Research proposals

Your application should include a research proposal (normally 2500 words). This is one of the most important factors we take into account when reaching our decision. You should outline:

• The research question or questions to be addressed
• The academic reasons for thinking that the question is likely to be worth investigating
• The methodology which it is thought will be appropriate to investigate it
• Any special resources (library or other) which are likely to be required in order to investigate your topic

When formulating your research plans, please bear the following questions in mind:

• Is your project within an area of expertise of the School’s staff? We can offer research supervision in most (but not all) of the major branches of UK, European and international law. Staff adopt a wide variety of approaches, including doctrinal analysis, comparative methods, theoretical analysis and empirical research.
• Is the project one that can be achieved within the time available to you?
• Are the books, journals and on-line resources of a UK university likely to be adequate to support your research?

During the application process, we may ask you to refine or reformulate your proposal in the light of comments from staff involved in assessing your project. You may also be invited for an interview.

Supporting documents

You will need to send the following documents to the admissions department.

• Your research proposal (this may be sent online with your application)
• Your two references
• Your academic transcripts and any additional supporting material such as transcripts of your employment record
• Certificate to show competency in the English language (if English is not your first language)
• Personal Statement, approximately one side of A4 in length, explaining why you are interested in studying on your chosen programme
• If you wish, an application for a Postgraduate Teaching Assistantship and/or Scholarship

Postgraduate Teaching Assistantships

Application closing date: The deadline has now passed for 2012 entry

Since 1989, Birmingham Law School has appointed up to six Postgraduate Teaching Assistants (PTAs) every year. Applications are welcome from well-qualified graduates wishing to study in any field of law.

PTAs are students working towards a PhD at Birmingham who carry out up to 54 hours of small group teaching of undergraduates on our LLB programmes. PTAs take up their positions on or soon after 1 September.

The School provides the following financial benefits for its PTAs:

• Payment of fees for the period of registration, not exceeding three years(guaranteed at the current home/EU student rate with a possibility of overseas fees being awarded on a competitive basis).
• Annual Payment of £12,402 made up of a Maintenance grant of £10,260 and a teaching payment of £2,142.

For 2012 entry there will be up to 5 Postgraduate Teaching Assistantships available. One of these PTAships will be tied to research on the legal profession. 

• Further information

Research scholarships

Birmingham Law School is part of the College of Arts and Law, which offers further scholarships to research students. To be eligible for these awards, candidates must hold either an offer of a place to study or have submitted an application to study at the University.

This year these college-wide scholarships include 10 Elite Doctoral Researcher Scholarships for outstanding overseas PhD candidates.

 Further information

What is a PhD by Distance Learning?

A PhD by Distance Learning allows you to undertake the majority of your research at an off-campus location. You are therefore able to do the research required for your PhD in a location of your choosing; only making one annual visit to the University.

Why study by distance learning?

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the opportunity to undertake research supervised by one of our world-renowned academics without having to relocate geographically to the Birmingham region. The flexibility offered by distance learning will allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.

Is the distance learning route for you?

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone. You need to have a very clear idea of your research project and be able to motivate yourself. Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important. This route is well-suited to those who have a project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

What is the cost of doing a PhD by Distance Learning?

Whilst there is no fee discount associated with studying in this way, the cost of travel for an annual visit to the University is built into the fee structure, meaning that - at no extra cost - you can benefit from on-campus facilities, specialised intensive training and supervision, and peer discussions during each year of study.

How will I be supported?

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person.  

When would I start?

We encourage you to start your PhD in the month of September so that you can attend an induction along with other PhD candidates beginning their research at the same time as you. However, other arrangements may be possible with agreement from your supervisor.

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off-campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University per year of study. This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual meetings which will give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off-campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies.