2

Your research prospectus

EXPLORE
YOUR OPTIONS
Throughout this prospectus you
will see profiles of some of our
current students and alumni.
You can learn more about their
experiences via our dedicated
postgraduate website.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgadvic

ONLINE EVENTS
Chat with our staff and students online.
Join live Q&A sessions, watch videos
and take a virtual tour to get a taste of
our beautiful campus.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgchat

PG TIPS BLOG
Our current students regularly share
their experiences of postgraduate study
in our dedicated PG Tips blog.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgtips

ASK US A
QUESTION
Ask our student team, covering
various subjects, levels and modes of
study, a question about postgraduate
study and they will answer your
question personally.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgask

HELPING YOU MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE

We want you to be able to choose the right postgraduate
course to meet your needs. To help you do this, we provide
a suite of resources and information online and on campus
to help you make an informed choice.
Postgraduate prospectus 2020 Admissions

CONTENTS
Welcome4 INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED CLINICAL
Welcoming international students 6 PRACTICE
Why choose Birmingham? 7 Introduction to Advanced Clinical Practice
The postgraduate community 9 Degree Apprencticeship 26
Meet your country mentor 11 Advanced Clinical Practice MSc/PGDip/PGCert
Our programmes 12 28
Which programme should you choose 13 Postgraduate profile 29
How are our taught programmes assessed? 15
Funding your degree 16 INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICIAN
ASSOCIATE STUDIES
INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL HEALTH
Physician Associate Studies PGDip 31
RESEARCH
Postgraduate profile 32
Clinical Health Research MRes 20
FURTHER INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION TO NEUROPSYCHIATRY
Accommodation34
Clinical Neuropsychiatry MSc/PGDip/PGCert 22 Our research 36
How to apply 38
INTRODUCTION TO TRAUMA SCIENCE
The application process 39
Trauma Science MSc 24 Next steps 44

GET IN TOUCH
postgraduate@contacts.bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgask
@unibirmingham
/unibirmingham
@unibirmingham

www.birmingham.ac.uk
Postgraduate prospectus

WELCOME
The decision to undertake a postgraduate qualification is a significant one.
At Birmingham you can be assured that you will receive expert teaching and
supervision alongside sector-leading professional and academic careers
services and support for your health, wellbeing and personal development.

Within a lively, inclusive community and a strong research culture we will

engage, motivate, support and challenge you.

2 ND MOST
16 TH INUNIVERSITY
TARGETED TOP FOR GRADUATE PROSPECTS THE GUARDIAN
UNIVERSITY IN THE
UK BY TOP EMPLOYERS
HIGH FLIERS GRADUATE
MARKET IN 2019
5 (THE COMPLETE UNIVERSITY
GUIDE 2019)
GUIDE
2020 RANKINGS

87% 11 14 TH INSUNDAY
OF OUR RESEARCH ALUMNI AND STAFF THE TIMES AND THE
ACTIVITY HAS A TIMES GOOD
GLOBAL IMPACT HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY GUIDE
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
FRAMEWORK (REF) 2014 WITH NOBEL PRIZES 2019 RANKINGS

13 TH INUNIVERSITY
THE COMPLETE
GUIDE
2020 RANKINGS
92% OF OUR POSTGRADUATES ENTER A GRADUATE
ROLE WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF LEAVING THE
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS FROM HIGHER EDUCATION SURVEY,
UK/EU RESPONDENTS, 2016–17

81 ST INWORLD
GOLD
THE 2019 QS OUR GOLD RATING IN THE TEACHING EXCELLENCE FRAMEWORK
(TEF) MEANS WE ARE RECOGNISED FOR DELIVERING
UNIVERSITY CONSISTENTLY OUTSTANDING TEACHING AND LEARNING
RANKINGS OUTCOMES FOR OUR STUDENTS

The best universities depend on two great

pillars: the quality of their education and the
quality of their research. Our emphasis on
the importance of both of these pillars is
demonstrated by our strong placement in
global rankings. PROFESSOR SIR DAVID EASTWOOD
VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Postgraduate prospectus

Postgraduate students have always been at the heart of our university life.
‭Whether joining us for a taught programme or embarking on research,
you will become an integral part of our community, bringing global
experience and new perspectives – all of which contribute to the
academic and social richness of our global university.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

The best universities depend on two great
pillars: the quality of their education and the
quality of their research. At the University of
Birmingham, our emphasis on the importance of
both of these pillars is demonstrated by our
strong placement in global rankings. We
encourage bold, independent thinking, and
provide exceptional academic programmes that
will stretch and challenge, as well as offering
flexibility and choice for the modern
postgraduate student.
Our postgraduates are an essential part of the We strive for even greater success to enhance
success of our education and research the impact that our graduates and our research
communities. Our University Graduate School will make around the world. We look forward to
will give you access to dedicated student welcoming you to our community, and to
services, supporting you to develop personally playing our part in your future success.
and professionally. We are committed to
investing in the future of the University: we are
transforming our campus with exceptional new
academic facilities, and we are continuing to
enhance our student services to support
wellbeing and success for our postgraduates.

Our ambition means that we strive to
do more: appointing and developing
outstanding academic colleagues across the
breadth of our disciplines, investing in
substantial new research programmes and
scholarships, and building major national and
international research collaborations.
The University of Birmingham has a history of
firsts and we are now the first global top 100
and Russell Group university to establish a
campus in Dubai, building on our extensive PROFESSOR SIR DAVID EASTWOOD
international research and teaching VICE-CHANCELLOR,
collaborations, and demonstrating our ambition UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
as an outward-looking, world-class institution.

5
Masters Prospectus International Students

WELCOMING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

The mix of people, nationalities and cultures on campus greatly enriches our learning
and teaching environment, ensuring that our students, academic staff and partners
across the world benefit from the experience that the University has to offer.

Birmingham is a truly global university producing
world-leading research. We benefit from mutual
partnerships with a wide range of international
institutions and host a large international
community of researchers and students. With
over 6,500 international students from more than
150 countries, and 31% of our academic staff
from overseas, our campus is truly a diverse and
global place, which attracts the brightest and
best international students and staff.
To welcome you and help you settle into
university life, we run a dedicated, five-day
programme in September called Welcome
International. This begins with an airport
collection service and includes tours of the
campus and the city, help with, if necessary,
administrative tasks such as registering with a
doctor and the police, and social events at which
you can meet other international postgraduates.
We also arrange social events for students and
their dependants throughout the year, including
a Christmas party for students’ children.
To find out more please visit:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/welcome
The British Council has offices in many
countries throughout the world, which are able
to provide you with advice about studying in the
UK. Most offices also have an education library
and internet facilities where you can consult
university material. The British Council can also
provide advice about funding opportunities.
In addition, our International Recruitment team,
academic staff and current students represent
the University at study and careers fairs around
the world. To find out more about our upcoming
international events please visit:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/meet
EQUIVALENT
QUALIFICATIONS
The University of Birmingham welcomes
applications from academically qualified
students from all over the world. The
application process has several aspects to
it, including qualifications, experience and
your references. To check the equivalence
of your qualification to UK entrance
requirements, please visit your country
page: www.birmingham.ac.uk/country
For advice on entry requirements for
specific courses, contact the admissions
tutor for your chosen programme or visit
the relevant department’s website.
For general advice, email:
admissions@bham.ac.uk or
telephone: +44 (0)121 415 8900

MEET TO
HERE YOUR
SUPPORT YOU
RECRUITMENT OFFICER
Thank you for your interest in studying for
your
Thank Masters
you fordegree
your interest
with usinatstudying
Birmingham.
for ENGLISH LANGUAGE
We
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and
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in
to September.
provide you Whether
with information
you’re considering
and support You will need to demonstrate that you
studying
at any time
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you with
join us
us inorSeptember.
you’ve have a good level of written and spoken
already
Whether made
you’re
anconsidering
application, studying
do get inyour English. Most people do this through an
touch
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or you’ve already made an IELTS, TOEFL or PTE qualification, but we
application, do get in touch with your also accept alternative qualifications. If
We
questions.
look forward to hearing from you soon. you have already been instructed and
assessed in English at a recognised
Elijah
I look James
forward to hearing from you soon! institution in a majoritively English-
Head of International Recruitment speaking country, you may be exempt from
Chloe Pattison these requirements For full details please
Email: international@bham.ac.uk visit: www.birmingham.ac.uk/intreqs
Email:
Tel: +44 c.e.pattison@bham.ac.uk
(0)121 414 2894

