Local Government and Public Policy University of Birmingham

While the traditional PhD requires you to engage entirely in research training, this programme enables you to gain added value from taught, subject-based modules. These allow you to broaden and deepen your subject knowledge at the same time as undertaking your own research and developing a set of transferable professional skills in preparation for a variety of careers.

Your coursework in year 1 will be taken in the MA in Social Research programme, within the University's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) recognised Doctoral Training Centre. This programme provide postgraduate researchers with a thorough and advanced education in social research design and the most up-to-date training in methods of data collection and analysis. The combination of core modules and short courses on more advanced topics provides flexibility to relate training to the thesis topic.

If you pass the coursework component, you will progress to normal PhD study in years 2 - 4. You will work closely with your supervisors in designing and undertaking your own research project, leading to an 80,000 word thesis. You will also undertake additional training in advanced methods and transferable skills, guided by the regular training needs analysis that forms an essential basis for your Career Development Plan. The coursework involves a mix of group-work, lectures, laboratory exercises, and project work. The independent research stage in years 2 - 4 involves self-directed research with supervisory support.

Entry requirements for this course

Contact University of Birmingham to find course entry requirements.

View foundation and pathway programmes to help you meet academic and language entry requirements.