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8/12/2019 Birmingham Prospectus
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Doctoral Research Prospectus
2013admissions
inspirational900SINCE
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AN INSPIRATIONAL
ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
AT A LEADING GLOBAL
UNIVERSITY
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WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
An elite academic experience
at a university that pushes the
boundaries of knowledge
Our research has powered our university
for over 100 years, won Nobel Prizes and
made an impact on the region, the nation
and the world. This track record of research
excellence means we can offer you a
world-class experience, studying with
academics who are global experts and
leaders in their field. We belong to the
prestigious Russell Group of research-active
UK universities and have longstanding
research partnerships with leading
companies and other academic institutions.
This ensures that as a doctoral researcher
here you will have access to the very
latest theoretical and applied knowledge
in your field. Our range of research is one
of the widest in the UK, creating exciting
opportunities for interdisciplinary links and
an exceptional ability to supervise ambitious
and innovative research projects.
Preparing you for success
Doctoral research at Birmingham offers you
a wealth of opportunities that can transform
your thinking, widen your horizons and
ensure you have all the skills you need to
succeed in the employment market. You can
gain a global perspective on your research
by visiting one of our international partner
universities, or boost your understanding
of business through events such as our
Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School.
A wide range of training and development
courses, opportunities to teach and the
chance to get involved in volunteering will
help you acquire the transferable skills that
all employers look for. Our excellent links
with companies in all sectors can help you
gain work-wisdom to complement your
specialist subject knowledge. Time spent
on your doctorate is a sound investment,
as you will be well rewarded by improved
career prospects and accelerated
progress once you start work.
An outstanding research
environment in a global city
As one of the most popular universities for
postgraduate study in the UK, Birmingham
has a vibrant and lively doctoral research
community. All doctoral researchers are
brought together by the University Graduate
School, which provides an abundance of
opportunities to meet researchers from
other disciplines, share experiences and
enrich both your academic and social life.
You cannot fail to be inspired by our campus,
which is rich in heritage and beauty, set in a
leafy green site with a wealth of amenities
and attractions. Its world-class facilities are
continually being improved and developed
for the benefit of our students, with an
investment of around 1 million each
week. We are just ten minutes away from
the centre of Birmingham, which is one
of Europes most dynamic and culturally
diverse cities.
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TheInternational Herald Tribunehas ranked the
University of Birmingham 55th in the world and
9th in the UK for post-qualification employability.
We have been shortlisted
as University of the Year
for 2013 by The Sunday
Times. Each year a
university is chosen by
a panel of experts based
on all round academic
excellence.
The University is a
founding member of
the Russell Groupof
research universities
and Universitas 21 a
network of 21 research
universities from 13
countries.
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Why Birmingham?
At Birmingham, we work hard to provide
our students with a first-class academic
experience. Our priority is to deliver
exceptional teaching and learning resources
to allow you to achieve your full potential.
A tradition of excellence
For more than 100 years, the University
of Birmingham has produced innovative,
imaginative and ambitious research that
has made an impact on society and
peoples lives.
In the 20th century our researchers pioneered
transplant surgery and the use of microwaves,
created artificial Vitamin C, and proved that
the glutens in wheat cause coeliac disease,
leading to the introduction of gluten-free diets.
In the 21st century we continue to break new
ground with research that is internationally
significant and addresses real life issues.
We lead the field in many of todays emerging
disciplines and can support research in areas
such as hydrogen vehicle technology,
nanotechnology, gene therapy, robotics, and
the use of virtual reality in archaeology. Among
many recent developments, researchers from
diverse disciplines have successfully used a
herpes vaccine to attack and kill cancer cells,
developed the first over-the-counter home
fertility test for men, and discovered a major
ceremonial monument less than one kilometre
away from Stonehenge.
An international university
The quality and range of our research places
many of our academics at the global forefront
of their disciplines, fostering international
connections. Birmingham is also a member
of Universitas 21, a global network of 23
research-intensive universities. This creates
opportunities for international research
collaborations and for our students to travel
to partner institutions to learn about relevant
research developments. As an international
university we are keen to measure up on a
global stage. Out of over 8,000 universities
in the world, we are:
77th in the QS World University Rankings,
placing us 10th out of 29 UK universities
to feature in the rankings
101st in the Jiao Tong (China) Worldwide
League Table
Ranked 55th in the world and 9th in the
UK for post-qualification employability
byThe International Herald Tribune
One of only 25 European institutions to
be designated a Jean Monnet European
Centre of Excellence by the European
Commission in recognition of our expertise
in European affairs
A top-class postgraduate experience
The Postgraduate Research Experience
Survey (PRES) gives research students at
Birmingham the opportunity to voice their
opinions on their experience. In the most
recent PRES survey to date (2011):
Birmingham doctoral researchers report
particularly high scores for supervision
and 98% of students consider supervisory
support and guidance as important to
them. 71% say support and guidance
has exceeded their expectations.
The University performs well in the area of
skills development. Scores are particularly
high for the ability to learn independently
(87%) and the improvement of analytical
skills (85%).
WHEN YOU ARE CHOOSING A UNIVERSITY FOR DOCTORAL
RESEARCH, ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO
CONSIDER IS ITS ACADEMIC REPUTATION. YOU WANT TO
STUDY SOMEWHERE WITH A STRONG RESEARCH CULTURE,
AN INSTITUTION WHICH IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF DISCOVERY
AND INNOVATION. YOU WANT A UNIVERSITY THAT MEASURES
UP TO YOUR EXPECTATIONS.
Investing inpostgraduate study
As a research-rich university, we are
ambitious for the future and are committed
to developing and investing in new
academic talent. We work to provide
the best possible research environment,
offer support services that are second to
none and will encourage you to fulfil your
potential. We are investing in our doctoral
researchers and are pleased to offer
over 200 full- or partially-funded awards
to outstanding applicants wishing to
undertake PhD research at the University
of Birmingham. A searchable database of
our directly funded and competition funded
PhD research opportunities is available
at www.birmingham.ac.uk/dr
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Original thinking
Our position as a leading research-intensive
university and a member of the Russell Group
gives researchers here a real chance to make
a difference. Eight of our academics and
alumni have been awarded Nobel Prizes
for their work.
Francis Aston (18771945)
Awarded the Nobel Prize for
Chemistry 1922
Sir Norman Haworth (18831950)
Awarded (jointly) the Nobel Prize for
Chemistry 1937
Lord Robert Cecil (18641958)
Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 1937
Sir Peter Medawar (19151987)
Awarded the Nobel Prize (jointly)
for Physiology or Medicine 1960
Maurice Wilkins (19162004)
Awarded the Nobel Prize (jointly)
for Physiology or Medicine 1962
Sir John Vane (19272004)
Awarded (jointly) the Nobel Prize
for Medicine 1982
Sir Paul Nurse (1949present)
Awarded (jointly) the Nobel Prize
for Physiology or Medicine 2001
Professor Peter Bullock (19372008)
Awarded (collectively) the Nobel Peace
Prize 2007
The breadth and depth of our
academic portfolio
Our range of research is one of the widest
available at any UK university, creating exciting
opportunities for interdisciplinary links and
broad thematic topics. This gives us an
exceptional ability to supervise ambitious
and innovative research projects and cater
for postgraduates with interdisciplinary
research interests.
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Many of our resources are of national
significance, and all are fully available
to doctoral researchers. They include:
Our Special Collections and archives
consisting of 120,000 pre-1850 books
and three million manuscripts
The Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern
manuscripts, the largest such collection
after the Vatican and the Bibliothque
nationale de France
The largest superconducting magnet for
molecular imaging in the UK, housed in
the Universitys Henry Wellcome Building
The Shakespeare Institute Library in
Stratford-upon-Avon, which holds an
internationally significant collection of
books, manuscripts and archive materialon the history and performance of
Renaissance drama
Research power
Birmingham is a research-rich university with
academic staff who are global experts in their
field, including people whose work pushes
forward the frontiers of their subject.
