PhD Engineering Research Degrees

The PhD Engineering Research Degrees at Birmingham City University are designed to support personal development, expand knowledge, and build core research skills and expertise in areas such as built environment, computing, health and law. This 3-4 year programme enables students to undertake independent study, supported by experienced supervisors, on research projects that often involve collaboration with industry partners. 

The Birmingham City University’s PhD Engineering Research Degrees offers students the opportunity to learn as they work through issues associated with solving a particular problem. Students get to have a more hands-on approach to their subject area, unlike most postgraduate taught courses, with regular opportunities to present and share their research and findings with other research students and staff.

Birmingham City University, located in the heart of Birmingham, is an inclusive and forward-thinking institution known for its practical, career-focused courses and global study opportunities. Aiming to drive regional growth and innovation, BCU supports entrepreneurship, skills development, and the local economy. The university has invested heavily in STEAMhouse, a place for technology, creativity, and business, and features industry-standard facilities, including partnerships with Cisco and Microsoft. BCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, business, and the arts.

To apply for this course, applicants need to write a personal statement outlining their reasons for applying for the postgraduate degree at the university. It is mandatory for applicants to submit a research proposal along with their applications. They will also need to provide a reference letter from a teacher or an employer. If they have any relevant work experience, they can also include their CV with their application.

Grade Requirements: 

• Applicants should possess a second-class upper (2:1) honours degree at undergraduate level in a related subject area. 

English Proficiency:

• If English is not the first language you speak, you will need to show that you have a good understanding of English. Usually, this means getting an overall score of 6.5 in the IELTS test, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section of the test. The university also accepts similar scores from other English language tests, such as PTE or TOEFL.

For international students, the tuition fee for the 2025/26 academic session for the PhD Engineering Research Degrees at Birmingham City University is £15,120.

Birmingham City University provides financial support to both UK and international students embarking on their first degree. International students may be eligible for a scholarship of up to £2,000, which is applied toward the tuition fees for their first year of study. These scholarships are typically awarded to applicants with strong academic performance in their previous education.

Graduates of the PhD Engineering Research Degrees at Birmingham City University can pursue various career roles, including:

• Academic Researcher
• Principal Investigator
• Engineering Consultant
• Product Development Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Technical Advisor

If you would like help with your application, you can talk to our trained advisors. They can offer advice on how to make a strong application and ensure it meets the course requirements.