VISIT YOUR COUNTRY PAGE www.birmingham.ac.uk/international

6
Postgraduate prospectus
YOUR POSTGRADUATE GUARANTEE
By choosing Birmingham you are joining a large, diverse and vibrant postgraduate
community. Whatever the nature of your programme, we aim to provide a stimulating
and engaging study experience of the highest quality.
You can expect to engage with challenging debates, theories and
concepts. We have the strength and variety of programmes to suit
your individual needs and interests, backed by the academic
expertise and influence, support and facilities of a research-
intensive global university.
Your experience will be unique, but we will ensure you benefit
from both academic and personal development that will help you
CAREERS SUPPORT
Our expert careers support and training will
equip you for the next step in your journey.
Your ambition is our ambition. Whether you are already employed,
changing career or are yet to enter the job market, when you join us
you will benefit from our sector-leading employability support.
Our Postgraduate Careers Network will provide you with expert
preparation for employment or help you to advance in your career. If you
are aiming for an academic career, our supervisory teams will provide
you with the advice and information that you need for your success.
Our teams will offer you employment advice, help you to foster valuable
networks and identify relevant opportunities. We will ensure that you
are ready to take your next step and are equipped to demonstrate
your achievements.
A Birmingham postgraduate degree will help you to grow and boost
your professional prospects. As the third most targeted UK university by
top employers, we can teach you the skills required to make you a highly
desirable graduate for employers locally, nationally and internationally.
‘Birmingham helped to shape
my thinking and supported
my growth; from developing
my leadership style to being
introduced to world-class
tutors and lectures.’
GARY WROE, MBA alumnus and Managing
Director of Merrell Casting and Hockley Mint,
in the Jewellery Quarter
Why Choose Birmingham?
to achieve success and ensure your degree is
an asset in your future prospects.
Our postgraduate guarantee underscores the
commitment, dedicated resources and support
we deliver for all Birmingham postgraduates.
This is our commitment to you:
‘I found that I put in more
effort and used my time
more efficiently than in my
undergraduate degree because
I was so motivated by the
modules on my course. The
teaching is personal, attentive
and incredibly advanced.’
LYDIA SPOONER, MA Literature
and Culture alumna
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
You will receive expert teaching,
supervision and resources, to help
you to succeed in your degree.
We expect a lot from our postgraduates, but you can expect a lot from us in
return. We will work with you to identify your personal training and support
needs as you engage in a challenging yet rewarding postgraduate degree.
We use technology to enhance your learning and research. Take advantage
of our library, collections and archives and choose your mode of study; from
traditional methods to using e-resources to interact with collections digitally.
Among purpose-built, modern surroundings, including labs that support
both research and teaching, you will work alongside an expert team who
can help you to exploit our state-of-the-art tools. Our personal tutor system
for Masters students and supervisory teams assisting researchers will
support you to set goals and monitor your progress.
You will be taught and supervised by our outstanding academics, whose
research shapes and informs your learning. Our schools and departments,
and the University Graduate School, will provide the best possible research
and education environment, including dedicated study spaces in which you
can work, and events and training programmes to support your development.
7
Postgraduate prospectus Why Choose Birmingham?

‘Many of our disciplines

have world-leading research
cultures. We support research
excellence with major academic
investments and have established
signature collaborations at
home and overseas.’
PROFESSOR TIM SOFTLEY, Pro-Vice-Chancellor
(Research and Knowledge Transfer) and Fellow
of the Royal Society

RESEARCH CULTURE
You will benefit from our world-leading
research culture and you will be
welcomed into our vibrant and stimulating
research community.
Your degree will teach you the skills of research, enable you to engage
with the insights of leading researchers in your field, and expose you to
the challenges and excitement of original thinking and the pursuit of
knowledge. You will have opportunities to participate in the activities
of the University’s research centres and work alongside our research-
active academics.
You will benefit from working in an environment in which excellence and
innovation are made possible by brilliant people, outstanding facilities
and strong collaborative networks. Within this nurturing academic
community, you will be able to contribute to shaping and changing lives.
SOCIAL, HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Your health, wellbeing and personal
development will be as important to
us as your academic achievement.
You will benefit from a huge range of opportunities to enrich your
postgraduate experience, including the support you need to manage
your wellbeing while studying with us.
As a civic university, we are committed to the principles of equality
and diversity. We work to make sure that all our students feel safe and
valued and that we contribute to the region through education and
research. Postgraduate students make up more than 40% of our student
community, so you are integral to our work as a university, whether you
are learning on our Edgbaston campus, online or at our Dubai campus.

Within an inclusive and supportive postgraduate community, you will

meet and share experiences with students and researchers from more
‘The challenging yet inspiring part than 150 countries. Whatever format you are studying, this mix of
for me? Don’t expect that your people, nationalities and cultures will greatly enrich your perspective
tutors will give answers to all of and your learning.
your questions. You are encouraged
to uncover answers in your field Your wellbeing is at the heart of your success. We will support your
as part of the research community. personal development by providing access to a range of excellent
Of course, you will receive all the physical health, mental health and wellbeing services. If you are based
necessary support to learn how.’ on, or near to, the Birmingham campus, you can take advantage of a
AYA HAYASAKI, MA Education (TEFL) alumna wide range of opportunities beyond the curriculum, including sports,
community volunteering, arts and culture. From joining the gym or a
sports league to meeting like-minded people in a society or special
interest club, you will have plenty of opportunities to socialise, network
and enjoy your time at Birmingham.

8
Postgraduate prospectus
THE POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY
Choose Birmingham and you will join one of the UK’s largest
postgraduate communities, with over 14,000 postgraduate students
making up more than 40% of the total student population.
You will be among like-minded people and
receive the stimulation, support and challenges
you need to succeed.
Our postgraduates have a distinctive voice and
are highly valued members of the University
within a community that is diverse, safe and
inclusive. We ensure this through student
representation and dedicated facilities and
resources, such as our University Graduate
School and full-time Postgraduate Officer.
Life as a postgraduate student involves much
more than just studying for your degree. You can
get involved in research and special interest
groups, contribute to publications, talks and
conferences, and take advantage of a broad
range of opportunities to gain new skills.
‘We are here to ensure that
all postgraduates across the
University are equipped to do
the highest quality study and
research during their time at
Birmingham, and that they have
the skills needed to pursue the
career they choose.’
PROFESSOR GAVIN SCHAFFER,
Dean of Postgraduates
Once you graduate, our global community
of over 300,000 alumni includes people
living in more than 190 countries around
the world. We have alumni groups, from the
USA to Hong Kong, that provide the
chance to keep in touch with fellow alumni
locally, share memories and build valuable
professional connections.
Your personal development
UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
The University Graduate School (UGS)
supports our postgraduate community.
It provides a University-wide community of
peers from all academic disciplines offering
networking and social opportunities. UGS
is a gateway to advice and support for
postgraduates, working with the other
University support services to ensure you
have access to high-quality training,
facilities, tutoring and supervision.
You can take part in a busy programme of
events throughout the academic year, such
as the annual Research Poster Conference
and Images of Research competition,
communicating with the public in innovative
and creative ways. Visit our dedicated hub,
Westmere, to meet, connect and work with
other members of the postgraduate community.
Access our researcher-led activities fund,
which provides you with the opportunity to
organise and promote social, wellbeing and
academic events for other postgraduate
researchers to attend. UGS will give you formal
and informal opportunities to raise your profile,
network with peers and colleagues, apply
transferable skills and help you make the
most of your time here.
9
Postgraduate prospectus Your personal development

REPRESENTATION GROUPS AND SOCIETIES

The Guild is your students’ union and,
if you choose to continue your studies at
Birmingham, you will automatically become a
member. The Guild is proud to have a full-time
elected Postgraduate Officer; one of only
a few in the country.
GET IN TOUCH
postgraduate@guild.bham.ac.uk
@guild_postgrad
/guildpostgraduate
@guild_postgrad
The Postgraduate and Mature Students
Association (PGMSA) is the representative
body for postgraduates and mature students
that works with the Guild and the University
to champion your needs. The PGMSA
also organises a programme of social and
orientation events that runs during Welcome
Week and throughout the academic year,
including the Postgraduate Housing Event and
weekly socials in the Bratby in Staff House –
the on-campus bar exclusively for University
staff and postgraduate students.
There are many groups and societies
for postgraduates, in addition to over 300
active student groups and societies hosted by
the Guild of Students, covering a wide range of
interests, charities and causes. Each School
also runs its own social activities, research fora,
seminars and groups for postgraduates, all of
which you will find out about as you progress to
beginning your degree.

