doctoral study? Our MRes includes taught modules to increase
your subject knowledge. All while you complete an extended research thesis with
training and supervision. If you’d like to study a topic in greater depth, a research
Masters such as the MSc by Research, might be a better option. It proves that you’re
a skilled researcher who can progress to a doctoral degree.

Doctoral Research Programmes

Doctoral degrees, such as PhDs, are the highest level of academic qualification.
Here, you’ll grow into a skilled independent researcher, with advanced knowledge of
your subject. Conducting original academic research, you may also be asked to
teach undergraduate classes and present papers at seminars and conferences.

Find the programme for you

To help you decide on the programme for you, why not search all of our
postgraduate courses?

Routes into research

Our research programmes involve the completion of original academic research,

or a piece of scholarship, which you will conduct under expert supervision from a
Birmingham academic. You will also be supported by a thriving academic community
of internationally renowned research staff and talented research peers, alongside
research skills training.

You have the opportunity to pursue research at either Masters or doctoral level
through our suite of programmes and qualifications, depending on your background
and career plans.

There are, generally, two routes to a Birmingham research degree:

Route one

You can apply to an ‘advertised PhD’, which means it is part of an established

research project and is usually funded by the University or other funding body.
Generally, advertised PhDs are associated with the physical and life sciences
subjects. Some advertised PhDs will be pre-defined but some may require you to
propose your own research.

Route two

Apply to any of our PhD programmes and propose your own research that is ‘self-
funded’ (by you, a sponsor, or other sources not explicitly attached to the PhD on
application). Usually you submit a research proposal and identify your proposed
supervisor. These are generally associated with the arts and social sciences.
 ‘The challenging yet inspiring part for me? Don’t expect that your
tutors will give answers to all of your questions. You are encouraged
to uncover answers in your field as part of the research community.
Of course, you will receive all the necessary support to learn how.’

Aya,
MA Education Alumna

How to apply
Applying to our postgraduate courses is easy. Whether you’re applying for a taught
or research programme at Birmingham, you can apply online, then track your
progress at every stage. You can also update your personal details, view decisions
and accept any offers we make to you.

The application process

Before you begin your formal application, read the guidance below and make sure
you follow our step-by-step guide to applying to either our taught or research
programmes on the following pages.

Once you have submitted your application, you will be able to track its progress at
every stage of the admissions process, update your personal information, view
decisions and accept any offers you may receive.

Choose your level and course using our online tools: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

Your documents

Your documents must all be in English, or have a certified translation. If you upload
documents through our course finder and you get accepted, you’ll then need to send
us certified copies or the original documents. We’ll need these before we can confirm
your offer.

To avoid any delays, it’s a good idea to supply all your documents when you apply.
Here’s what we’ll need:

 Your academic transcripts and any other supporting material

 A personal statement explaining why you want to study your chosen
programme
 A CV or sample of work (if we ask for this on the application form)
 If English isn’t your first language, a certificate to show your competency
 Your research proposal, if relevant

Essential information
Before applying, check the essential information we need from you:
birmingham.ac.uk/applicantinformation
If you accept an offer from us, this forms a contract between you and the University.
You’ll find full terms and conditions on our website. Please read them carefully and
check that you’re happy with them.

All information set out in the prospectus and on the University’s website is accurate
at the date of publication October 2023.

Learn how to submit documents and apply: birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply

Entry requirements

For our postgraduate programmes you’ll usually need a good Honours degree
(normally a 2:1 or above), or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside
the UK. For some programmes, we may also ask for previous or current work
experience.

If you’re applying for a PhD, you may need a good Masters qualification for some
programmes.

You’ll find the requirements for each programme in the course directory, our subject
brochures or online: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

English language requirements

You’ll need a high level of written and spoken English. So, if English isn’t your first
language, you’ll need an English language qualification awarded in the two years
before your course begins.

Below are the IELTS or TOEFL scores you’ll need. We do accept other qualifications
though, so please check if your language qualifications meet our criteria:
birmingham.ac.uk/intreqs

ACADEMIC AREA IELTS TOEFL

Engineering*, Science
Arts*, Business
Economics, Computer
Science, Metallurgy and
Materials, Dentistry,
Education (taught), Health
Sciences, Medicine,
Social Sciences
ClinPsyD, Education
(research), Business,
International Business,
Management, Law
6.0 with no less than 5.5
in any band
6.5 with no less than 6.0
in any band
7.0 with no less than 6.5
in any band
80 with no less than 19 in
Reading, Listening and
Writing, and 21 in
Speaking
88 with no less than 21 in
Reading and Writing, 20
in Listening and 22 in
Speaking
95 with no less than 22 in
any band
*Some programmes require higher grades. Please see individual course entry
requirements for further details.

English language courses

Don’t worry if you don’t meet our English language requirements. Before the start of
the academic year, you can enrol on an English programme at the Birmingham
International Academy. If you pass, you’ll automatically meet our criteria. Find out
more: birmingham.ac.uk/bia

Applying for a taught programme

1. Find your course online: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

2. Check you meet our entry requirements (full details on the course page).
3. Complete the application form on the course page and upload any supporting
documents.
*Some taught courses may charge a £50 application fee.
Learn more here: birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply

Fees, funding and scholarships for your

Masters
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into
student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on
searching for funding and managing your finances.

How to pay your fees

You can choose to pay your tuition fees in full or make monthly or termly instalment
payments using the University direct debit scheme from a UK bank account.

We understand that continuing your education to postgraduate level is a significant

financial investment. We aim to provide you with information on all the associated
costs so there are no surprises once you begin your course.

What does it cost?

