3,334
Postgraduate research students
University Doctoral School
At Birmingham, our postgraduate researchers don’t just contribute to their fields — they drive discovery, innovation, and change. Through our Doctoral School, we offer a unified, inspiring environment where your research journey is supported every step of the way.
Empowering future research leaders. Creating global impact.
We believe that research is transformative — for individuals, for societies, and for the world.
The Doctoral School brings together everything you need to succeed in your research journey. We work across all subject areas to offer exceptional supervision; tailored researcher development; wellbeing support and community engagement; global opportunities and sector placements; and career preparation for life after the PhD.
The Doctoral School by numbers
- 114
Countries represented
- 4,003
Academic research experts
My own research journey began at Birmingham, and now as Director of the Doctoral School, I’m proud to support the next generation of researchers - helping them thrive, connect, and change the world through their research.
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme
The Birmingham Doctoral Programme is a structured PhD experience delivered through the Doctoral School. It offers world-class supervision, a tailored development framework, and real-world engagement opportunities that prepare you to thrive — whatever your future holds.
As a researcher at Birmingham, you will have access to:
1. Research expertise
You'll have the chance to 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
Enjoy a world-class research environment with advanced labs, specialised centres, and collaborative spaces—all in the heart of the UK's second city, on a truly unique campus.
3. Research skills and development 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 researchers are a vibrant and diverse community — each following a pathway shaped by their passions, ideas, and ambitions.
5. Dedicated careers support for researchers
From one-to-one career guidance and CV advice to networking events and employer presentations, you'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored specifically for postgraduate researchers.
Research that matters
- Top 100
World University
(QS 2026)
- 12th
in the UK for Research Power
(REF 2021)
- 10
alumni and staff have been recognised with Nobel prizes
How to apply
If 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'.
Start your research journey
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.