Birmingham City University - EDUCATION - PHD

Birmingham City University

EDUCATION - PHD

Our Centre for the Study of Practice and Culture in Education (SPACE) 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. 

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS COURSE?

  • 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 Ph.D. degree.
  • If you are accepted for a Ph.D., 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.
  • You will have access to a dedicated research room for postgraduate researchers
  • You’re encouraged to publish in collaboration with your supervisors and to take part in research conferences and events.

Entry Requirements

  • The required minimum qualification is two years of Master's the relevant field. She/he must have obtained 55% marks or an Equivalent Grade in the Master's
  • Valid Academic IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 or equivalent.

Career Prospects

Research interests

Areas of interest in which staff are currently active include:

  • Assessment
  • Creativity
  • Childhood Studies
  • Early Years
  • Post-16 Provision
  • Education Policy
  • Music Education
  • Professional Learning and Development
  • Workplace Learning
  • Student experience in Higher Education
  • Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
  • Management and Leadership in Higher Education
  • Historical Research into education

Course Details

Your Ph.D. will begin with a short course to complete a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) in Research Practice; this takes eight weeks. Following your PgCert, your Ph.D. will be based on supervision meetings, which normally take place on a fortnightly basis for full-time students and monthly for part-time students.

Normally a Ph.D. journey begins with a research proposal followed by undertaking an extensive literature review on the topic and research questions identified. Time is spent developing suitable research methodology and exploring appropriate theories. Data is normally collected as part of extensive fieldwork and inquiry.

The data is then analyzed and discussed at length with conclusions drawn which relate to the originality of the work. A Thesis is produced as the result of the research which is normally 80,000 words. Toward the end of the journey, the student undertakes a viva examination which is based on the Thesis. The Thesis and viva are both taken into consideration for the award of a doctorate.   

For the first six months of your Ph.D., you will undertake the PGCert in Research Practice, which is a taught and compulsory part of the Ph.D. program. You will meet with your supervisors and attend classes every week. This is an essential part of the Ph.D. which will help you to get your research started and set you up for the rest of your Ph.D. journey.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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