The Birmingham Doctoral Programme
More than research. A transformative journey.
By choosing Birmingham, you’re joining a large, diverse and vibrant postgraduate community. Whatever your area of study, you can look forward to a stimulating, engaging experience of the highest quality.
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme shows the commitment, resources and support we deliver for all Birmingham postgraduate researchers. It means you'll have access to:
1. Research expertise
You’ll work alongside leading academics, engage with policymakers and industry leaders, and contribute to public discourse, ensuring your work makes a tangible difference.
2. A world class research environment
You'll enjoy a world-class research environment with advanced labs, specialized centers, and collaborative spaces—all in the heart of the UK's second city, on a truly unique campus.
3. Research skills development and support
We are committed to helping you grow as a confident, capable, and impactful researcher — equipped with the skills and resilience to lead in academia, industry, and beyond.
4. A supportive research community
At Birmingham, no two research journeys are the same. Our doctoral researchers are a vibrant, diverse community — each following a pathway shaped by their passions, ideas, and ambitions.
5. Careers support
From one-to-one career guidance and CV advice to networking events and employer presentations, you'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored specifially to postgraduate resarchers.
The University Doctoral School supports postgraduate researchers throughout their time at the University of Birmingham. At every stage of your journey, from induction through to graduation, we ensure you have the resources, guidance, and opportunities you need to thrive in your PhD and beyond.
Your research. Your future.
The Birmingham Doctoral programme was designed to give Birmingham researchers the support they need to excel in their research, develop essential skills, and connect with global opportunities. All while benefiting from a supportive and enriching academic environment.
What you'll gain:
- Research Excellence - Undertake original research under the guidance of internationally-recognised supervisors. Access outstanding facilities and global research networks.
- Skills for the Future - Through a tailored skills development plan, you’ll build vital capabilities - from academic writing and data science to leadership, enterprise, and public engagement.
- Global and Sector Engagement - Experience international collaborations, industry placements, interdisciplinary sandpits, and public engagement initiatives.
- Wellbeing and Support - From mental health workshops to mentoring schemes, we embed support and resilience across your journey.
Who is it for?
All postgraduate researchers at Birmingham — whether funded by UKRI, supported through industry collaborations, self-funded, or part-time — are part of the Birmingham Doctoral Programme.
Whatever your pathway, you’ll be fully supported to grow, connect, and achieve.
How to apply
Start your research journeyIf you’d like to study a research degree with us, there are generally two routes you can take. You can apply for an 'advertised PhD' or you can 'propose your own research'.
An ‘advertised PhD’ simply means that it’s part of an established research project at the University. It’s also usually funded by us, or another funding body.
Alternatively, you can propose your own research. First, you’ll need to submit a proposal for your research. This includes identifying the supervisor you’d like to work with. To pay for your research, there’s a range of funding available from scholarships, charities, loans and self-finance.