‘The Guild is a democratic,

student-led organisation that
exists independently from the
University to ensure you to get
the most out of university life.

‘As your Postgraduate Officer,

I am here to support you and make
sure your voice is heard. I know
first-hand that postgraduate study
can be challenging but it’s
important to remember that there’s
a life outside academia. There are
so many ways to get involved with
your University community, such
as volunteering, joining a society
or becoming a Student Rep. If
you have any questions about the
postgraduate community here at
Birmingham, feel free to get in
touch with me using the contact
details on this page.’

TOBILOBA ADEYEMI, Postgraduate

Officer at the University of Birmingham

10
Masters Prospectus International Students

There is a strong international atmosphere at Birmingham, with students

coming from all over the world. You learn new things every day from the
different cultures that you meet on campus. The staff are always willing to
help, too – their empathy is really useful for people coming from abroad
to feel at home and to achieve their potential.

CARCLES CIURANS, SPAIN, Biochemical Engineering MSc

ASK US A QUESTION: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/ask

11
Postgraduate prospectus Our programmes

OUR
PROGRAMMES
With more than 600 taught programmes and a range of
research opportunities to choose from, Birmingham is one of
the most popular UK universities for postgraduate study.

12
Postgraduate prospectus Our programmes

WHICH PROGRAMME SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

We recognise that in an increasingly fast-paced world, flexibility in

terms of how and where you undertake your studies is important.
Our portfolio of programmes offers a modern solution for today’s
postgraduate students.

From part-time and distance learning options

through to degree programmes taught by
our faculty overseas, we offer a range of
opportunities to suit your personal or
professional needs. Learn more about your
options in this section and find out how to apply.
MASTERS-LEVEL
DOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
These involve the completion of original
academic research. They also include research
skills training that will equip you to become an
independent researcher, capable of advancing
knowledge in your field.
Doctoral degrees, such as the PhD, are the
contribution to a field of knowledge. Doctoral
researchers often teach undergraduate classes
during their degree programme and you will
usually contribute to the research life of your
department by presenting papers at seminars
and conferences.

PROGRAMMES highest level of academic qualification, for which

you will conduct original research and make a

These are usually one year in length (and ‘My course has been filled
a minimum of two years if taken part-time). with opportunity and has
Comprising a number of modules, they are allowed me to develop as a
assessed by a combination of coursework, writer and independent thinker.
examination and dissertation, and lead to Undertaking part-time study, I
the award of a Masters qualification. found the modules and tutors
flexible and accommodating, and
Our taught Masters programmes are the I had extra time to commit to
next step after undergraduate study and can development and research
be pursued to further your knowledge and opportunities.’
expertise, to prepare for a research degree,
to gain a vocational qualification or even to NIALL GALLEN,
change careers. MA Literature and Culture (part-time)

A combined research and taught

Masters, such as the MRes, is often taken
as a stepping stone to doctoral study. These
combined programmes will provide you with
taught modules to increase your knowledge
of a subject, and the opportunity to complete
an extended research thesis with the
appropriate training and supervision.

A research Masters, such as the MSc by We also offer programmes at our

Research, is a good way to investigate a topic Dubai campus, as well as in Singapore,
in greater depth, to prove your capacity for in partnership with the Singapore
undertaking research and/or to demonstrate Institute of Management (SIM).
your suitability to progress to a doctoral degree.

13
Postgraduate prospectus Our programmes

WHICH PROGRAMME SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

My course provided such a great diversity of

opportunity; from the courses and modules on offer
to the people that it attracted from around the world.
It was a great eye-opener about how diverse our
world is and how interesting a place it can be.
THOM TOWNSEND, MSc Conflict, Security and Development alumnus and
Senior Policy Advisor at the Cabinet Office

DECIDE YOUR DISTANCE LEARNING?

MODE OF STUDY
Flexibility in the mode of learning enables you to
undertake learning and assessment through
different methods and formats. On some of our
courses you can choose which mode of study
you take, whether it is campus-based, block
delivery, blended or distance learning. Some
courses are offered by more than one mode and
you may be able to transfer from one mode
to another.
If you have commitments that don’t allow you
to study via the standard on-campus mode, or
you prefer an online learning format, then you
may like to consider applying for a distance
learning programme (a mode of study that is
sometimes also referred to as distance
education). The main advantage of studying by
distance learning is its flexibility. You can study at
home, in your own time and at your own pace, so
you can combine achieving a qualification with
work or family commitments.
‘Engineering and business has always
been connected, and I wanted to build
my career in marketing. A conversion
course gave me marketing knowledge
that I lacked before and polished my
mathematical, analytical and project
management skills – an advantage in
the increasingly digital and data-driven
practices of marketing.’

FULL-TIME OR APRIL CHEUNG, MSc Strategic Marketing and

Consulting alumna

PART-TIME?
Although full-time study is still the most
common choice for our students, we know that
many of our postgraduates, for professional,
family or financial reasons, prefer to take their
degree course on a part-time basis, either on
campus or through distance (online) learning.
Some of our programmes now offer these
options. Please note that due to visa
restrictions, international students (from
non-EU/EEA countries) studying on campus
are normally only eligible for full-time study.

Once you have decided which

level and type of degree is most
appropriate for you, you can find
more details on the degree, support
and funding for each level of study
on our Course finder pages at:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

14
Postgraduate prospectus Our programmes

HOW ARE OUR TAUGHT PROGRAMMES

COMPLETED AND ASSESSED?
All our degrees are set within a credit framework designed
to measure your academic achievements. You acquire credits
by taking a number of compulsory and optional modules.

MASTERS-LEVEL
QUALIFICATIONS TYPES OF MASTERS DEGREE
You will accumulate 180 credits in each full QUALIFICATION KNOWN AS CREDITS ECTS CREDITS TYPICAL LENGTH OF COURSE
year of study on a Masters-level course. Credits
are acquired by taking compulsory and optional Masters MA/MSc/LLM 180 90 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
modules, which are part of each degree Master of Education MEd 180 90 3 years
programme. These credits are equivalent to
Master of MPH 180 90
40 hours’ learning a week, through a combination
Public Health
of independent study and contact time in lectures
and seminars. Modules may be based around Master of Business MBA 180 90 12-month intensive full-time, or extended
a single subject or a small part of a much Administration to 2 years with preliminary courses
broader area. Over 2–4 years part-time,
in intensive blocks
HOW CAN CREDITS BE USED? The below qualifications can usually be ‘topped up’ to Masters qualifications by completing further credits,
The European Credit Transfer and
usually in the form of a dissertation, and are usually ‘exit qualifications’ for those studying Masters.
Accumulation System (ECTS) is a credit
system designed to standardise degree Postgraduate PGDip 120 60 9 months or less
programmes or training. You can show your Diploma
credits to employers and other institutions Postgraduate PGCert 60 30 9 months or less
to show the equivalency of your qualification. Certificate

DEGREE ‘For me, the best things about my

APPRENTICESHIPS course all stemmed from its multidisciplinary

structure. Studying modules from three
different disciplines enabled me to
We offer a new education route bringing configure a very broad Masters programme
together university study and the invaluable that reflected all my academic interests. As
on-the-job training typical of an apprenticeship. well as providing me with a broad range of
Level 7 (postgraduate) degree apprenticeships topics, the course also enabled me to
are suitable for people who want to take their analyse them in greater depth.
career to the next level through Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) opportunities. ‘The multidisciplinary nature of the course
We offer a broad range of degree also meant that my seminars were spent
apprenticeships to support lifelong learning. with students from a range of different
Level 7 programmes are taught on a part-time courses; from a variety of different
basis and are aimed at those already employed academic disciplines, each with unique
in a managerial role. areas of interest. This meant that in every
seminar, I was exposed to a rewarding mix
Find out more on degree apprenticeships, of ideas and opinions that I otherwise
both as a student or as an employer, on our wouldn’t have been exposed to.’
website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/
degreeapprenticeships ADAM JOSEPH-KERR, MA International Law,
Ethics and Politics alumnus
15
 Funding your degree

FUNDING
YOUR
DEGREE

We have invested more than £28 million in student support and

scholarships to help you to pursue postgraduate study. You will have
access to a range of resources and advice to help you find funding
and manage your finances while you are studying.

