Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)...
Studying for a PhD is the ultimate in higher qualifications and the pinnacle of academic achievement. It requires a major commitment from the student, and in return offers a fantastic opportunity for producing an expert piece of research, worthy of publication.
The PhD degree requires a minimum period of study of 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time and is by thesis only, supported by appropriate research training.
Taught aspects of the course
As a PhD student, you will begin working on your research project right at the start of the first year. With the support of their Research Supervisor, you will also go through a training analysis to identify any needs that you may have.
Most PhD students will be expected to take the core research methods training courses of the MA Social Research. Students will then be able to take more advanced training as appropriate on the basis of a training needs analysis conducted with their supervisor at the beginning of each year. Details of the courses taken by PhD students in the department of Economics or by students who do their research in the area of Finance can be obtained from the Research Office.
One popular module is Postgraduate Teaching Assistant training, which students often take in year 2 or 3, enabling you to be able to teach within the school, and ultimately making you all the more employable after your study.
For part-time students modules are flexible and can be studied in blocks, part time or weekends to fit your commitments.
The Thesis
The thesis is an examined work of about 80,000 words, and an oral examination to defend the thesis is required. This thesis will be a work of original scholarship and be worthy of potential publication in a journal. Students are required to undergo research training, except where appropriate research training has already been undertaken.
PhD students are also encouraged to take part in a colloquium between the University of Birmingham, Aston University and Warwick University, where students present their work and receive comments and advice on subject matter and findings.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)...
The MPhil is a two year full-time or four year part-time degree, suitable if you wish to study for a research qualification, with a shorter thesis requirement than the PhD.
The MPhil is by research only, supported by research training. The thesis is of approximately 60,000 words. In some cases, MPhil students progress onto the full PhD programme at the end of year one. This would be discussed with your research supervisor during your course of study.
Master of Science by Research (MSc)...
The MSc by research is a one year full-time or two year part-time degree. Whilst still a valuable research programme, it requires a shorter period of study, with a smaller thesis size.
The MSc by Research is by research only, supported by research training. The thesis is of approximately 40,000 words. As with all of our research programmes, you will be matched with an appropriate research supervisor who will assess your training needs and guide you through the research process.