Accounting PhD

Our PhD in Accounting will ensure you understand the broad range of modern social science research techniques, qualitative and quantitative. Upon completion, you will excel in analysing diverse data sets and be adept at explaining the theories that underpin various approaches to social science research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.

You'll engage deeply with the Department and the Business School, attending seminars and participating in workshops and conferences. This exposure to diverse ideas and rigorous training prepares you to excel in academia, industry, or government, making significant contributions to the field.

Course structure

The PhD in Accounting is designed to facilitate the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, demonstrated through your thesis.

Doctoral researchers in Accounting are registered for a full time 3-year PhD or a part-time 6-year PhD. The programme includes a short, taught component to broaden and deepen your knowledge of research methods, alongside an extensive research phase where you conduct original research and develop transferable professional skills.

• Rigorous Academic Training: The programme is designed to train you in conducting research of the highest academic quality, allowing you to make significant and original contributions to the field.
• Research Excellence: You'll conduct high-quality, original research under the guidance of leading academics, contributing new knowledge related to the fields of accounting and accountability.
• Supportive Environment: You'll benefit from a dedicated supervisory team, regular feedback, and a vibrant academic community.
• Professional Development: The programme encourages participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, both within and outside the university, enhancing your professional network and exposure to new ideas.

In the first year of the programme (first two years for those registered part-time) you are required to take and successfully complete 60 credits of core Research Methods modules.

If you are using qualitative methodologies, you will take modules from the MA Social Research programme, as appropriate to your research and training needs. Depending on your needs and accredited prior learning, and subject to supervisory approval, doctoral researchers can substitute 20 credits of the introductory MA Social research modules for Advanced Training Modules.

Those researchers employing quantitative methodologies are required to take a compulsory module in Econometrics, in addition to optional modules chosen in agreement with your supervisors, as appropriate for your research topic (for example, from the MSc International Accounting and Finance programme).

If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Find an Advertised PhD

Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.

Find a supervisor

If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Find out more about our research themes and associated academics in the Department of Accounting.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship

You devise your own PhD topic, find and consult with a potential supervisor, explore funding opportunities, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.

If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would strongly encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Careers Support

At Birmingham, we prepare our researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. Our PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.

You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. Our expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.