16
Postgraduate prospectus
FEES, FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR YOUR RESEARCH DEGREE
There are many ways to finance your research degree; from
scholarships and studentships to loans and partial funding from
other sources. Below, we will explore your options, although you
can find many more sources online via our funding database.
We offer scholarships to support research
postgraduates to invest in their future, along
with a number of funded studentships
providing generous support.
You can find our University scholarships,
usually aligned with our areas of focus
for research, on our website: www.
birmingham.ac.uk/pgscholarships
RESEARCH COUNCIL
FUNDING (UKRI)
There are seven government-funded research
councils, known jointly as UKRI (United Kingdom
Research and Innovation) that offer financial
support to postgraduate students:
nn AHRC (Arts and Humanities
Research Council)
nn BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological
Sciences Research Council)
nn ESRC (Economic and Social
Research Council)
nn EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences
Research Council)
nn MRC (Medical Research Council)
nn NERC (Natural Environment Research
Council)
nn STFC (Science and Technology
Facilities Council)
Full UKRI awards cover the cost of tuition fees
and also provide a maintenance grant to support
you during your studies. Find out more about
our funded centres and partnerships at
www.birmingham.ac.uk/researchcouncils
Funding your degree
Find out more:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfees
WHAT DOES IT COST?
Tuition fees for your course
Tuition fees are charged annually. We use at least the minimum fee level recommended by
UKRI for our research-level fees. The indicative fee level for 2020 is £4,380 and will be
confirmed in Spring 2020. You can find your course fees on our website or in the course
directory. There may also be additional costs associated with field trips, travel and undertaking
research off-campus.
How to pay your fees
You can choose to pay your tuition fees in full or make monthly or termly instalment payments
using the University direct debit scheme from a UK bank account.
‘I have been awarded a Global
Challenges PhD Scholarship, which
includes a monthly PhD stipend, and
covers university fees and a budget for
research costs. This has enabled me
to conduct my fieldwork in Pakistan,
enhancing my ability to tackle key
challenges in global youth mental
health. The scheme has also helped
strengthen relationships with local
organisations and other early-career
researchers working in low- and
middle-income countries.’
MARGARET HARDIMAN,
Global Challenges Doctoral Researcher
17
Postgraduate prospectus Funding your degree

FEES, FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

FOR YOUR RESEARCH DEGREE

POSTGRADUATE
DOCTORAL LOAN
The Postgraduate Doctoral Loan is a new
government loan that you can use to help with
course fees and living costs. UK or EU nationals
who normally reside in England can borrow up to
£25,700 that will be divided equally across each
year of your course. Your course can be full-
or part-time and last between three and eight
academic years.

www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgdloan

APPLYING
FOR FUNDING 1 Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached. These are most common in
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can
sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or
social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or
competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each
Funding support for PhD study can be provided institution. Search funded projects: www.birmingham.ac.uk/findaphd
in different ways, with some covering the
programme fees and including a stipend
(maintenance costs), while others may simply
be a one-off financial award.

Your first consideration for funding should be
our advertised PhDs, UKRI (United Kingdom
Research and Innovation), or the many funding
bodies listed on our Postgraduate Funding
database.
2 Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer.
You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply
to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply
for studentships or funding from various sources. If you need more help to understand
research funding, projects and how the process works, use our online guide:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfundingexplained

There are two main ways to fund your PhD:

SEARCHING FOR FUNDING?

Use our funding and scholarships database to find sources of funding
that may be available to you: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

18
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL HEALTH RESEARCH

Take your first steps in research training and develop a career that
combines clinical practice with independent research

This programme provides the first step in research training for

health professionals currently working in clinical areas who would
like to develop a health-related research component to their career.
The combination of flexible learning, taught modules and research
thesis makes this a flexible and stimulating programme which gives
you the skills, awareness and intellectual discipline required
to carry out rigorous and effective patient-centred research.

WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?

n Enjoy an opportunity to work alongside existing research staff on established

research projects.
n We are particularly interested in supporting applicants who wish to research palliative
and end-of-life care across the life span and in various healthcare settings. We are
also interested in projects related to organisation and delivery of services and risk,
abuse and violence.
n Study flexibly over one (full-time) or two (part-time) years, including online modules
for distance or on-campus learning.

19

CLINICAL HEALTH RESEARCH
MRes
FACT FILE
Start date: September
Duration: 1 or 2 years
Fees for 2020–21: UK/EU £4,380,
International £22,500
Format: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Entry requirements: 2:1 Honours
degree in a healthcare-related subject
or postgraduate qualification and/or
experience in a relevant health-
related area
Content of the programme
You will study three modules (two core and one
optional) and you will complete a thesis based
on a research project.
Core modules
n Quantitative Research Methods
in Healthcare
n Qualitative Research Methods
More about the course
You will select one option module from those
on offer (20 M level credits), for example:
n Creating and applying evidence
n Systematic reviews and evidence synthesis
n Mixed methods in research
n Current issues in health
n Leadership in advanced clinical practice
n Project Management and Research
Governance (Distance Learning)
Guided by a supervisory team in designing
your research question, you will also undertake
a research project, gaining skills and confidence
in research methods, project management,
and research governance, and completing
ethical review (as appropriate). Your supervisors
will challenge your assumptions and conclusions
as well as help you to develop your writing skills
to submit your thesis.
Flexible learning and world-class teaching
As a University of Birmingham student on
this programme, you will have the privilege
of learning from world-leading academics,
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
practitioners and researchers, who will
challenge and encourage you to become
an independent and self-motivated learner
within the context of your professional role.
Throughout your time with us you will also have
access to personal and welfare tutors who can
help with both academic and welfare issues.
LEARN MORE
For full module information and an online
application form, please visit our dedicated
web pages, or contact our programme
staff with your questions.
Tel: +44 (0)121 415 8587/414 8694
Email: n.efstathiou@contacts.bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/healthresearch
For regular updates on our research,
news and events, follow:
collegemds
@unibirm_MDS
20
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO NEUROPSYCHIATRY
A springboard to greater professional or academic expertise in the field

This programme aims to advance the theory and practical

knowledge of experienced professionals working with people
with neuropsychiatric disorders. Bringing together people
employed in health, education and social services, it is also
open to psychology and other neuroscience graduates who
wish to develop their academic and clinical skills.

WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?

n Gain understanding and experience of effectively investigating and managing a broad range
of neuropsychiatric disorders
n Explore the philosophical, legal, ethical and policy issues within neuropsychiatry
n Develop your ability to critically appraise research in the field
n Gain experience in interdisciplinary working
n Learn from NHS clinicians, specialists and service users who practise and/or research
in each specific field
n Study flexibly over one year full-time, or two to three years part-time,
including online modules for distance or on-campus learning

21

CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY
MSc/PGDip/PGCert
FACT FILE
Start Date: September
Duration: 1–3 years
Fees for 2020–21 (MSc, full-time):
UK/EU – £9,250; International – £23,310
For full fee information see the web pages
(including part-time and PGDip/PGCert).
Format: 1 year full-time, 2–3 years part-time
Entry requirements: 2:1 Honours
degree in a relevant subject plus
experience of working with the client
group, or a professional qualification
plus five years’ experience
Course content
Core modules
n Brain and Mind
n Brain Injury
n Common Neuropsychiatric Disorders
n Epilepsy
n Neurodegenerative Disorders
n Research Methods (distance learning)
n Tourette Syndrome
More about the course
In addition to the core modules, you will
complete a dissertation. You will also be offered
the chance to attend a research day/seminar,
open to first and second year students.
It includes:
n The opportunity to have your research
proposals reviewed
n Further advice on qualitative
and quantitative research
Flexible learning and world-class teaching
As a University of Birmingham student on
this programme, you will have the privilege
of learning from world-leading academics,
practitioners and researchers, who will
challenge and encourage you to become
an independent and self-motivated learner.
Throughout your time with us you will also
have access to personal tutors who can
help with both academic and welfare issues.
We offer this programme on a full- or
part-time basis, over one to three years.
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
If you are unsure about committing to the
full Masters, you can opt for a Postgraduate
Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. You can
also take individual modules for CPD purposes.
to enhance your knowledge of a specific area.
LEARN MORE
For full module information and an online
application form, please visit our dedicated
web pages, or contact our programme
staff with your questions.
Email: clinicalneuro@contacts.bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/clinicalneuro
For regular updates on our research,
news and events, follow:
collegemds
@unibirm_MDS
22
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO TRAUMA SCIENCE

Develop the medical and scientific skills to become a specialist in
trauma science and its management

This programme is aimed at specialist civilian and military doctors,

nurses, physiotherapists, bioengineers, biomedical scientists and
people from the pharmaceutical industry. It is designed to answer
the increasing global demand for professionals with a recognised
background of trauma sciences training.

WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?

n Train for a career that is projected to see considerable expansion and demand
in the coming years
n The programme is delivered in partnership with frontline experts based in the new
Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, which has received funding to create a major
trauma treatment centre that offers the full range of required trauma specialists together
with an associated national trauma research centre (NIHR SRMRC)
n This joint civilian and military clinical trauma centre is where researchers from biomedical,
engineering and physical sciences work together with clinical teams on a range
of trauma-related research programmes

The incidence of trauma continues to rise.

The World Health Organization estimates that
by 2020 it will become the leading cause of
death worldwide and the annual lost economic
output as a result of major trauma in the UK is
estimated to be between £3.3–3.7 billion*.

* National Audit Office, Major Trauma Care

in England, 2010

23

TRAUMA SCIENCE
MSc
FACT FILE
Start date: October
Duration: 1 or 2 years, 1 year full-time,
2 years part-time
Fees for 2020–21 (MSc, full-time):
UK/EU – £14,130; International –
£24,930. For full fee information see the
web pages (including part-time).
Entry requirements: A Bachelors degree
(or equivalent) in engineering, life sciences
or biological sciences. We normally expect
this to be 2:1 or higher.
Course content
Core modules
n Introduction to Trauma Science
n Research Methods
n Critical Care, Torso Trauma and
Burns Management
n Neurotrauma
n Musculoskeletal Trauma and Rehabilitation
n Research Dissertation
More about the course
In addition to the above compulsory modules,
you can also tailor your programme by choosing
between the following optional modules:
n Nutrition and Metabolism
n Conflict Trauma
World-class learning and teaching
As a University of Birmingham student, you will
have the privilege of learning from world-leading
academics, practitioners and researchers, who
will challenge and encourage you to become an
independent and self-motivated learner within
the context of your professional role.
Learning is via lectures, seminars and small
group sessions, with practical experience in
clinics and laboratories where appropriate.
You will produce a detailed and thorough
dissertation, developing your theoretical
background in trauma research and independent
management of a research project.
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Throughout your course you will have access
to personal tutors who can help with both
academic and welfare issues.
LEARN MORE
For full module information and an online
application form, please visit our dedicated
web pages, or contact our programme
staff with your questions.
Email: traumascience@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 8858
www.birmingham.ac.uk/trauma
For regular updates on our research,
news and events, follow:
collegemds
@unibirm_MDS
24
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE

Preparing you to advance your clinical practice to lead and transform
patient care

Advance your practice and progress your career with this

postgraduate programme designed for allied healthcare
professionals, nurses and midwives. You will develop skills in
health assessment, diagnosis and treatment, clinical judgment
and decision-making, preparing you to take on a leading
and transformational role in service delivery through
research-informed clinical practice.

WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?

n The programme is aligned to the Multiprofessional Framework for Advanced Clinical

Practice in England, with core modules exploring the four pillars of advanced clinical
practice, and additional flexibility to undertake specialist learning in specific areas.
n Opportunity to work collaboratively and network in a multiprofessional learner environment
with experienced practitioners from a wide range of clinical specialities and practice areas.
n Flexible mode of delivery to suit both learner and employer needs through a blend of online
and on-campus delivery.
n Invaluable to a learner’s career progression, this programme enables individuals to lead
and transform service delivery through research-informed clinical practice.
n On-campus learning in year one is delivered across two-day blocks, every two weeks to a
fixed schedule enabling work commitments to be balanced. Learning in year two permits a
greater level of flexibility according to individual module selection, with modules including
Independent Prescribing (subject to professional regulations) and a range of specialist
clinical modules delivered within the School of Nursing and across the wider College
of Medical and Dental Sciences.

25
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

ADVANCED
CLINICAL PRACTICE
DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP
JOIN THE ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE
MSC PROGRAMME THROUGH OUR DEGREE
APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME
Our aim at the University of Birmingham is to
support registered allied health professionals,
nurses and midwives to develop the practical
knowledge and theoretical understanding
required to undertake advanced clinical
practice roles across the healthcare
sector. Our Advanced Clinical Practice
Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship, aligned
to the Advanced Clinical Practitioner
Standard and the Multi-professional
Framework for Advanced Clinical
Practice in England, allows
learners to gain a Masters level
qualification funded by the
Apprenticeship Levy.

As a Russell Group
University, our
programmes bring
together world-class
research and cutting-
edge facilities to
produce exceptional
results.

26

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAMME?
n The programme is aligned to the Multi-professional Framework
for Advanced Clinical Practice in England, with core modules
exploring the four pillars of advanced clinical practice, and
additional flexibility to undertake specialist learning in
specific areas.
n Opportunity to work collaboratively and network in a multi-
professional learner environment with experienced practitioners
from a wide range of clinical specialities and practice areas.
n Flexible mode of delivery to suit both learner and employer
needs through a blend of online and on-campus delivery.
OVERVIEW
The Advanced Clinical Practice Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship
programme facilitates the development of highly skilled registered
allied health professionals, nurses and midwives to enable delivery
of clinical practice to an advanced level within a variety of clinical
specialities and practice areas. With a clear focus on the four pillars
of advanced clinical practice (Clinical Practice, Education, Leadership
and Research) this innovative course, designed in collaboration with
healthcare professionals, aims to meet the challenges encountered by
current healthcare services and providers by preparing dynamic and
reflexive practitioners to ensure effective delivery of care for patients with
increasingly complex needs. Drawing on theory, research, and clinical
experiences the programme will enable learners to lead and transform
service delivery through research-informed clinical practice.
Learners will have the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and
behaviours through the selection of modules designed to enhance one’s
ability to take on key clinical roles within organisations. The clinically
focused course integrates generic modules, including Advanced Health
Assessment and Clinical Decision Making, and Independent Prescribing
(subject to professional regulation), with speciality specific components
to meet individual work-based requirements. The development of
understanding in anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology
and advanced health assessment skills, along with associated work-
based learning experiences, facilitates effective clinical reasoning and
evidence-based decision making within practice.
Learners are required to complete supervised practice within their
clinical area with the support of practice supervisors and assessors.
The University will maintain a close partnership with practice areas
for the duration of study to facilitate an inclusive and supportive
learning environment. During clinically focused hours, students will
be under direct and/or indirect supervision by their allocated practice
supervisor or assessor to facilitate the completion of competency-based
assessments and the development of a comprehensive evidence portfolio
to demonstrate developing competence across the four pillars of practice.
GETTING IN TOUCH
To learn more about engaging with the University please visit:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/partners/degree-apprenticeships
Or email us at: degreeapps@contacts.bham.ac.uk
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
n Invaluable to a learner’s career progression, this programme
enables individuals to lead and transform service delivery
through research-informed clinical practice.
n On-campus learning in year one is delivered across two-day
blocks, every two weeks to a fixed schedule enabling work
commitments to be balanced. Learning in year two permits
a greater level of flexibility according to individual module
selection, with modules including Independent Prescribing
(subject to professional regulations) and a range of specialist
clinical modules delivered within the School of Nursing and
across the wider College of Medical and Dental Sciences.
Learners are encouraged to engage with speciality specific competencies
from their respective Royal Colleges or Speciality Societies to supplement
their portfolio development during the duration of the course.
The Advanced Clinical Practice Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship programme
has been developed to extend learner’s competence to advanced clinical
practice level with the support of theoretical and experiential learning;
with high quality, research informed person-centred care at its heart.
SUCCESS AND IMPACT
The University is currently offering Degree Apprenticeship programmes
with a number of partners across the private, public and third sectors,
in business, local government, education and the NHS against the
following Apprenticeship Standards:
n Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional
n Level 6 Rail and Rail Systems Senior Engineer
n Level 7 Rail and Rail Systems Principal Engineer
n Level 7 Senior Leader
n Level 7 Post Graduate Engineer
n Level 7 Advanced Clinical Practitioner
The University is continuing to develop further programmes against a
number of additional Apprenticeship Standards and our offer for partners
continues to grow.
GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS
AND EMPLOYEES
The programme is fully levy-funding compliant. Talk to our Degree
Apprenticeships team to understand what this might mean for you.
27

ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICE
MSc
FACT FILE
Start Date: September
Duration: 3 years
Format: Part-time
Entry requirements: The applicant must
hold current registration with one of the
statutory regulators of health and care
professions ie, NMC or HCPC or GPhC
n The applicant must have at least
36 months clinical experience
post qualification
n They should normally hold an honours
degree in their clinical field of practice
Applicants will need to demonstrate
evidence of continuing professional
development that shows an ability to
study at Masters level.
All routes require current registration
with relevant professional/regulatory
organisations and a full support from their
employing organisation to facilitate the
requirements of the clinical supervision.
This course is also available as part of
a Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship.
For all enquiries relating to this Degree
Apprenticeship programme please contact
our Degree Apprenticeships Manager:
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 4271
Mob: +44 (0)7976230204
Email: degreeapps@contacts.bham.ac.uk
Course Content
Core modules
There are core modules within the programme
which include Advanced Health Assessment
and Clinical Decision Making, The Reflective
Advanced Practitioner and Creating and
Applying Evidence. All modules are designed
to facilitate development of competence in the
four pillars of advanced clinical practice: clinical
practice, leadership, education and research
More about the course
In addition to core mandatory modules, this
programme offers the flexibility of a choice of
modules to suit your clinical interests and areas
of expertise. This allows you to develop your
skills at an advanced level of practice in a
number of specialist clinical or research areas.
There are a number of optional modules
available including:
n Supportive and palliative care
n Current issues in health
n Mixed methods research designs
n First Contact
n Chronic Disease Management
n Principles of palliative care for children
and young people
The MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
incorporates the Practice Certificate in
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
Independent Prescribing for students eligible
to undertake the independent prescribing
qualification.
Students enrolled on the full MSc are required
to complete an advanced practice research
project/dissertation which will be supported
by an academic supervisor.
Flexible learning and world-class teaching
As a University of Birmingham student, you will
have the privilege of learning from world-leading
academics, practitioners and researchers, who
will challenge and encourage you to become an
independent and self-motivated learner within
the context of your professional role.
You will experience a range of learning styles,
such as lectures, eLectures, clinical skills
simulation, small group tutorials, presentations,
peer group learning and self-study. You will
also have access to personal academic
tutors who can help with both academic
and welfare issues.
We offer this programme on a part-time basis
over three years. You can also take individual
modules for CPD purposes (with or without
assessment), and use credits gained from
assessed modules towards a full qualification
at a later stage (within a five-year period).
LEARN MORE
For full module information and an online
application form, please visit our dedicated
web pages, or contact our programme
staff with your questions.
Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3230
Email: acp@contacts.bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/
advanced-clinical-practice
For regular updates on our research,
news and events, follow:
collegemds
@unibirm_MDS
28
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

I am Head of Oncology at the Animal Health Trust. I completed the

Clinical Oncology MSc at Birmingham. The course gave me a good
understanding of the biology, pathology and treatment modalities of
cancer, but most importantly it allowed me to understand advanced
scientific methods. I can now approach projects with an increased
confidence. A taught Masters is hard work, but at the end you will
have a solid basis to grow your knowledge and your career.

DR DAVIDE BERLATO, Clinical Oncology MSc alumnus. Davide is

pictured at the Animal Health Trust facility at Lanwades Park in Suffolk.

ASK US A QUESTION: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/ask

29
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

INTRODUCTION TO PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE STUDIES

Take advantage of a new and rapidly growing health care role in the UK

Physician Associates support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients, and are
trained to perform a number of roles including: taking medical histories, performing examinations,
analysing test results and diagnosing illnesses under supervision. It is a new, rapidly growing role
in the UK that is soon to be nationally regulated increasing the autonomy and responsibilities of
the profession. Offering starting salaries of £30–40k, this course offers an excellent opportunity
to build your career and make a valuable contribution to the nation’s health.

WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM?

n Qualify to practise in the UK upon successful completion of the programme

n Benefit from patient contact from the very first semester through your attachment
to a General Practice in the West Midlands and beyond
n Follow a career path that has already had proven success in the US, where there are
approximately 100,000 Physician Associates practising
n Pursue a profession that is supported by the NHS, the Department of Health,
Health Education England West Midlands, and Health Education England
n Birmingham staff have taken a key role in the development of the profession at a national
as well as a regional level in response to need identified by local healthcare providers

30

PHYSICIAN ASSOCIATE STUDIES
PGDip
FACT FILE
Start date: January and August
Duration: 25 months
Format: Full-time
Fees for 2020-21: UK/EU – £9,250
(per year) full-time; International –
£15,540 (per year) full-time
Entry requirements: 2:1 in a life science
degree (eg, Biology, Biomedical Science,
Physiotherapy). A 2:2 in a Life Sciences
degree may be considered with considerable
clinical experience. You may also be
considered if you have a Health Sciences
diploma (eg, Nursing) with extensive
clinical experience.
Course content
This programme integrates both theoretical
and clinical learning. Theory is studied through
case-based learning and you will have the
chance to experience medicine in both hospital
and community attachments. Meanwhile, the rich
ethnic and socio-economic diversity of the
5.5-million-strong West Midlands population
offers unrivalled opportunities for clinical learning,
and we look to optimise this through placements.
The second year continues the case-based
learning approach within the clinical specialties
of Acute/Emergency Medicine, Community
Based Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology,
Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Surgery.
Throughout, you will learn in a variety of different
ways, including lectures, seminars, tutorials,
laboratory work and bedside demonstrations.
The course incorporates clinical skills simulation
teaching as a core activity to ensure that you are as
prepared as possible for the clinical attachments.
The course uniquely incorporates clinical skills
primarily through the use of Associate Clinical
Educators (simulated patients) as a core activity.
You can expect to study 50+ hour per week.
After the end of the second year, you will be
ready to take the profession’s nationally set
entrance examination. This is currently set by
the Faculty of Physician Associates, Royal
College of Physicians, London. The exam
currently includes Multiple Choice Question
(MCQ) papers and Objective Structured
Clinical Examinations (OSCE).
College of Medical and Dental Sciences
World-class learning and teaching
As a University of Birmingham student,
you will have the privilege of learning from
world-leading academics, practitioners and
researchers, who will challenge and encourage
you to become an independent and self-
motivated learner within the context of your
professional role.
Throughout your course you will have access
to personal tutors who can help with both
academic and welfare issues.
LEARN MORE
For full module information and an online
application form, please visit our dedicated
web pages, or contact our programme
staff with your questions.
Email: physicianassociate@contacts.
bham.ac.uk
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pa
For regular updates on our research,
news and events, follow:
collegemds
@unibirm_MDS
31
 College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Birmingham’s Medical School has a history and reputation that is second

to none. With many state-of-the-art, brand-new facilities, it’s the place to
be for postgraduate study. The colleagues I’m studying with are amazing,
and the teaching the academics provide is exceptional, which makes
being on this course a real joy. Birmingham is such a vibrant city with
so much going on. With the University’s connections across the city,
the region, and the country as a whole, it’s an amazing place to live,
study and work in.

