Program Overview

Introduction to the Social Sciences PhD Program

The Social Sciences PhD program at Birmingham City University is a research-based degree that allows students to contribute innovative ideas to their field and make a unique contribution to knowledge. The program is designed to support a growing and vibrant community of PhD students, with a focus on practice-based learning and international opportunities.

Overview of the Program

The PhD program in Social Sciences is an advanced postgraduate qualification that involves three or more years of research. Each research student is supported by a team of supervisors appointed for the particular study. The program welcomes enquiries relating to the fields of psychology, criminology, and sociology.

What's Covered in this Course?

The Social Sciences staff have recognized standing, nationally and internationally, in the following broad areas:

• Understanding crime and punishment
• The study of all aspects of psychology
• The exploration of social structures and change

Research Interests

Research in Social Sciences has strong real-world applications, with close links to local communities, NGOs, and organizations. The research areas include:

• Criminology: Crime Culture & Contemporary Media, Extremism Security Studies & Terrorism, Positive Criminology, Sports Criminology, and Birmingham Urban Studies
• Psychology: Applied Cognition and Technology, Applications and Interventions in Positive Psychology, Health and Well-Being, Inequalities, PRiDE: Psychological Research in Development and Education, and Applied Forensic Psychology
• Sociology: Black Studies, Cultural Sociology, Higher Education and Society, Policy, Activism and Politics

Fees and How to Apply

The tuition fees for the PhD program vary depending on the mode of study and the student's status (UK or international). The fees are as follows:

• UK students: ｣5,238 (full-time) or ｣2,619 (part-time) per year
• International students: ｣15,420 (full-time) or ｣7,710 (part-time) per year

Entry Requirements

Applicants are required to hold a minimum of a 2:1 Honours degree in a discipline related to social sciences. Some PhD opportunities may require a Master's level degree. English language requirements include an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each category.

Course in Depth

The PhD program is designed to support students in developing cutting-edge research in their area of interest. The program includes a compulsory PgCert in Research Practice, which covers literature review and research methods. The PhD journey typically involves three stages: identifying the gap in current knowledge, conducting the research, and collating the data and writing up the findings.

Modes of Study

The PhD program is offered full-time or part-time, with flexible study options to suit different lifestyles. Full-time PhD research typically takes three to four years, while part-time PhD research takes four to seven years.

Employability

The PhD award is a well-established and valued professional qualification that enhances career prospects. The program is designed to support students in developing innovative ideas and making a unique contribution to knowledge, which is recognized worldwide and is often an essential requirement for academic research careers.

Facilities and Staff

The PhD program is based in the Curzon Building, a ｣63 million development on the City Centre campus. The building features state-of-the-art equipment, including eye-tracking software and an EEG machine, as well as a modern library and student hub. The Social Sciences staff have recognized standing, nationally and internationally, in their fields, and students are supported by a team of supervisors appointed for their particular study.