The results of the 2008 Research Assessment
Exercise (RAE) prove the University of
Birminghams research power has global reach
and leads the world in a range of disciplines.
The University was the top ranked in the West
Midlands and 12th in the UK. Birmingham is
named as the leading Cancer Studies centre
outside London, while for Sports Science we
are ranked second and for Psychology third
in the UK. Overall the RAE results show that
90% of the Universitys research has global
reach with 16% assessed as world leading
(4*) and 41% as internationally excellent (3*).
Research partnerships
We are involved in a wide range of research
partnerships with business, industry and
government, and we work to ensure that
our knowledge is transferred to practical
applications rapidly and effectively.
Established links with companies such as
Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Shell, Barclays Bank,
Kodak and GlaxoSmithKline ensure that our
researchers are well-placed to find commercialopportunities for their work and skills.
We also work closely with academic partners
in the UK and beyond, creating internationally
significant research teams that focus on
developing practical solutions to both local
and global challenges. Examples of such
partnerships include the Midlands Energy
Consortium, the Manufacturing Technology
Centre, Birmingham Science City Alliance
and the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study.
Facilities and resources
The University has the largest research
support facilities in the West Midlands, offering
over 2.7 million books and periodicals and
more than 16,000 electronic resources.
I benefited from collaboration
with industry and other
leading universities, as well as
encouragement to publish my
research work and present
at leading conferences.
Ranjit Kulkarni, Doctoral Researcher in
Chemical Engineering, now Regional
Manager, UOP (Honeywell)
As a doctoral researcherat Birmingham I received
research support and
supervision from a caring,
internationally renowned
faculty with first-rate expertise
in their field. I also benefited
from being part of an equally
dynamic postgraduate
community.Caroline Mei Lin Ho, Doctoral Researcher,
Department of English
We also have a wide range of services
designed to help you access and use these
resources most effectively, including:
Electronic databases and journals in the
eLibrary, available both on and off campus
Online library catalogue of printed
collections
One-to-one information clinics for
doctoral researchers to support individual
learning needs
Subject and database guides to help
identify useful information sources
Skills guides to help you get the most
out of your research
A range of library services by telephone
or online
Doctoral researchers also have access to
the high-performance research computing
facility, BlueBEAR, one of the most powerful
computers in the UK, developed in partnership
with IBM.
Shakespeare Institute Library
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MY RESEARCH EXAMINES MONASTIC COMMUNITIES AND
PILGRIMAGE SITES IN THE HOLY LAND FOLLOWING THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF ISLAMIC RULE, WITH THE AIM OF
DISPELLING ANTI-ARAB PREJUDICE.
My findings offer a more nuanced analysis of ChristianMuslim interfacing in this formative
period than that which is repeatedly evoked in modern interfaith dialogue. Undertaking my
doctoral research at Birmingham has enabled me to work with some of the most renowned
scholars in my discipline in an institution which remains dedicated to a strong tradition of innovative
research and exceptional standards of supervision. Thanks to the support I have received from
the University I have become part of a global research environment, participating in academic
events across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. These experiences have not only proved
invaluable for my career development, but they have also given me some fantastic opportunities
to meet many interesting people and visit some fascinating places.
Daniel Reynolds
Doctoral Researcher, College of Arts and Law
pushthe boundaries of knowledge
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Remember: it is hard work
but you will grow and gain
a new way of looking at the
world. There are times when
you will become consumed
by it all but being able to
see an end point keeps
you focused and in control.Regular meetings with your
tutor keep you grounded
and ensure you create a
self-help network with
fellow researchers.
Claire Largan, Doctoral Researcher,
School of Education
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University Graduate School
THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL BRINGS TOGETHER
ALL DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS AT BIRMINGHAM. IT ACTS AS
YOUR CENTRAL RESOURCE POINT, GIVING YOU ACCESS TO A
WEALTH OF SERVICES TO SUPPORT YOU IN YOUR RESEARCH,
DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AND PREPARE YOU FOR SUCCESS IN A
COMPETITIVE GLOBAL MARKET.
Our services for doctoral researchers
include: a welcome and induction programme;
skills training and development courses;
information and advice; and research-focused
events, giving you the chance to meet
researchers from other disciplines across
the University. We also provide a number
of travel scholarships each year to enable
doctoral researchers to visit other
international universities and institutes.
Welcome and induction
The University Graduate School Induction
Day in October will introduce you to the
facilities available to doctoral researchers
and will outline how we can support you in
your studies. We also run a dedicated
Welcome programme, including lunches
and coffee mornings, where you can get
to know other new doctoral researchers
in a friendly, informal setting.
Additionally, our Doctoral Researcher
Essentials package provides an online guide
to your first year as a doctoral researcher.
The course consists of five separate modules
covering key stages of the incipient doctoral
research career. The course is self-paced and
you can dip in and out, or work through it in its
entirety as you need to.
Skills training and development
Our wide range of doctoral researcher training
enables you to develop both your skills as a
researcher and skills that you can transfer to
the workplace, improving your work-based
competencies and employability. Whether
you need to deliver a conference presentation,
improve your communication skills or get to
grips with project management, we offer
courses that will help you. We also help you
to carry out a training needs analysis to identify
the skills you need to develop in each year of
your PhD and how you plan to do this.
Training courses
IT and research skills development training is
offered to all doctoral researchers. Courses
offered include:
Research and information
Data analysis
Intellectual property and
knowledge transfer
Business and enterprise
Networking and teamworking
Communication skills
Academic publishing
Presentation skills
Personal effectiveness
Career development
Teaching and learning
Subject-specific skills development
E-learning
Writing and presenting your thesis
Many courses are delivered online so you can
learn at your own pace and at a time that suits
your schedule.
Many doctoral researchers have opportunities
to teach within their departments, which can
provide valuable experience as well as a
source of income. The University Graduate
School offers training in basic teaching
skills to enable you to take advantage of
these opportunities. If you teach for at least
15 hours over an 18-month period you can
take the Pathway Module that leads to
Associate membership of the Higher
Education Academy.
Information and advice
Our Research Student Administration team
is available to answer all your questions about
the University rules and regulations governing
doctoral research, including how to present
and submit your thesis, how to prepare for
your viva and how to request a leave of
absence or an extension.
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A sense of community
The University Graduate School helps foster
a sense of community amongst doctoral
researchers through our regular programme of
events. As a Birmingham doctoral researcher
you can take part in networking sessions and
annual events, such as our Research Poster
Conference and Doctoral Researcher
Community Day, which provide you with
valuable opportunities to meet and learn
from colleagues across the University
research community.
Overseas travel scholarships
We offer a number of scholarships each year
to enable doctoral researchers to travel to
partner universities within Universitas 21
the global network of research-intensive
universities to learn more about relevant
research developments. Each scholarship
pays up to 1,500 to assist with travel and
accommodation costs, and a visit is usually
for a period of approximately one month.
Universitas 21 Joint PhDs
Universitas 21 (U21) has established a unique
framework for jointly awarded PhDs. Under
this scheme, two partner universities create
a tailor-made programme of study for the
doctoral researcher, taking their specific
research needs into account and enabling
collaboration with another U21 university.
Each institution will allocate the doctoral
researcher a minimum of one supervisor with
whom they will have actual or virtual joint
meetings, and they will enjoy access to the
same facilities as other doctoral researchers
enrolled at that institution.
