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Introduction to the PhD Program

The Birmingham City Business School offers a PhD program with a long and successful history in the field of business research. The program has a diverse range of experiences, skills, and specialisms within the faculty, allowing for one of the most diverse business research degree portfolios in the country. There are three entry dates to the program each academic year, in September, February, and May.

Overview of the Program

The PhD program is designed to help students make a significant contribution to academic understanding of a particular issue. The thesis explores current theories and frameworks and demonstrates how insights from empirical study or reasoning warrant a fundamental reconceptualisation. By the end of the program, students will have written a thesis of around 80,000 words. Students will be orally examined on their work by two or more examiners.

Course Structure

• The PhD degrees extend Master's level study by making a significant contribution to academic understanding of a particular issue.
• The thesis explores current theories and frameworks and demonstrates how insights from empirical study or reasoning warrant a fundamental reconceptualisation.
• By the end of the program, students will have written a thesis of around 80,000 words.
• Students will be orally examined on their work by two or more examiners.

Research Interests

The Business School has academics specialising in:

• Business start-up and entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Management and governance
• Leadership
• HRM & International HRM
• Business strategy
• Innovation

Current Research Projects

The Business School has carried out focused research on entrepreneurship education and graduate entrepreneurship since 2004. Specifically, much of the research has sought to track the impact of entrepreneurship education on graduates over time.

Fees and How to Apply

The program offers different modes of study, including full-time, part-time, and distance learning. The fees for the program vary depending on the mode of study and the student's status (UK or international).

Fees for UK Students

• Full-time: È5,238 in 2026/27
• Part-time: È2,619 in 2026/27
• Distance learning: TBC

Fees for International Students

• Full-time: È15,420 in 2026/27
• Part-time: È7,710 in 2026/27
• Distance learning: È9,638 in 2026/27

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree, in a discipline related to business, to be considered for a PhD. Some PhD opportunities, such as those funded by a particular research council, may additionally require a Master's level degree.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each category
• Other accepted qualifications: Visit the English language page

Research Proposal Guidance

The research proposal should address the following areas:

• The working title of the proposal
• Justification for the study
• Outcome of the study
• Research methodology
• Literature review

Postgraduate Funding

The program offers various funding opportunities, including:

• Graduate Scholarship: A 20% fee reduction for BCU graduates enrolling onto a PhD program for the first time
• Doctoral loans: Government-backed loans of up to È29,390 for UK, Irish, and eligible EU nationals studying postgraduate doctoral courses
• PhD studentships: PhD funding opportunities supported by the University and/or organisations

Course in Depth

The PhD program is designed to help students develop cutting-edge research in their area of interest, with the support of their research supervisor and fellow research community.

Why Study a PhD?

The PhD program allows students to contribute innovative ideas to their field, solve problems, discover something new, and make a difference to society.

The PhD Journey

The nature of a research degree is such that it is not possible to state an exact timescale for the program. A part-time PhD (for entrants with a relevant Master's qualification) could be expected to take 4-5 years. In the case of full-time study, a PhD may require 30-36 months.

Employability

The Doctor of Philosophy or PhD is recognised worldwide and is often an essential requirement for those wishing to follow an academic or research or consultancy career in industry or commerce.

The Value of a PhD to Employability

The PhD program has been designed to help students achieve a career in industry, research, and/or academia. Many graduates go on to become academics in universities, or researchers in industry, business, and the public sector.

Facilities and Staff

The program is based in the Curzon Building, a È63 million development, located on the City Centre campus. The building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services.

Our Facilities

• An impressive library with access to over 65 million full-text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
• A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
• Accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
• Shared facilities with the wider campus, including the Parkside Building and Millennium Point

Our Staff

The program has a team of experienced and qualified staff, including:

• Dr Alexandros Psychogios: Professor in International Human Resource Management
• Dr Bruce Philp: Associate Professor