Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers that we hope you will find useful.

Do not hesitate to contact the School’s Postgraduate Programme Administration teams if you need any further information:

How do I apply for one of your programmes?

View the Entry requirements & How to apply page.

What referees are best?

For a PhD application, we prefer letters of reference that are from people that you have conducted research with. At least one of the letters of reference should be written by someone with this role.

For taught programme applications where you have a first degree we would normally expect one reference to be from one of your tutors on this programme.  If you do not have a first degree we would expect a reference form an employer or somebody who could comment on your potential suitability to carry out academic study.

What other details are needed for the application?

It can be useful to attach a covering letter, Curriculum Vitae and course transcripts to your online application to support it. In principle, the more detail that we have about you as a candidate, the more it helps us correctly make a decision about your relevant experience and skills.

I got a 2.2 classification for my undergraduate degree. Can I still apply?

It is University of Birmingham policy that the minimum qualification for PhD entry is a 2.1 undergraduate degree classification (or similar). If you have a 2.2 classification for undergraduate and a masters degree, we will be able to consider your application. 

For taught postgraduate programmes we will consider your application if you have a 2.2 degree.

Why do I need an English qualification?

Postgraduate study is very intensive and for this reason, it is essential that candidates have good English from the outset. We require that all candidates (including those from the UK) have a good level of English as indicated by a recognised qualification.