GURDEV BLAGGEN, Physician Associate Studies PGDip

ASK US A QUESTION: www.pg.bham.ac.uk/ask

32
 FURTHER
INFORMATION
Postgraduate prospectus
UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION
Our dedicated postgraduate accommodation is located across
our three student villages: The Vale Village, Selly Oak Village and
Pritchatts Park Village; all of which are within walking distance of
the Edgbaston campus.
THE VALE VILLAGE
We have more than 30 places to
eat and drink across our campus
and accommodation.
TRAVELLING TO
AND FROM CAMPUS
There are several ways to travel to our campus.
From bike lanes to canal paths, we are well
connected to many areas of our city.
Birmingham Cycle Revolution is making cycling
easier. A 4km, fully segregated, cycleway links
Selly Oak and the University with the city centre.
Completed in January 2019, the cycleway
provides a safe, healthy and green method of
travelling around the city. Our campus also hosts
Urban Cycles, a bike servicing and repair
pop-up, to help you get moving.
Our campus is also well served by bus routes,
with the 61, 63, X21 and X22 services running
frequently from the city centre. From Moseley,
the 1A stops right outside the University and
from Harborne, the 48 and 244 provide services
which drop you close to the University.
As we have our own railway station, University,
you can get regular trains travelling from
Birmingham New Street to campus in under
eight minutes, making trips to and from the city
centre quick and easy.
Living in Birmingham
To secure your place in University-owned
halls you will need to make an advance
rent payment of £550 at the time of
booking your accommodation. This is
deducted from your residence fees.
COMMUNITY
HALLS OF RESIDENCE
For more information
on postgraduate
accommodation please
visit www.birmingham.
ac.uk/pgaccommodation
THE VALE VILLAGE PRITCHATTS PARK VILLAGE
Close to campus, Harborne and University station,
Just a 15-minute walk from campus, The Vale Pritchatts Park provides self-catering
is set in a beautiful lakeside parkland. Studios accommodation for postgraduates in a lovely
and studio apartments are available, with landscaped setting. The Village’s design creates a
prices ranging from £212–£248 per week. sense of community, with shared facilities such as
A bar, restaurant, café, convenience store meeting rooms, an airy lounge, a quiet study zone
and laundrette contribute to a community and a games room offering the perfect environment
atmosphere so you feel right at home. to get to know your fellow postgraduates. Prices
range from £109–£261 per week.
SELLY OAK VILLAGE
If you are studying at the Shakespeare
A five-minute walk from campus, with the Institute, there are many sources of
vibrant Selly Oak high street on your doorstep. accommodation in Stratford-upon-Avon
Our postgraduates are located together in and we will give you as much assistance
Jarratt Hall, which offers en-suite rooms with as we can to help you find somewhere to
shared kitchens. Prices are approximately live nearby.
£147–£151 per week. This is the perfect
environment to make new friends while allowing www.birmingham.ac.uk/stratfordliving
you time to concentrate on your studies.
Although this information was correct at the date of publication (August 2019), details and
other conditions are subject to revision, on occasion. Services may be added, changed or
withdrawn. Please visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation for the most up-to-date
accommodation information.
Postgraduate prospectus Living in Birmingham

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
Find more advice on private
accommodation in Birmingham:
Many of our students choose to find housing in the private sector. www.birmingham.ac.uk/
A variety of housing options, including single flats, shared rentingprivately

houses and properties for families, can be found in the local area.
Our students also choose to live in other areas of the city, including
the city centre, in shared or single-occupancy properties, ranging
SELLY OAK
in price to suit your budget.

CITY CENTRE LIVING

Photo: Jolyon Holroyd

FESTIVALS IN MOSELEY PARK

BIRMINGHAM Host City Living

STUDENTPAD
Birmingham Studentpad is our official
property search engine. Only Midland Landlord
Accreditation Scheme (MLAS) landlords can
advertise their properties through our website.
This means that all landlords have signed a
Code of Conduct agreement to be a fit and
proper landlord, and will adhere to all legislation.
Use our property finder to search for short-
or long-term accommodation:
www.birminghamstudentpad.co.uk
Close to campus
Selly Oak is the closest residential area, just a
five-minute walk from the University campus. The
weekly cost of rent ranges from £58–£130,
averaging at £94, usually excluding utilities.
Host offers two choices for our students:
Host Student Apartments and The Metalworks.
Offering en-suite rooms and premium studios,
Host Student Apartments are located just a
few minutes’ walk from campus, with prices
starting from £220 per week. The Metalworks
sits right on the edge of campus and offers a
variety of rooms, with prices starting from
£184 per week.
CRM students
With a choice of rooms, including en-suites and
access to on-site gyms, CRM students provide
quality accommodation in central locations, with
prices starting from £133 per week.
Unite Students
Across the road from campus on the Bristol
Road, studios are available at the Battery Park
and Athena Studios sites, with prices starting
from £230 per week.
Some of our postgraduates prefer to live in the
heart of the city. The commute is an easy train
journey from New Street to University station,
making city living an appealing choice. We
work with private accommodation providers to
offer a fantastic range of options to suit your
individual needs.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in
suburban Birmingham life, the villages of
Moseley and Harborne are popular with
our students. With many bars, cafés and
restaurants, these cosmopolitan areas are
perfect for young professionals and students,
with many privately rented properties available.
For a slightly cheaper – but by no means less
desirable – option, Kings Heath neighbours
Moseley and is a lively, popular area to live.
36 Your postgraduate
Postgraduate prospectus
prospectus
OUR
RESEARCH
The work you do with us can help
to challenge and change society.
Research is the thread that links everything we
do; from informing our teaching to benefiting
society. Our outstanding academic expertise,
operating across continents, distinguishes us and
fuels the research that has a direct and positive
impact on the lives of many thousands
of people every year.
Our vision is to encourage and inspire you
in your independent research, enabling you
to thrive by equipping you with the skills,
knowledge and confidence to make a major
impact on global society, in whatever field
you pursue.
Our research
OUR RESEARCH FOCUS
We are committed to research that is pioneering Our collaborative and cross-disciplinary
and significant. We have created a research approach to tackling these new and emerging
environment in which academic rigour, challenges is what sets us apart.
innovation and delivery are made possible by
brilliant people, outstanding facilities and strong These research advances and our academics’
collaborative networks. Our goal is to do more expertise shape and inform our teaching,
and even better research, and to tackle the and we develop our curriculum to capture
great challenges of our day. that excitement.
We are proud to be focusing our efforts on
global issues, exploiting our research strengths
to produce practical solutions to some of the
greatest challenges facing mankind.
Learn more: www.birmingham.ac.uk/research
36
Postgraduate prospectus
GLOBAL
OPPORTUNITIES
We encourage students to integrate international
experiences into their education, recognising
the global opportunities of the world in which
we live. As a member of Universitas 21, an
international network of universities that enables
global research collaboration and opportunities,
each year we are able to offer a number of
opportunities to travel to our Universitas 21
partners. You could spend time at some of the
most prestigious universities worldwide and the
incoming students from these universities add
diversity to Birmingham’s student body, providing
experience and cultural insights that are of
benefit to our entire community.
Quest Read more stories through our online
research magazine: www.birmingham.ac.uk/quest
EXPERT SUPERVISION OUR RESEARCH
FROM TALENTED CENTRES
ACADEMICS
We ensure that our research generates
practical solutions and knowledge transfer for
the economy, policy and society. This real-world
practicality is an embedded component of all our
research activity; as important and relevant as
the knowledge generation itself. We disseminate
to our peers, engage with the public and provide
support to government and industry.
Within this flourishing and transformational
research community, we want you to thrive as
an independent researcher and professional in
your field.
Our research
The spectrum of research undertaken
at Birmingham creates opportunities for
collaborations between interdisciplinary subjects
and with national and international institutions.
We also foster partnerships with business and
industry, working closely with our academic
partners to create research teams that are
of international significance in the quality of
their work.
Our Institutes and Centres of Excellence
ensure we can produce the best quality
research at world-leading standards through
funding, cross-sector partnerships and a range
of resources that promote excellence, innovation
and creativity in the delivery of interdisciplinary
teaching, learning and research.
37
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

Applying to our postgraduate courses is an easy, online

process. Formal applications are made directly to us
using our online Course finder, but the process will vary
depending on your programme and how it has been
advertised. In these pages, find out more about the
application process for each level of study.

38
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Before you begin your formal application, read the guidance
below and make sure you follow our step-by-step guide to
applying to either our taught or research programmes on the
following pages.