For a list of participating institutions and to find
out more please visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/
international/collaborate/universitas21.aspx
For more information about the support
available from the University Graduate School
please visitwww.graduateschool.bham.ac.uk
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seize the opportunities thatwill shape your future
UNDERTAKING DOCTORAL RESEARCH AT BIRMINGHAM HAS
HELPED ME WIDEN MY HORIZONS AND KEEP MY FUTURE
CAREER OPTIONS OPEN.
I have had the opportunity to nurture my dreams of being an entrepreneur through various
initiatives like Enterprising Birmingham, Talent Pool and the Postgraduate Enterprise Summer
School. I have also been fortunate enough to obtain a U21 Research Student Travel Bursary
from the University which enabled me to carry out research at the National University of
Singapore. This has proved to be an invaluable investment both for completing my PhD thesis
and for my future. At this final stage of my doctoral research at Birmingham, I can confidently
say that I have had one of the best times of my life and I will remain ever grateful for the
countless opportunities Birmingham has given me to invest in my future.
Olubayode Ero-Phillips
Doctoral Researcher, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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Help and support
WE AIM TO PROVIDE YOU WITH ALL THE RESOURCES WE
CAN TO FACILITATE YOUR RESEARCH AND HELP YOU REALISE
YOUR POTENTIAL. THIS INCLUDES ENSURING THAT YOUR
EVERYDAY LIFE RUNS AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE DURING
YOUR TIME HERE.
Our International Students Advisory Service
(ISAS) provides you with a strong network
of support, starting before you arrive and
continuing throughout your studies. We offer
specialist help and advice on a wide range
of issues including immigration, finance and
family concerns.
We can advise you by email (isas@contacts.
bham.ac.uk) or in person at our walk-in
guidance service. Alternatively you can book
a one-to-one confidential appointment with
an adviser.
In addition to the tailor-made services
provided by ISAS, you have access to the full
range of general support services available to
all students here. These are outlined over
the following pages.
Welcome International
To welcome you and help you settle into
University life, we run a dedicated five-day
programme in September called Welcome
International. This begins with an airport
collection service and includes tours of the
campus and the city, help with administrative
tasks such as registering with a doctor and
the police, if necessary, and social events
where you can meet other international
postgraduates. We also arrange social events
for students and their dependants throughout
the year, including a Christmas party for
students children.
Immigration advice and services
ISAS offers immigration advice and information
relating to specific immigration categories
including Visitors, Student Visitors, Students,
Student Dependants, EEA Nationals,
non-EEA Family Members, and certain
employment categories.
For a full list of our immigration advice and
visa services please see www.as.bham.ac.uk/
studentlife/international/visa/index.shtml
Family life
As well as helping you to apply for visas
for your family members, we also offer
information for families when they arrive here.
A comprehensive guide Bringing your Family
to the UKcovering areas such as childcare,
healthcare, education, budgeting, banking and
driving in the UK, can be downloaded from our
website at www.as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/
international/guides.shtml
Finance
The ISAS website offers information on
sources of funding and scholarships from the
University. ISAS can also help you clarify your
tuition fee status and eligibility for student
support, and can give advice in cases of
financial difficulty. We have a range of
information guides on financial issues that
can be downloaded from www.as.bham.ac.uk/
studentlife/international/guides.shtml
Living and working in the UK
ISAS provides support to help you settle
into life at Birmingham and the University,
including guidance on opening a bankaccount, registering with a doctor and
shopping locally. If you need to work to
support your studies during your time
here, we can advise you about working
in the UK and the various work schemes
that are available for international students
following graduation.
Meet us in your country
If you need help and advice before making
your decision to study here you can meet
our International Relations staff in your own
country. We attend exhibitions and events,
and work with a network of overseas
representatives who can give you advice
and guidance on your application. To find
out when we will be visiting your country
please visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/
international/meet/index.aspx
I was both excited and
anxious about coming to
the UK to study. However,all of my apprehension was
dissolved by the overwhelming
experience of the local people
welcoming me to the city and
to the University.
Vinod More, Doctoral Researcher,
International Business
The University of Birminghamexposed me to a critical way
of academic learning. I really
enjoyed this and am now using
it practically in delivering public
services as a state bureaucrat.
Sitendra Singh, Doctoral Researcher,
Public Service
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A wide network of support services is
on hand to help you with any practical
and personal issues you may encounter,
leaving you free to focus on achieving
your academic goals.
Before you arrive:
Doctoral ReSEARCHer Enquiry
Service (DRES)
The Doctoral ReSEARCHer Enquiry Service
provides advice and guidance to prospective
students on:
Searching for advertised PhD opportunities
Identifying a potential supervisor
The PhD application process
Writing the PhD proposal
Scholarships, bursaries and funding
opportunities
Lifestyle and accommodation
You can either call the DRES centre on
+44 (0)121 414 5005 or email:
Postgraduate mentors
If you have queries or concerns about any
aspect of life as a doctoral researcher at
Birmingham, you can get first-hand information
and advice from current students as soon
as you have received your offer of a place.
Postgraduate student mentors are available
to answer your questions via email based
on their own experience of campus life, their
school and college, the city, the transition to
postgraduate study, and anything else you
need to know about studying and living here.
They can also help you with registration and
administration procedures once you arrive.
Email: [email protected] for
more information on this service.
Once you are here:
Counselling and guidance
The Counselling and Guidance Service is
here to help students get the most out of
their time at university. The service provides
counselling for all registered students in order
to help them engage more effectively in their
academic and social environment and to
achieve their potential.
Advice and representation
The Advice and Representation Centre offers
free, impartial and confidential information,
advice and representation on a wide range
of issues, including housing, finance and
legal issues.
Financial advice
The Student Funding Office offers support
and training on all aspects of student finance,
from scholarships and fees to managing
your money.
Health and dental care
The University has its own Medical Practice
and University Dental and Implant Centre on
the edge of our main campus, catering for our
students and staff.
Social life
As a member of the Guild of Students you
have access to over 190 student groups,
societies and associations. Whether you want
to meet new people, continue a hobby or skill,
learn something new or just get involved in
student life, there is a group for everyone.
Postgraduate and Mature
Students Association
There is an association of postgraduate and
mature students, where specific issues can be
discussed. There is also a Postgraduate and
Mature Students Officer (PMSO) to represent
these views and offer support.
Nightline
Nightline is a free and confidential listening
service run by students for students, where
you can talk about anything, from your
research stresses to your personal life.
Disability and dyslexia advice and support
The University offers support for a range of
disabilities. We are here to help and to make
sure that you can take full advantage of the
university experience, whatever your disability
or support needs.
Supporting your faith
Birmingham is a secular university, but
respects all faiths and provides opportunities
for prayer. In our multi-faith Chaplaincy
students of all faiths and those interested
in world religions are invited to take part
in a varied programme of events, worship
and activities. For further information on the
services offered by the Chaplaincy please
visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/
support/faith.aspx
Childcare facilities
For students with childcare needs we havetwo day nurseries offering high standards
of care, one of which includes a pre-school
unit. For more information please visit
www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/
support/nursery.aspx
Learn more
Further information on all our student
support services can be found at
www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/support
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EMPLOYERS VALUE DOCTORAL GRADUATES. A 2010 SURVEY
OF AROUND 100 HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORS AND
MANAGERS FOUND THAT SEVEN OUT OF TEN SOUGHT
TO RECRUIT EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE A DOCTORATE.
Careers and employability
Of these, approximately nine out of ten
said they valued the subject-specific skills,
the research and technical skills, and the
analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
of doctoral graduates.
