What will I learn?

Our Centre for the Study of Practice and Culture in Education (CSPACE) is active in a wide range of research in education policy and practice, and engages in education research across all age phases, from Early Years, through Primary and Secondary Schools, to FE and Post-16, Higher Education and lifelong learning.Research students in Education will join a thriving research community and be part of one of the University’s Research Centres of Excellence.We offer supervision for study either part-time or full-time towards a PhD degree.If you are accepted for a PhD, there is a University-wide taught course in research methodologies, and you will be assigned to a director of studies, and at least one second supervisor will also be appointed.You will have access to a dedicated research room for postgraduate researchersYou’re encouraged to publish in collaboration with your supervisors and to take part in research conferences and eventsEmployment OpportunitiesThe PhD award from Birmingham City University is a well-established and valued professional qualification within the education sector. Typical careers include school management, working in further or higher education, or educational consultancy.

Which department am I in?

School of Education and Social Work

Study options

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees

£15,420.00 (16,80,105) per year

This is a provisional fee yet to be approved

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2027

Venue

City South Campus

Westbourne Road,

Birmingham,

West Midlands,

B15 3TN, Central England, United Kingdom

Full Time (3 Years)

Tuition fees

£15,420.00 (16,80,105) per year

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Application deadline

30/09/2026

Start date

February 2027

Venue

City South Campus

Westbourne Road,

Birmingham,

West Midlands,

B15 3TN, Central England, United Kingdom

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Entry requirements

For international students

Applications for research degrees are normally assessed by interview using the following criteria: That the Faculty is able to provide the appropriate supervisory expertise and resources for the proposed topic; That the proposed research seems likely to satisfy the academic requirements of a research degree; That the proposed research is feasible in practical terms; That you seem likely to be able to cope with the academic demands of a research degree. Students should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.5) is required and TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 18 in Reading, 17 Listening, 20 Speaking and 17 in Writing.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.