Once you have submitted your application,
you will be able to track its progress at every
stage of the admissions process, update your
personal information, view decisions and
accept any offers you may receive.
Choose your level and course using our
online tools:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses
International students
If you require a visa to study in the
United Kingdom, you will need to apply
by 1 July 2020. We are not able to
consider applications for 2020 made
after this date.
YOUR DOCUMENTS
All documents must be in English or have a
certified translation. If you provide documents
by uploading them into the online postgraduate
application system (found through Course
finder) and are made an offer, you will be
required to send certified copies or original
documents as a condition of the offer.
Visit our website for information and guidance
on document submission and the full
application process at Birmingham:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply
We recommend you supply all of the following
documents at the point of submitting your
application to ensure that there are no delays:
nn Your academic transcripts and any other
supporting material
nn If not submitted within the application
form, a personal statement explaining
why you are interested in studying your
chosen programme
nn If required, additional information to be
submitted such as a CV or a sample of work
(this will be stated within the application
form)
nn If English is not your first language,
a certificate to show competency in the
English language will be required
nn Your research proposal (if required)

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Before you apply, please visit our website to
view essential information for all applicants:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/
applicantinformation

If the University makes you an offer, and you

decide to accept it, a contract will be formed
between you and the University.

The website includes important terms,

conditions and requirements that will apply
to that contract, and on which the University
will rely in its future relationship with you.
It is essential that you read them carefully.

Information set out in the prospectus and

on the University website is accurate at the
date of publication (August 2019).

39
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To gain a place at Birmingham, you will need to meet
the specific entry requirements for your chosen course.

Our postgraduate programmes usually require

a good Honours degree (normally a 2:1 or
above), or an equivalent qualification if you
were educated outside the UK. There may
also be additional requirements, such
as prior or practising work experience.
If you are applying for a PhD, then you may also
need to hold a good Masters qualification,
however, for some programmes, this may not
be a requirement.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
If your first language is not English then you will
need to demonstrate that you have a high level
of written and spoken English by providing
evidence of an English language qualification.
Certificates should be no more than two years
old at the time of admission.
The table below details the IELTS or TOEFL
scores you will need but we also accept other
qualifications.
Check the equivalency of other language
qualifications on our website:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/intreqs

Specific entry requirements for individual

courses can be found in the course directory, ACADEMIC AREA IELTS TOEFL
in supplementary subject brochures or online
via our website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ 80 with no less than
pgcourses 6.0 with no less 19 in Reading, Listening and
Engineering, Science
than 5.5 in any band Writing, and 21
in Speaking

ENGLISH LANGUAGE Arts*, Business (see exceptions 88 with no less than 21

COURSES below), Dentistry, Education (taught),
Health Sciences, Medicine, Public
6.5 with no less
than 6.0 in any band
in Reading and Writing,
20 in Listening and 22
Policy, Social Sciences in Speaking
If you do not have the required level of English,
you can enrol on one of our pre-sessional
English programmes before the start of the Education (research), Law, Business:
academic year, delivered by our Birmingham Human Resource Management,
7.0 with no less 95 with no less than
International Academy. Passing the appropriate Marketing, International Market-
than 6.5 in any band 22 in any band
programme means you will automatically meet ing, Economics and International
the English language requirements of your offer Economics
and can progress to your academic studies here.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/bia *Some programmes require higher grades. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details.

40
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

APPLYING FOR A TAUGHT PROGRAMME

Formal applications for taught programmes are made directly

to us using Course finder: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

Applying for a taught programme usually involves three easy steps:

Consider whether you meet our Complete the online application

1 3
Find your course online:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/
pgcourses
2 entry requirements, details of
which can be found in the
form via the course webpage
and upload your supporting
Course finder entry. documents.

* Some taught courses may charge a £50 application fee. For further information, visit www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgappfee

ARE YOU APPLYING

FOR TEACHER TRAINING
OR SOCIAL WORK
PROGRAMMES?
You will need to apply to our Social Work and
Initial Teacher Training programmes through
UCAS. You can register and apply as soon as
the UCAS portal opens (usually in September).

41
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

APPLYING FOR A RESEARCH PROGRAMME

At Birmingham, there are generally two routes to a research

degree. Follow the application steps on this page, or next,
depending on your preferred route.

APPLYING FOR AN
‘ADVERTISED PHD’
You can apply to an ‘advertised PhD’, which
means it is part of an established research Find your course online:
project and is usually funded by the University www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses
or other funding body. Generally, advertised
PhDs are associated with the physical and life Search our advertised PhDs:
sciences subjects. www.birmingham.ac.uk/findaphd

Apply via Course finder to

Find and identify the relevant PhD subject area.

1 your project via our

advertised PhDs database
www.birmingham.ac.uk
/findaphd
2 You may be applying to the
specific project or be asked to
apply to a larger subject area
and identify the project title
within your application.

3 4
Submit your application
Prepare your
online via Course
statement and
finder and upload your
supporting documents.
supporting documents.

42
Postgraduate prospectus How to apply

APPLYING FOR A RESEARCH PROGRAMME

APPLY TO PROPOSE
YOUR OWN RESEARCH Choose which research

1 degree (PhD, MA/MSc by

Research or MRes) and
You can propose your own research rather consider the research
than joining an existing research project. area and themes.
You will need to submit a research proposal to Begin your
conduct a unique piece of research and identify
your proposed supervisor. Funding can be
2 supervisor search
(www.birmingham.ac.uk
found from other sources such as scholarships, /findasupervisor).
charities, loans and self-finance. Generally,
these PhDs are associated with the arts and
social sciences.

Search for a potential supervisor:

www.birmingham.ac.uk/
findasupervisor

4
Explore your
funding options:
3 Consult with a
potential supervisor
or department.
www.birmingham.ac.uk/
pgfunding

Write your research

5
proposal using our
online advice (www.
birmingham.ac.uk/
proposalwriting).

WRITING YOUR
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A research proposal is a concise
and coherent summary of your
proposed research. It is a key part of
Submit your application
your application, on which potential
via Course finder and

6
supervisors will decide if your research
upload your supporting
is something they can support.
documents, including your
research proposal and
We’ve provided help and advice for
potential supervisor
each of the steps of writing your
name(s).
proposal here: www.birmingham.ac.
uk/proposalwriting

43
Postgraduate prospectus Your next steps

MEET US ON CAMPUS Find all events, fairs and online

chats on our website:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgvisit

A prospectus can only tell you so much. The best way

to find out what Birmingham can offer you as a
postgraduate student is to see for yourself.

Our next dates are:

POSTGRADUATE n Saturday 23 November 2019

OPEN DAYS n Wednesday 11 March 2020

Campus open days are an excellent way to

explore the campus and local accommodation
and you can also speak with our expert support
and academic staff to find out more about
Birmingham and your course.

Reserve your place:

CAFÉ MASTERS
www.birmingham.ac.uk/cafemasters
www.birmingham.ac.uk/cafephd
AND CAFÉ PHD
These regular events offer an opportunity
to get first-hand, impartial advice on what
it is actually like to be a postgraduate at
Birmingham. The Cafés are informal social
events designed to enable anyone interested
in postgraduate study to network with
current students over a few drinks.

CAMPUS TOURS Advance booking is essential:

AND CONVERSATION www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgtours

We run monthly guided tours of the campus,

at which you will be shown around by a
postgraduate student from your subject area.
They are a great opportunity to get first-hand
advice and to network with current students.

44
Postgraduate prospectus Your next steps

MEET US ONLINE
If you still have questions or want to explore something in depth, you can
visit our dedicated postgraduate site. You can take part in online events,
ask questions to our current students and alumni and read our students’
blogs to get an insight into postgraduate study.

ONLINE EVENTS: BLOGS:

ASK US:

1 2 3
Chat with our Read about our
Ask a specific student or
current students and students’ experiences
staff member a question
academic staff about of postgraduate
about postgraduate study
studying and living study and living in
any time.
in Birmingham. Birmingham.

‘Can you feel at home, miles away

from yours? It happened to me while
at Birmingham. You’ll never feel lonely
because there are thousands of
people on the same journey with you.’

VALENTINA CHIRICO, MA Antiquity

– Egyptology alumna

Visit our website to find the options above: www.birmingham.ac.uk/pgadvice

45
 Edgbaston, Birmingham,
B15 2TT, United Kingdom
www.birmingham.ac.uk
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