So your qualification adds significant value for
an employer but it is not, in itself, a guarantee
that you will meet their needs. In an increasingly
competitive employment market, you need
access to high quality opportunities and
resources to help you market yourself
to employers and ensure you are well
prepared for success.
Career development services
Our Careers and Employability Centre offers
a range of services to support you in this.
We can offer one-to-one advice to help you
plan your career, explore employment areas,
research further study options, review your
CV, complete application forms and prepare
for interviews. We work closely with a number
of networks to customise your job searches
to your home country and provide access to
virtual recruitment fairs to ensure that you are
able to access suitable job roles there.
We also offer a range of specialist services for
international students who wish to work in the
UK after graduation.
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship and Innovation, part of
the Careers and Employability Centre, runs
a number of initiatives to help doctoral
researchers develop their entrepreneurial
and business skills. These include:
Postgraduate Enterprise Summer School
This intensive week-long training course for
doctoral researchers covers a wide range
of topics related to enterprise and
entrepreneurship. These include innovation,business planning, marketing, financing
and commercialisation, as well as
communication, presentation and
networking skills.
The Talent Pool
The Talent Pool aims to create a network of
doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and
give them access to real-life opportunities
such as work experience, placements,
internships or consultancy contracts,
or assist them in setting up their own
business. Entry to the Talent Pool requires
some basic enterprise and professional
skills training to be undertaken in the form
of five interactive and engaging workshops
and a one-day assessment.
Enterprising Birmingham
Business Plan Competition
This challenging competition offers all
internal research staff and PhD students
(supported by their supervisor) the chance
to develop a research-related business
idea and win a share of 30,000.
For more information about Entrepreneurship
and Innovation please visit www.as.bham.ac.uk/
ei/enterprise/doctoral.shtml
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immerseyourself in the Birmingham experience
THERE IS A REALLY STRONG POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM AND YOU TRULY FEEL
THAT YOU ARE AN IMPORTANT AND VALUED MEMBER OF
THE INSTITUTION.
I have been given some fantastic opportunities to get involved in the research community
and I have benefited from an excellent level of interaction with the academic staff. The
research centre for my subject area invited me to act as the postgraduate representative on
its management board, a role which allowed me to champion the interests of the postgraduate
community whilst gaining a better understanding of academic practices. The University
was also kind enough to give our Postgraduate Forum some funding to enable us to host
a symposium, which attracted over 50 participants from institutions across the country.
I have also received numerous grants that have allowed me to present my research at
a variety of international conferences. These experiences have been of immeasurable
benefit to both my personal development and my future career.
Emily Rozier
Doctoral Researcher, College of Arts and Law
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WITH ITS MAGNIFICENT ARCHITECTURE AND LEAFY GREEN
SITE, OUR CAMPUS PROVIDES AN INSPIRATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
FOR YOUR RESEARCH. STUDYING HERE GIVES YOU THE BEST
OF BOTH WORLDS A PEACEFUL YET THRIVING CAMPUS
COMMUNITY ON THE DOORSTEP OF ONE OF EUROPES
MOST DYNAMIC AND CULTURALLY DIVERSE CITIES.
Our campus
Heritage and beauty
The main campus at Edgbaston is set in 25
acres of parkland with spacious lawns, trees,
a lake, and significant works of sculpture
enhancing its landscape. With its domed
redbrick buildings and landmark 100-metre
high clock tower built to commemorate
the Universitys first Chancellor, Joseph
Chamberlain, the campus is rich in
heritage and beauty.
Our Selly Oak campus, two miles from
Edgbaston, is a green 80-acre site with a
village atmosphere. Among the facilities here
are the School of Education and the BBC
Drama Village where several national
network drama series are produced.
Amenities and attractions
The Edgbaston campus has all the amenities
of a small town, including shops, bars, cafs,
banks, medical and dental surgeries, sports
facilities and a train station, all within easy
reach. An award-winning art gallery, a concert
hall and a museum are among the cultural
attractions that make it a place to enjoy.
Culture on campus
The collections at Birmingham are here
to be savoured and treasured. But the
huge range of cultural artefacts on campus
from Old Master paintings to historic physics
instruments also plays a crucial role
in our research.
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
With works by major artists including Monet,
Van Gogh, Botticelli, Degas, Picasso and
Magritte, the Barber Institute has been
described as one of the finest small art
galleries in Europe and was voted Gallery of
the Year in 2004 by the Good Britain Guide.
It is a Grade II listed building in distinctive
Art Deco style, with its own concert hall.
The Barber hosts a range of concerts,
talks, lectures, classes and family activities,
and is fully open to the public.
Learn more
www.barber.org.uk
Lapworth Museum of Geology
Our Lapworth Museum of Geology,
located at the centre of the Edgbaston
campus, holds 250,000 specimens of
rocks, fossils and minerals, and has been
designated an Outstanding Collection
by the Arts and Humanities Research
Council. Dating back to 1880, it is
one of the oldest specialist geological
museums in the UK.
Learn more
www.birmingham.ac.uk/facilities/
lapworth-museum
Special Collections and archives
The Universitys Cadbury Research Library is
the home of approximately 120,000 pre-1850
books dating from 1471 and some three
million manuscripts. The collection contains
some remarkable pieces, including: diaries
showing Chamberlains personal thoughts
about his meetings with Hitler during the
Munich crisis of 1938; beautifully illuminated
Persian medieval manuscripts; first editions of
Charles Dickens and works from the printing
press of William Morris, illustrated by EdwardBurne-Jones.
Winterbourne House and Garden
Recently restored, this elegant Edwardian
Arts and Crafts-style house is set within
seven acres of beautiful botanic gardens,
home to over 6,000 plant species from
around the world.
Learn more
www.winterbourne.org.uk
Continual improvement
Our campus is a constant work in progress.
We are continually investing in campus
improvements, and spend around 1 million
each week on developing buildings, facilities
and resources. The prestigious Bramall Music
Building, opened in 2012, completes the
semi-circle of buildings that have been the
heart of the campus since 1909, fulfilling its
original architectural vision. Its state-of-the-art
auditorium offers the most flexible performance
space at a UK university. Over the next five
years the University also plans to invest 175
million in transforming the Edgbaston campus.
The redevelopments include a new sports
centre and a new library which will benefit
not only our students and staff but also
the local community.
Learn more
Find out about the amenities and attractions
on our campuses, their fascinating history andtheir importance to the city of Birmingham
www.birmingham.ac.uk/community/
university-campus/index.aspx
The green and quiet campus
at Edgbaston is a relaxed
environment for study and
the facilities are excellent.
Cai Heath, Doctoral Researcher,
International Development Department
Winterbourne Botanic Garden
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The Church at Varengeville, Claude Monet,Barber Institute of Fine Arts
When these buildings are
complete, they will be the best
of their kind in Europe and
perhaps the world.
The Rt Hon. Joseph Chamberlain,
Chancellor of the University, 19001914
Ammonites, The Lapworth MuseumThe Danford Collection of West African Art and Artefacts
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The city on your doorstep
BIRMINGHAM HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO ONE OF
EUROPES MOST EXCITING CITIES. IT IS MORE THAN
SOMEWHERE TO STUDY; IT IS SOMEWHERE TOBUILD
A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.
When you choose to study at Birmingham,
youll be minutes away from a confident,
modern commercial centre. The city is home
to the largest financial services and creative
sectors outside London and a thriving business
community that offers you a wealth of career
opportunities.
Away from your studies, the city provides you
with the perfect backdrop to relax. Alongside
restaurants and bars, Birmingham is a hive of live
entertainment, from mainstream contemporary
acts at the O2 Academy and National Indoor
Arena for music, to the Glee Club for comedy.
