phd at birmingham university

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy programme aims to foster the development of independent research skills. It is normally a three-year (full time) or six-year (part time) research-only degree and will include a proportion of research training, the exact amount of which will depend on your chosen department.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with Integrated Study

This is a four-year doctorate combining the traditional research degree with taught modules, developing professional skills and subject specific knowledge.

Professional Doctorates (ClinPsyD, EdD, ThD, EdPsychD, SocSciD, ForenPsyD, HScD, HScD(Clin), DPT, AppEd and ChildPsyD)

Normally spread over a period of three years, programmes comprise research-related work and subject-focused taught courses, and/or professional practice with research. You are assessed by a combination of written examinations and/or project report(s), a dissertation or a thesis. No more than one third of the programme will consist of taught modules.

Definitions

• Doctor of Clinical Psychology ClinPsyD
• Doctor of Education EdD
• Doctor of Theology ThD
• Doctor of Educational Psychology EdPsychD
• Doctor of Social Science SocSciD
• Doctor of Forensic Psychology Practice ForenPsyD
• Doctor in Health Sciences HScD
• Doctor in Health Sciences (Clinical) HScD(Clin)
• Doctor of Practical Theology DPT
• Doctor of Applied Educational and Child Psychology ApEd and ChildPsyD

Doctor of Engineering (EngD)

This is normally a four-year programme which integrates research with taught postgraduate work. You must produce a thesis which makes an original contribution to knowledge, worthy of publication, in whole or in part, in a learned journal.

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

This is a part-time programme, normally of two year's duration, which may include taught postgraduate work. You must produce a thesis which makes an original contribution to knowledge, worthy of publication, in whole or in part, in a learned journal or equivalent.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

A part-time programme, normally of two year's duration, which may include taught postgraduate work. You must produce a thesis which makes an original contribution to knowledge, worthy of publication, in whole or in part, in a learned journal.

Thesis  – A thesis is a piece of original written work submitted by a student in support of candidature for their chosen degree. A thesis will present the students research and findings in a single cohesive document.

Taught module  – A taught module is a section of learning which forms part of the whole of your degree qualification. All degrees with taught elements are divided into modules each of which needs to be passed to achieve overall qualification.

Learned journal  – A learned journal is a peer-reviewed academic journal which relates to a single particular area of academic research. Learned journals are one of the main places where original research is initially published.

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How can I apply for a PhD?

The course webpage for your chosen PhD programme (which can be found through the Course Search function) will have a link to the application form. The following How to find a research opportunity  webpage contains guidance on the application process. Please also visit our Application Guidance Notes  for further advice.