Welcome 2026 Students

Start Date

The Research Degree Induction event will take place on Monday 8 September 2025, 10:00–15:00, in the Curzon Building The Doctoral Research College (DRC) Team will contact you with further information regarding the induction information for your course.

The University’s Welcome Week will take place between Monday 15 September and Friday 19 September 2025.

Once your programme has started, you will be expected to engage in your studies in person where required.

International Students

International students are expected to engage with the University from Monday 8 September 2025.

The final deadline to arrive in the UK to complete enrolment is week commencing 6 October 2025.

Before travelling, please ensure you check all relevant UK entry and visa guidance for your country or territory.

Timetables

Course Leader

Professor Jenny Harding

Welcome to Birmingham City University and to the start of your journey as a postgraduate research student.

By joining us, you are becoming part of a diverse and growing research community. We recognise the commitment involved in undertaking a research degree, and we are here to support you throughout your studies.

At BCU, our research is focused on producing original work that makes a real difference beyond the University. Through your research, you will develop new knowledge, strengthen your expertise, and build skills that support your future career.

You will also have opportunities to share your work through publications, conferences, and engagement with external partners.

We are continuing to build our research culture and community, and we look forward to the contribution you will make during your time here.

We hope you find your research degree both challenging and rewarding, and that you enjoy being part of our research community.

Please take time to read these Welcome pages carefully, as they will help you prepare for a successful start.

Prof Jenny Harding
Director, Doctoral Research College

Course Location

Your course will mainly be taught in:

Curzon Building, City Centre Campus (Room numbers start with C)

Student Support Centre

Learn from our research students

Starting a research degree can feel like a big step but you’re not doing it alone.

Hear directly from our postgraduate researchers about their experiences, challenges, and successes at BCU.

• Read practical advice on topics like the viva, balancing study and life, and getting the most from your PhD in our  PhD Blog - PhD blog | Birmingham City University
• Discover inspiring personal journeys from our research community in I AM BCU: PGR Stories I AM BCU - Research | Birmingham City University

These stories offer a real insight into what it’s like to be a research student at BCU and can help you feel more confident as you begin your journey.

Come and visit us at The Research Hub

The Research Hub, located on our City Centre Campus, is your dedicated space as a postgraduate research student.

It’s a place where you can:

• Focus on your research
• Meet and collaborate with other researchers
• Hot-desk and work flexibly
• Share ideas and research outputs

The Doctoral Research College (DRC) team is also based in the Hub. We are here to support you throughout your research journey, whether you need guidance, have questions, or simply want to connect with someone.

Research Hub opening hours:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• DRC staff available: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

More information about the Research Hub and other PGR spaces.

First day on Campus

We look forward to welcoming you to Birmingham City University!

You must have your ID card visible at all times when on campus, so if you have received yours before your first day, ensure you bring this with you. If you enrolled late you will need to collect one on campus during your first few days. Please remember that your ID card is for your use only. You must never let anyone else use it.

To complete your enrolment, you will need the following:

• Passport (or other form of photo ID if you are a UK/EU student)
• Original qualification documents if applicable (you will be emailed a list of the documents we need to see once you have completed your online enrolment)
• Visa (international students only)

What else? The rest is up to you! You will find a shop, café, pub, computer access and water fountains on campus, but we do recommend you bring the following on the first day:

• Laptop, if you have one
• Notepad and pen
• Reusable water bottle
• Snack
• Money

And remember, the weather in Birmingham can be changeable!

Leadership

Your research degree is supported by a range of people and teams across the University.

You will be a student of the School linked to your research area. Your supervisory team is your main point of contact for academic guidance and support.

Academic progress, milestones, and formal processes are overseen by the relevant research degrees committee.

Together, these teams ensure you receive consistent academic and pastoral support throughout your studies.

Postgraduate Certificate

As part of your research degree, you are required to complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice during your first year (or second year for EdD students).

This is a one-semester programme designed to support your development as a researcher and help you successfully complete your degree.

The course will help you to:

• Develop your individual research project in a structured way
• Build essential academic research skills and knowledge
• Understand key research practices, methods, and procedures
• Explore both theoretical and practical research issues
• Develop your research proposal with academic support

The programme also helps build a supportive research community, giving you the opportunity to connect with researchers across different disciplines.

Attendance is compulsory, and successful completion is required in order to progress on your degree.

More details will be provided during your induction.