The city also boasts one of Europes finest
concert halls, Symphony Hall, home to the
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
The Hippodrome Theatre is home to the
Birmingham Royal Ballet. The city centre has
three other theatres and a number of cinemas,
including Star City, an entertainment complex
featuring 24 screens with the latest Asian and
mainstream films under one roof.
For shopping you are spoilt for choice with the
iconic Bullring being one of Europes largest
city centre shopping areas. Birmingham also
has four bustling indoor and outdoor markets
selling everything from vintage clothes to fresh
fruit and vegetables; while for a real treat you
could visit the Mailbox, which brings together
designer fashion and lifestyle shops, luxury
apartments, hotels and an array of restaurants
and caf bars.
The Jewellery Quarter is home to
Birminghams historic jewellery trade, and
the area still boasts more than 400 shops
to enjoy: the perfect place to pick up a
unique piece at a bargain price.This is a great place to live. Birmingham is the best of both worlds.
It is well known for being a vibrant city, but less well known for beingon the doorstep of some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
David Newsome, Doctoral Researcher in Ancient History and Archaeology,
now Major Gifts Officer at the University of Birmingham
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The surrounding area
If you want a break from city living, some of
Englands most beautiful countryside is within
easy reach. The Severn Valley, the Malvern Hills,
Ironbridge Gorge (a UNESCO world heritage
site) and the picturesque Cotswolds villages
are all ideal destinations for a day trip. Nearby
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle,
Kenilworth Castle and the Black Country
Museum are rich in historical interest. Canals
and waterways thread their way through the
region, offering a relaxing way to explore its
natural landscapes.
Fact
Close to 9 billion has been
invested in the city centre over
the past 20 years
Bullring is the most visited
shopping centre outside
Londons West End, with more
than 150 shops inside the 530
million complex
There are more than 500 restaurants
in Birmingham offering a vast range
of international cuisine
Birmingham was the first city to be
awarded National City of Sport status
and hosts top level football, cricket,
tennis and golf
For hobbit fans, Sarehole Mill is a 200-year-
old watermill providing a tranquil haven from
21st century life outside. It was a favourite
haunt of the young JRR Tolkien and it is said
that the mill and nearby Moseley Bog provided
the inspiration for the Shire home to Frodo
and Bilbo Baggins.
There is something for everyone in Birmingham
and you will get a warm welcome in one of the
most culturally diverse cities in Britain.
Ironbridge Gorge, world heritage site
The Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon
Birmingham Town Hall
Selfridges, Bullring Brindleyplace
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Doctoral life
DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF
OUR STUDENT COMMUNITYAND HAVE OPPORTUNITIES
TO GET INVOLVED IN EVERY ASPECT OF UNIVERSITY LIFE.
Activities such as volunteering, becoming a
student representative (rep) or a postgraduate
ambassador can enhance your experience and
help you develop valuable transferable skills
that will benefit you in your career.
The Guild of Students
The University of Birmingham Guild of
Students is our recognised students union,
run by students for students. It represents
and involves everyone studying here, whether
undergraduate or postgraduate, from the
UK or overseas, on all campuses.
Every student at Birmingham is automatically
a member of the Guild. This offers a wealth
of benefits including support, entertainment,
training and a wide range of opportunities
to get involved in student life.
Student representation
The student representation system is a
partnership between the Guild of Students
and the University. It enables all students
to make their voices heard, raise issues
that affect them and get things changed
for the better.
Students reps canvass doctoral researchers
within their schools and represent their views
at school, college and university level. Reps
sit on research staffstudent committees and
can also be elected to attend the University
Senate. Becoming a student rep is a positive
way to air your views, and those of your
fellow doctoral researchers, while enhancing
your personal skills and giving you first-hand
knowledge of decision-making within a
complex organisation.
Volunteering
As a postgraduate volunteer, you can
gain valuable transferable skills, which can
boost your employability and broaden your
experience. Volunteering also gives you the
opportunity to meet other people and have
fun, while making a difference to the local
community.
Volunteering does not have to take up a lot
of time all the volunteer projects the Guild of
Students work with understand that your time
is precious, and many offer flexible or one-off
placements. Staff at the Guild can help you
find a placement that suits your skills and time
commitments. The Guild also offers training
and recognition for volunteers, including
certificates, prizes and recognition events.
Student groups
There are over 190 recognised student
groups hosted by the Guild, covering a wide
range of interests including sports, music,
culture, faith and many more. They include
the Postgraduate and Mature Students
Association (PGMSA), which offers a forum
for discussion and support on issues of
specific interest to postgraduates.
Postgraduate ambassadors
Doctoral researchers also have the opportunity
to become ambassadors for the University and
get involved in a range of public engagement
activities. These might include leading tours on
open days and assisting at postgraduate fairs,
as well as taking part in focus groups and
market research. Working hours are flexible
and can be fitted in around your study. As an
ambassador you will be provided with training
and support to ensure you get the most out
of the role. For more information about our
Postgraduate Ambassadors Scheme please
email [email protected]
Being a postgraduate
ambassador gives youfantastic opportunities
to interact with the wider
postgraduate community. It
also allows you to fit paid work
around your research as the
hours are extremely flexible
and you gain useful CV
material whilst making new
friends in the process.
Michael Rush, Doctoral Researcher,
Department of History
Postgraduate virtualcommunity
To see some of the vodcasts produced by
postgraduates and members of academic
staff at the University visit our YouTube
channel: www.youtube.com/
unibirmingham
You can also join our virtual community
through Facebook: wwwfacebook.com/
unibirminghampostgrads
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broadenyour horizons
DESPITE THE PRESSURES OF DOCTORAL RESEARCH
I STRONGLY RECOMMEND MAKING TIME TO GET
INVOLVED WITH SOME OF THE STUDENT GROUPS
ACTIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY.
Though the primary focus of my time at Birmingham is completing my PhD thesis, I have
been continually impressed by the opportunities to get involved with extra-curricular activities
at the University. I have worked as a student representative for my school, my college and
the Guild, championing student opinions to the University. These roles have also enabled
me to organise guest lectures from internationally acclaimed authors along with full-day
conferences. There has been strong support, both in terms of time from the academics
and training and financial support from the University Graduate School. Involvement in
these activities has not only greatly increased my social circle, but it has also broadened
my future career options thanks to the variety of new skills I have gained.
Andrew Logsdail
Doctoral Researcher, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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ENJOY YOUR TIME HERE AND EXTEND YOUR LEARNING
BEYOND THE LIBRARY OR LAB BY TAKING PART IN ONE OF
THE VAST ARRAY OF SPORTING ACTIVITIES ON OFFER AT
BIRMINGHAM. FROM ARCHERY TO WINDSURFING, UNIVERSITY
OF BIRMINGHAM SPORT OFFERS YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO
PURSUE A SPORT THAT SUITS YOU, WHATEVER YOUR LEVEL
OF EXPERIENCE OR ABILITY.
Sport
Performance sport
The University is a recognised centre of
excellence in UK higher education sport,
attracting athletes from across the world to
study, train and compete. For example, we
have been selected as the training camp for
the world-beating Jamaican Track and Field
Team for the London 2012 Olympics.
We have been ranked as one of the top
sporting universities in the UK by British
Universities and Colleges Sport (formerly
BUSA) for the past 18 years. Competing in
more than 40 sports, Birmingham sportsmen
and women currently excel in crosscountry
running, squash, hockey, rowing, American
football and golf, to name a few.
Active Lifestyle programme
If competitive sport is not for you, there are
plenty of opportunities to simply get fit, feel
healthier, meet people and have fun. Our Active
Lifestyle programme offers fitness, dance and
sports classes to suit all ages, abilities and
fitness levels. It is the largest programme of
its type in the country and includes everything
from boxercise and studio cycling to martial
arts, salsa and yoga.