Tuition fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course you choose and whether you’re a UK or
international student. Taught Masters programmes generally cost at least £9,500
each year, although some programmes will cost more. Search for the course you’d
like to study on our website and you’ll find full, detailed tuition fees there.

How to pay
You can pay your tuition fees in full, or in monthly or termly instalments from a UK
bank account. This happens through our University direct debit scheme, which you
can read more about on our website.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. If you’re a
student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans
from your country’s government. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance
learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters
qualification (or equivalent).

Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why
our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £2,000 to more than 300 students each
year. We offer a variety of other subject and University scholarships, with further
support for alternative degree funding.

You may be able to claim government funding to cover UK tuition fees. It applies to
these areas:

 Initial Teacher Training

 Social work – through a social work bursary
 Medical or healthcare courses – through an NHS bursary

See if you qualify: gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study

Looking for funding?

Our funding and scholarships database is a great place to start. You can use a range
of search filters to find any scholarships you’re eligible for:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

Learn more: birmingham.ac.uk/pgtloan

Applying for a research programme

If you’d like to study a research degree with us, there are generally two
routes you can take.

Applying for an ‘advertised PhD’

An ‘advertised PhD’ simply means that it’s part of an established research project at
the University. It’s also usually funded by us, or another funding body. Most of the
time, the advertised listing will direct you to the correct course page, where you can
check the requirements and apply.

1. Explore our current research projects: birmingham.ac.uk/findaphd

2. Prepare your personal statement and any supporting documents
3. Submit your application online through our course finder and upload your
supporting documents

Once we receive your application, it usually takes four to six weeks for us to review
it. You can track your progress and get updates from us through the Applicant Portal.

If we make you an offer, it will either be unconditional or conditional. If you accept

and meet the conditions, we’ll confirm your place. If you’re looking to study on a
student visa, we’ll provide you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Apply to propose your own research

You’re not limited to our existing projects. You can propose your own research, too.
First, you’ll need to submit a proposal for your research. This includes identifying the
supervisor you’d like to work with. To pay for your research, there’s a range of
funding available from scholarships, charities, loans and self-finance.

1. Think about the type of research degree you’d like to study (PhD, MA/MSc by
research or MRes) and explore our research themes.
2. Find and consult with a supervisor or department:
birmingham.ac.uk/findasupervisor
3. Explore research funding options and look through our scholarships and
funding database: birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding
4. Write your proposal as a clear and concise summary of your research. It’s a
key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will
use it to decide if your research is something they can support.
5. Prepare your personal statement and supporting documents.
6. Submit a formal application by visiting the course page of the subject most
relevant to your area of research.

Fees, funding and scholarships for

research degrees
For researchers, there are many different options to fund your degree. From
scholarships and studentships, to loans and partial funding, you can explore all your
options on our funding database.

What does it cost?

Tuition fees
Our annual tuition fees are at least the minimum fees recommended by UKRI for our
research-level programmes.

For 2023-24, this is £4,712. You’ll find full details in our course directory. But
remember, there may be other costs involved, such as field trips, travel and off-
campus research.

Research Council Funding (UKRI)

You may be able to get financial support from a government-funded research

council. They’re known jointly as UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation):

 AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council)

 BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences
 Research Council)
 ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)
 EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council)
 MRC (Medical Research Council)
 NERC (Natural Environment Research Council)
 STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council)

A full UKRI award will cover the cost of tuition fees and give you a maintenance grant
for support during your studies. Learn more: birmingham.ac.uk/researchcouncils

Our University scholarships are usually linked to the research areas we’re focused
on. Find out more here: birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re a UK national who normally lives in England, this government loan allows
you to borrow up to £27,892 to help with course fees and living costs. Full-time or
part-time, the loan is divided into equal payments for each year of your course, which
can last from three to eight academic years. Discover more:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgdloan

Other sources of funding

From charities and trusts, to foundations and medical societies, there are many more
organisations who can help you fund your degree: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcharitiesfund
‘I was awarded a Global Challenges PhD Scholarship, which
includes a monthly PhD stipend, and covers university fees and a
budget for research costs. This has enabled me to conduct my
fieldwork in Pakistan, enhancing my ability to tackle key challenges
in global youth mental health.
 The scheme has also helped strengthen relationships with local
organisations and other early-career researchers working in low-
and middle-income countries.’

Margaret,
Global Challenges
Doctoral Researcher

Search for funding: birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

Make it happen
Any questions? A prospectus can’t tell you everything. But you can ask our students
and alumni through our online events, read a blog post by a postgraduate, take a
campus tour or join an open day.

Meet us

Come and meet our friendly staff and students. We hold events on and off campus,
where you can see Birmingham for yourself.

Blogs

Learn from students about postgraduate life and studying in Birmingham.

Ask us

Ask us anything, anytime. You can even ask a particular student or member of staff.

Online events

Our regular online Q&A sessions let you chat with current students, academics and
members of the postgraduate recruitment team.

Postgraduate Open Day

Explore the campus. View our accommodation.

Talk to our support team and academic staff about your course. Join one of our open
days and you can do it all.

Saturday 25 November 2023, Wednesday 20 March 2024 and Saturday 22 June

2024.

Campus tours
Take a tour of our campus in a small group, led by a postgraduate student. It’s a
great way to see life at Birmingham with your own eyes. Places fill up quickly, so
book in advance.

Book your place today: birmingham.ac.uk/pgevents

Postgraduate Open Days

Saturday 25 November 2023
Wednesday 20 March 2024
Saturday 22 June 2024

Book now:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgopenday

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom

birmingham.ac.uk

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