Summary
- Faculty of Education, Law & Social Sciences
- Campus
- City North , Perry Barr
- Duration
- Full Time: 3-5 years
Part Time up to: 6 years
Overview
The two Schools of Education based within the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences are involved in a wide range of research in education policy and practice from the early years to further and higher education and lifelong learning.
You can study part-time or full-time in the Faculty for an MPhil or PhD degree. Currently there are 28 MPhil and PhD students who are carrying out research in a variety of areas, including drama in education, post-16 provision, music education, early years education, innovation and creativity in teaching and learning, and education management and education policy. The Faculty welcomes applications in these and other areas of Faculty expertise.
Key Facts
Research students in Education will join a thriving research community and be part of one of the University’s Research Centres of Excellence. The Centre for Research in Education engages in education research across all age phases, including learning and teaching in Higher Education.
Research students, who have access to a dedicated research room, are encouraged to publish in collaboration with their supervisors and to take part in research conferences.
Research students will receive financial support from the faculty research budget so they can attend conferences or participate in research networks, as well as for expenses in carrying out their work, e.g. photocopying and postage costs.
It has also has carried out research projects for a number of organisations, including the DfES, local authorities, the Specialist Schools Trust, Creative Partnerships, the Learning and Skills Council and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
Course Outline
Course Structure
Your appointed supervisors, supported by the director of research, will help you to prepare a proposal for registration. The proposal is examined by a panel comprising, at least, the director of research, your appointed director of studies and an independent third member of staff.
If you are a UK resident, you will be expected to attend the meeting. The proposal is either approved or remitted for revision and resubmission. If approved, it is submitted to the University’s Research Degrees Committee for approval for registration.
A similar procedure applies for application to transfer from MPhil to PhD.
FACULTY RESEARCH COMMITTEE
The Faculty’s Research and Research Degrees Committee normally meets once a term, when it discusses, among other things, students’ progress. There are two student representatives on the committee with the brief of contributing a student perspective to discussions.
SUPPORT FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
Research students are entitled to all the University facilities and have access to their own dedicated Faculty research room. In addition, the Faculty is committed to providing as much support as it is able to meet the specific needs of research students. This includes offering a programme in research methods and regular research student seminars.
Research workshops on specific issues, such as computer software, can be set up, where requested and there is access to computing and networking facilities. To help research students with expenses, there is financial support from the Faculty research budget to allow attendance at conferences or participation in research networks. There is also financial help for photocopying and postage.
Assessments
Progress of both MPhil and PhD students is subject to formal written annual review. There is frequent informal monitoring of progress by the director of research and the director of studies. For PhD students, final assessment is by submission of a thesis and by a formal viva.
After your studies
Employment Opportunities
The majority of students who enrol for a research degree complete their studies on a part-time basis while they are employed. The MPhil and PhD awards from Birmingham City University are well established and valued professional qualifications within the education sector. Typical careers include school management, working in further education or higher education or educational consultancy.
How to apply
Entry Requirements
Before you submit an application, you will be invited to one or more informal discussions with the director of research and potential supervisors. Only if the outcome is positive are you are invited to submit a formal application.
Applications for research degrees are assessed on the following criteria:
- 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;
- that the Faculty is able to provide the appropriate supervisory expertise and resources.
Once assessed, you will be either invited to a formal enrolment interview or asked to revise your application and resubmit it.
Application Details
If you would like further details and an application form to enrol on our MPhil or PhD programme, please contact the Research Administrator julie.bodenham@bcu.ac.uk
For general information about applying to study at Birmingham City University, please refer to the Making your Application section.
International enquirers may contact the International Office for further help and advice.
Fees Notes
Please contact the Faculty of Education, Law and Social Sciences for further information. Details are below.
Further Information
Please contact the Research Administrator julie.bodenham@bcu.ac.uk
If you would like to discuss your research ideas, please contact the Director of Research martin.fautley@bcu.ac.uk
T: 0121 331 7300
F: 0121 331 7316
E: education@bcu.ac.uk
W: www.bcu.ac.uk/education