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Sports facilities
Our campus-based sports facilities include:
Fully equipped fitness suite with extensive
free weights area (awarded Gym of the
Year 2010 for Midlands and Wales by
Workout UK magazine)
Three multi-purpose sports halls
25-metre swimming pool
Seven squash courts
Gymnastics centre
Dojo (martial arts room)
Athletics track
A range of pitches including water-based
and 3G synthetic pitches
A specialised Human Performance Lab,
offering training assistance, nutritional
advice and performance monitoring
Off campus, the Raymond Priestley Outdoor
Pursuits Centre in the Lake District offers the
opportunity to try a range of outdoor activities
including sailing, windsurfing, mountaineering,
rock climbing, kayaking and canoeing.
Tailored support
Whatever sporting activity you are interested
in, at whatever level, our Health and Fitness
team (Thrive) offers a range of professional
support services to help you develop and
improve. Services include fitness and health
assessments, personal training, healthy heart
and cholesterol checks, weight and muscle
analysis, sports massage and access to the
Sports Medicine Clinic.
Learn more
www.sport.bham.ac.uk
Second place overall in the
Universities and CollegesSport league is a fantastic
achievement for Birmingham
students, and also a reflection
of great teamwork between
student clubs and the
University of Birmingham
Sport team that supports
them on and off the pitch.
Zena Wooldridge, Director of Sport at
the University of Birmingham
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WE AIM TO ENSURE THAT YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE CAN RUN AS
SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLEDURING YOUR TIME HERE, LEAVING
YOU FREE TO FOCUS ON ACHIEVING YOUR ACADEMIC GOALS.
Accommodation
So we guarantee a place in University
accommodation to all international students
who are new to Birmingham, ensuring you
have no concerns about finding a suitable,
safe and sociable place to live.
The guarantee is subject to the
following conditions:
You must have firmly accepted the
offer of a course
Your application for accommodation
must be received by our Accommodation
Services Office no later than 31 July
You must be applying for single
accommodation (the University also has
a limited supply of accommodation for
students wishing to bring their families to
Birmingham but this cannot be provided
on a guaranteed basis)
You agree to remain in your University
accommodation for the full term of
your contract
University accommodation
Most University accommodation for
postgraduate students is located in two
student villages Pritchatts Park and Selly
Oak. Both are safe and secure environments
offering a 24-hour reception service, CCTV
coverage across the whole village, personal
possessions insurance, mentors and a
residents association.
Pritchatts Park Village
Based in Edgbaston, ten minutes walk from
the main campus, Pritchatts Park houses both
undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Accommodation is in single study/bedrooms
(all with internet access) with shared kitchen
and bathroom facilities. A social centre offers
a range of leisure facilities including a licensed
bar, games room, large screen television,
vending area and quiet study zone. Limitedcar parking is available.
Selly Oak Village (Jarratt Hall)
Just five minutes walk from the main campus,
Selly Oak Village is a popular choice for
international postgraduates. Built around
a pleasant central courtyard and three
landscaped areas, it accommodates over
400 postgraduate students in three- to
six-bedroom apartments with en suite facilities,
internet access and shared kitchens and
lounges. Jarratt Hall benefits from an ID card
access control system, and some rooms have
wheelchair access and/or deaf alerts installed.
The University also owns or manages a
number of houses within the Selly Oak
neighbourhood. Some of these are exclusively
for postgraduate students, and a few are
suitable for students with families.
Private rented accommodation
If you prefer not to live in University
accommodation, our Accommodation
My home base: Pritchatts Park Village
Student village living offered Elisabeth Kempf, a Doctoral Researcher in English,
a friendly and supportive environment with a minimum of daily distractions
ideal conditions for her to concentrate on her research.
I am an EU student and I was very thankful that the University guaranteed a place in one
of their postgraduate halls for me. I lived in Oakley Court, which is a part of Pritchatts Park
Village, in a six-bedroom flat that I shared with three other female postgraduate students.
Our flat was fully furnished and modern and we even had a cleaner come and take care of
the communal areas every week! The staff at the reception were always very helpful and
whenever we needed help they sent someone immediately.
Oakley Court is very close to the University: its only a ten-minute walk to the main campus.
Harborne, a local shopping area, is also close by, and buses to and from the city centre leave
on Pritchatts Road, which is only a few hundred metres from our door.
I really enjoyed living in halls and I was able to focus on my research most of the time, as I
didnt have to deal with any problems concerning the flat. It also gave me the opportunity tolive with other postgraduate students, which was a great experience.
Services team can help you find a suitable
private property to rent. There is a wide range
of accommodation available in the local area,
including single flats, shared flats, houses for
different sized groups, properties for families
and lodgings with a residential landlord.
Our flat search scheme can put you in
touch with other prospective students
before arriving in Birmingham, enabling you
to rent accommodation as part of a group.
You can also use our new online search
service www.birminghamstudentpad.co.uk
providing a comprehensive and up-to-date
database of private sector properties so you
can find the property most suited to your
needs as quickly and easily as possible.
We operate a quality control system covering
all properties featured online so you can be
sure any property you find has been checked
and graded against minimum standards
stipulated by the University.
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My home base: Universityowned/managed house
Lisa Kranzer, a Doctoral Researcher
in Medieval Studies, describes her
experience of living in a University
owned/managed house.
I live in a University-owned house
that is reserved solely for postgraduate
students, which means that the people
I share with have roughly the same work
commitments and pressures as I do.
If you are new to the University then thistype of accommodation is an excellent
means by which to meet fellow students
and make friends. The house is in
Selly Oak village, which is very close
to the University.
I found my accommodation through
www.birminghamstudentpad.co.uk
Both University-owned and private sector
accommodation is advertised on this
website. It is a great resource because
all landlords have been checked for their
reliability and quality of accommodation.
So you wont need to be scared of ending
up with an awful landlord or sub-standard
room. I definitely recommend using this
website to all students who are new
to the city.
For more information email
SHAC is a lettings agency run by our
Guild of Students. The service charges no
fees to student tenants and only advertises
accredited landlords who sign up to a code
of standards which guarantees the quality
and condition of all housing. For more
information visit www.guildshac.co.uk
email [email protected] or search
on Facebook for Guild SHAC.
Learn more
Accommodation information will be included
in your offer pack. For further details on all
the accommodation available please visit
www.accommodation.bham.ac.ukwhere you
can also apply for your accommodation online.
Average rents in local area
Accommodation
type
Weekly fee
Single room
(flat share)
5570 per week
(bills extra)
Three-bedroom
house for a family
500750 per
calendar month
(bills extra)
Self-catered room
(sharing kitchen with
owner)
5080 per week
(bills included)
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WE WANT YOU TO BE COMPLETELY AWARE OF YOUR
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT BEFORE BECOMING A DOCTORAL
RESEARCHER AT BIRMINGHAM.THIS SECTION PROVIDES
YOU WITH INFORMATION ON TUITION FEES AND OTHER
COSTS INVOLVED IN POSTGRADUATE STUDY.
Fees information
The University charges an annual tuition
fee. This covers the cost of your tuition,
examination and graduation, and includes
membership of the Guild of Students.
Fees are payable when you register
for your programme.
When you accept the offer of a place, you are
also accepting responsibility for the payment
of your tuition fees, even if you are sponsored
or in receipt of an award and the sponsor fails
to pay. It is therefore very important that you
have sufficient funds available to you.
Fee band Subjects included in this band Tuition fee
A Clinical Dentistry*
Clinical Medical Education*
28,100
B Anatomy
Biosciences
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Computer ScienceDentistry (laboratory)*
Earth Sciences
Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Environmental Health and Risk Management
Health Sciences (laboratory)*
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Medical Education*
Metallurgy and MaterialsPhysics and Astronomy
15,680
C Geography and Environmental Sciences (laboratory)*
Music
Psychology (classroom and laboratory)
Sport and Exercise Sciences
13,385
D Accounting and Finance
American and Canadian Studies
Applied Social Studies
Archaeology and Antiquity
Business
Drama and Theatre Studies
EconomicsEducation
English Language
English Literature
French Studies
Geography and Environmental Sciences (classroom)*
German Studies
Government and Society
Health Sciences (classroom)*
Health Services Management
Heritage Management (Ironbridge Institute)
Hispanic Studies
History
History of Art
International Development
International Studies
Italian Studies
Language and Cultures
LawLocal Government Studies
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Philosophy
Political Science
Russian and East European Studies
Shakespeare Studies
Theology and Religion
Urban and Regional Studies
West African Studies
12,140
* Schools may require two price points
Unfortunately if you fail to pay the fees, you
will not be permitted to continue your studies.
Annual fees
The standard annual tuition fees for overseas
doctoral research students in 201314 are:
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However, some programmes charge non-
standard fees, which may be higher than this.
The fee for each programme is listed on the
individual programme page on the University
website (accesed via www.birmingham.ac.uk/
students/courses/postgraduate/research/
listing.aspx) and on the Doctoral research
programme optionspage of this prospectus.
Your tuition fee will be confirmed in your
offer letter.
The annual tuition fee is set for a 12-month
session, which usually runs from October
to the end of the following September. For
doctoral research programmes that begin and/
or end mid-session, fees are normally charged
on a pro rata basis according to the number of
months studied within a session. For example,
if you are on a 15-month research programme
beginning in October 2013, you pay the
annual tuition fee in the 201314 session,
and three-twelfths of the fee for 201415
from October to December 2014.
Doctoral research students who choose, or
are required, to register beyond the minimum
period required for their degree pay the full
tuition fee for that period. If your normal period
of registration has ended but you have yet to
submit your thesis, you are liable to pay a
continuation fee (180 in 201213).
Other costs
Some departments may levy a bench fee or
other fee in addition to the tuition fee. You will
be notified of any additional fee with your offerof admission. You are also expected to meet
the costs of typing and binding your thesis.
This might be in the region of 300 for a
doctoral degree.
Payment methods
You may make monthly or termly instalment
payments using the University direct debit
scheme from a UK bank account. Where
the instalments total more than 4,000
there is a 3% non-refundable administration
fee. For more information on the payment
options available please visitwww.payments.bham.ac.uk
Living costs
As well as having sufficient funds for your
full tuition, you need to ensure you can cover
your living expenses and the living expenses
of any dependants during your period of study.
You should have this funding secured before
travelling to the UK and starting your course.
The University estimates that the cost of
living for a single student is 670 per month
(8,040 for a year) including accommodation.
If you are bringing dependants with you, youshould allow about 3,5004,500 extra
per year for a spouse or civil partner and
2,5003,000 extra per year for
each child.
Please note that the actual amount you
will spend will depend on your lifestyle. We
can only give you an approximate indication
of how much you will need. We can send
you more detailed information about living
costs if you require it. Additional information
on fees and finance can be found at
www.as.bham.ac.uk/funding
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COMING TO STUDY IN THE UK IS A CONSIDERABLE
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT AND YOU ARE ENCOURAGED
TO THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT THE COSTS INVOLVED
BEFORE EMBARKING ON YOUR COURSE, BUT WE
ARE HERE TO HELP YOU EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS.
Sources of finance
As an international student, you will not be
eligible for any financial assistance from the
UK government. It is therefore important to
make sure that your funding is secure before
you begin your studies.
The University offers a number of
scholarships in order to contribute to the
costs of study for international postgraduate
students. Scholarships are also offered
by external organisations. For more
details of the scholarships available to
international postgraduates please see
www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/
students/finance/scholarships/index.aspx
For information on other sources of funding for
international students, we would advise you to
consult the following sources:
The British Council, Embassy or High
Commission in your home country
The Ministry or Department of Education
in your home country
Your current academic institution
(particularly if you are a member of
academic staff looking to upgrade
your qualifications)
Earning while you learn
Part-time work is another potential source of
finance for international doctoral researchers.
The Job Zone, based in the Guild of Students,
can help you find part-time employment
while you study. Hundreds of vacancies are
advertised online at www.guildofstudents.com/
jobzoneDoctoral researchers are very
welcome to drop in and discuss their
employment needs with Job Zone staff.
Please note, however, that there are
certain restrictions on the number of hours
and the types of employment that international
students can undertake. These will depend on
the country you are coming from and the type
of visa you have. Our International Students
Advisory Service can help you with any
queries or issues you may have regarding
your eligibility to work during your studies.
Learn more
www.as.bham.ac.uk/studentlife/international
There are also opportunities within
the University itself to earn money
while broadening your experience
and transferable skills.
Student mentoring
Student mentors provide help and
support to students in University
accommodation. Since mentors live
in, they have guaranteed accommodation
alongside paid work. For more information
visit www.guildofstudents.com/
studentmentors
Postgraduate ambassadors
We regularly employ researchers to
support postgraduate recruitment activity
and encourage prospective students to
consider research careers. For more
information about our Postgraduate
Ambassador Scheme please
email [email protected]
There were lots of
opportunities to work andstudy alongside each other
at Birmingham, which was
essential for me.
Rachel Stokes, Doctoral Researcher,
International Development, now
International Alumni Officer at the
University of Exeter
University Graduate SchoolDoctoral Researcher Elite
Scholarships
The University Graduate School has ten
Doctoral Researcher Elite Scholarships
available for the 20132014 academic
year. These are available to outstanding
overseas candidates of the highest
academic aptitude holding an offer of a
place to study on a PhD at Birmingham
starting in September 2013.
The scholarship is conditional on
nominated candidates achieving a first
class mark (or equivalent) in their final
examinations before beginning their
PhD at the University. The application
deadline for these scholarships will
be in January 2013.
For more information please visit
www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/
fees/dr/elite.aspx
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enhanceyour employability
WORKING ALONGSIDE MY STUDIES HAS NOT ONLY
GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER DEVELOP MY
COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS, BUT IT HAS
ALSO EXPANDED MY PROFESSIONAL CONTACTS NETWORK.
I work part-time as a student demonstrator, assisting undergraduates during lectures
and tutorial sessions. I help them to interpret information and assess assumptions critically
when solving technical problems. I am also a postgraduate ambassador, in which role I give
campus tours to prospective students and answer any questions they have about life as a
postgraduate at the University of Birmingham. I also help to staff the Doctoral Researcher
Enquiry Service Centre by offering guidance on course content, assisting with the application
process and providing student life mentoring to prospective doctoral researchers. These
roles have not only significantly developed my technical and transferable skills, but have
also sparked my interest to continue working in higher education.
Fabricio Marques
Doctoral Researcher, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
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www.birmingham.ac.uk/
pg-mentor
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAMS
POSTGRADUATE MENTOR SCHEME IS A
STUDENT-TO-STUDENT SUPPORT NETWORK
FOR PROSPECTIVE POSTGRADUATES.
THE MENTORS ARE EXPERIENCED
POSTGRADUATES WHO CURRENTLY STUDY
HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER HELP AND
SUPPORT FROM A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE.
You do not need to have already applied to the University to take
advantage of this scheme it is open to enquirers, applicants andoffer-holders.
You can find out more about the scheme, browse mentor
profiles and access mentor contact details at:
PostgraduateMentor Scheme
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IVE LIVED, LEARNED AND GATHERED A WEALTH OF
EXPERIENCES AT BIRMINGHAM THAT HAVE HELPED ME
TO REALISE MY PASSIONS AND TO DISCOVER WHERE
MY TRUE TALENTS LIE.
At Birmingham, Ive not only completed a doctoral thesis working with experts in my field,
but have had unique and valuable opportunities to teach undergraduates in their second year.
I received full training free of charge and benefited from the support of a current member of
academic staff who acted as my teaching mentor. She was great, letting me observe and
team-teach as many of her seminars as I liked to help me prepare for my own. I thoroughly
enjoyed teaching and found the students to be engaged and motivated. If you give a group
the right incentives, they can then do a lot of the work for you and some of the discussions
we had in seminars genuinely made me think! Through teaching I gained many useful
transferable skills and developed a passion for disseminating knowledge that will stay
with me forever.
Holly Prescott
Doctoral Researcher, College of Arts and Law
createyour own future
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WHETHER YOUR AIM IS A CAREER IN ACADEMIA OR IN THE
WIDER WORLD, THE VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES THAT YOU CAN
GAIN DURING THE COURSE OF YOUR DOCTORAL RESEARCH
CAN BE OF IMMENSE VALUE.
Undertaking a PhD has given me the chance to improve myself and my CV with experiences
that are otherwise hard to come by. I have learned skills such as film making and editing,
writing funding applications, teaching seminars and proofreading journal articles. The University
Graduate School offers a wealth of free training opportunities which can be really helpful. As
a historian I have handled manuscripts and been allowed behind the scenes at museums and
libraries. My research has given me the opportunity to speak at academic conferences in
several countries, and I have organised conferences and events at Birmingham as part of
various student groups. As a freelance artist I have also had opportunities to do graphic
design work for the promotion of events and journals, which has been a great way to
exercise my talents.
Mike Rush
Doctoral Researcher, College of Arts and Law
discoveryour potential
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The University is committed to reducing
its impact on the environment and has a
Sustainable Travel Plan containing a series
of initiatives to encourage all members of the
University community to walk, cycle, car share
or use public transport to travel, where possible.
For information on the travel options available
to you please visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/
contact/directions
By road
Birminghams central location makes it easy
to get here by car. Simply pop our postcode
B15 2TT into your sat nav or route planner
for step-by-step directions.
By rail
We are the only mainland UK university
to have its own railway station. Most
cross-country services arrive at Birmingham
New Street station in the city centre. Up to six
trains an hour depart for the University on the
cross-city line (final destination Longbridge orRedditch). The centre of the main campus is a
five-minute walk from University Station.
How to find us
By coach
There are frequent express coach services
to Birmingham from Londons Heathrow and
Gatwick airports and many UK cities. The
long-distance coach station is in Digbeth
in the city centre.
By bus
There are frequent services from the city
centre to the Universitys Edgbaston and
Selly Oak campuses. You can find bus
timetables and departure point information
at nxbus.co.uk/westmidlands
By taxi
There are taxi ranks at Birmingham New
Street station and throughout the city centre.
The journey to the University takes about
ten minutes.
By air
Birmingham Airport has direct flights from
locations in the UK, as well as from the USA,Canada, Europe and the Middle East. The
journey by taxi from the airport to the University
takes approximately half an hour. A free air
rail link runs from the airport to Birmingham
International railway station every two minutes
and connects with frequent services to
Birmingham New Street station.
If you are arriving at a London airport, there
is a frequent train service from London
Euston railway station to Birmingham
New Street station.
From Heathrow airport, take the Heathrow
Express train to Paddington station and
then the Underground or a taxi to Euston.
Alternatively, take an Airbus from Heathrow
airport direct to Euston station
From Gatwick airport, take the Airport
Express train to Victoria station and then
the Underground or a taxi to Euston
Directions to other University locations
The School of Dentistry is located in Birmingham
city centre. For directions on how to get there
by car, enter the postcode B4 6NN into your
chosen route planner or sat nav.
There are also a number of University locations
away from the city. For directions to Stratford-
upon-Avon (the Shakespeare Institute) and
Ironbridge (the Ironbridge Institute) go to
www.birmingham.ac.uk/contact/directions
BIRMINGHAM IS AT THE HEART OF THE UKS ROAD AND RAILNETWORK, AND IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM OTHER PARTS
OF THE COUNTRY AND BEYOND. THE UNIVERSITYS MAIN
CAMPUS IS A MAJOR LANDMARK IN BIRMINGHAM.
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The Selly Oak campus
THE SELLY OAK CAMPUS IS 1 MINUTES FROM BIRMINGHAM
CITY CENTREAND ONLY FIVE MINUTES AWAY BY CAR FROM
THE EDGBASTON CAMPUS, ON AN 80-ACRE GARDEN SITE NEAR
THE VILLAGE OF BOURNVILLE. IT IS HOME TO THE ORCHARD
LEARNING RESOURCES CENTRE AND BBC DRAMA VILLAGE.
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Red Zone
R1 Law Building
R2 Frankland Building
R3 Hills Building
R4 Aston Webb A Block,
Earth Sciences
R5 Aston Webb B Block
R6 Aston Webb Great Hall
R7 Aston Webb C Block
R8 Physics West
R9 Nuffield
R10 Physics East
R11 Medical Physics
R12 Bramall Music Building
R13 Poynting Building
R14 Barber Institute of Fine Arts
R15 Watson Building
R16 Arts Building
R17 Ashley Building
R18 Strathcona Building
R19 Education Building
R20 J G Smith Building
R21 Muirhead Tower
R22 Main Library
R23 University Centre
R24 Staff House
R25 Munrow Sports Centre
R26 Geography
R27 Biosciences Building
R28 Learning Centre and Primary Care
Blue Zone
B1 Medical School
B2 Institute of Biomedical
Research including IBR West
B3 Wellcome Clinical Research
Facility (1st floor)
B4 Robert Aitken Institute for
Clinical Research
B5 CRUK Institute for Cancer Studies
and Denis Howell Building
B6 Research Park
B7 90 Vincent Drive
B8 Henry Wellcome Building for
Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy
B9 Medical Practice and Dental Centre
Orange Zone
O1 The Guild of Students
O2 St Francis Hall
O3 University House
O4 Elm House
Green Zone
G1 32 Pritchatts Road
G2 31 Pritchatts Road
G3 European Research Institute
G4 3 Elms Road
G5 Computer Centre
G6 Metallurgy and Materials
G7 IRC Net Shape Laboratory
G8 Gisbert Kapp Building
G9 52 Pritchatts RoadG10 54 Pritchatts Road
G11 Nicholson Building
G12 Winterbourne House and Garden
G15 Westmere
G18 Priorsfield
G19 Park House
G20 Elms Plant
G21 Park Grange
G22 Elms Day Nursery
Green Zone Conference Park
G13 Hornton Grange
G14 Garth House
G16 Lucas House
G17 Peter Scott House
Yellow Zone
Y1 Old Gymnasium
Y2 Haworth Building
Y3 Mechanical and
Civil Engineering Building
Y4 Terrace Huts
Y5 Estates West
Y6 Maintenance Building
Y7 Grounds and Gardens
Y8 Chemistry West
Y9 Computer Science
Y10 Alta Bioscience
Y11 Chemical Engineering
Y12 Biochemical Engineering
Y13 Chemical Engineering Workshop
Y14 Sport and Exercise Sciences
Y15 Civil Engineering LaboratoriesY16 Occupational Health
Y17 Public Health
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