Postgraduate

Prospectus
Now is the time
2024 Entry

We begin
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birmingham.ac.uk
Why choose
Birmingham?
Our high-quality teaching and supervision will help you
take your skills and career to the next level.

Here, you’ll feel engaged, motivated and challenged, as part

of our inclusive community that has a strong research culture.
At Birmingham, we’ll support your health, wellbeing and
personal development. While our professional and academic
careers services will help you take the next step. This is your
time. This is your place.

3 14
RD Most targeted TH In The Complete
university in the University Guide
UK by top employers 2024 rankings
High Fliers Graduate
Market in 2023

84 13
TH In the 2024 QS TH In the UK for 4
World University star research
Rankings
Research Excellence
Framework (REF) 2021

10 50
More Than
Alumni and % Of our research
staff have been is recognised
recognised with as 4 star
Nobel prizes
Research Excellence
Framework (REF) 2021

90
% Of our postgraduates are
in highly skilled employment or
postgraduate/professional study
Graduate Outcomes survey, HESA,
UK Masters Respondents, 2017–18

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 Contents
WHY CHOOSE BIRMINGHAM? 2

WELCOME 7

Your postgraduate guarantee 8

OUR CAMPUS 10
Life on campus 12
A global university 16
Sport at Birmingham 18
Sport facilities 20
Culture and Music 22

LIVING IN BIRMINGHAM 25
University accommodation 28
Private accommodation 31

OUR RESEARCH 32

CAREERS 36
Get ready to go further 38
Supporting you 42
Your postgraduate community 44
Your social community 46

OUR PROGRAMMES 48
Which programme should you choose? 51
Short courses 55
Research programmes at Birmingham 56

HOW TO APPLY 58
The application process 59
Entry requirements 60
Applying for a taught programme 62
Fees, funding and scholarships for your Masters 64
Applying for a research programme 66
Fees, funding and scholarships for research degrees 68

MAKE IT HAPPEN 70

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 Welcome
Postgraduates have always been at the heart of our community. Whether joining
us for a taught programme or embarking on research, you bring global experience
and new perspectives that add to the academic and social richness of
our University.

The best universities are built on
the quality of their education and
research. Our commitment to both
shows in our strong placement in
global rankings and the vibrancy
of our postgraduate community.
We encourage bold, independent
thinking through challenging
academic programmes that
offer flexibility and choice.
Our ambition means we always
strive to do more. By appointing and
developing outstanding academic
colleagues in every area. By investing
in large new research programmes
and scholarships. By building major
national and international research
partnerships that enrich the
postgraduate experience.
At the heart of our education and
research communities, you will have
the full support of our University
Graduate School. With access to
events and training beyond your field
of study, the Graduate School will
empower your development through
a range of networking opportunities.
Forever investing in the future of the
University, we are transforming our
campus with new academic facilities
and enhanced services, so we can
better support your wellbeing and
success as a postgraduate.
Our University has a history of firsts.
As a partner for the Birmingham 2022
Commonwealth Games, we hosted
athletes in our accommodation and
welcomed spectators from around
the world to hockey and squash
events. Now, we are the first global
top 100 and Russell Group university
to set up a campus in Dubai. This new
campus builds on our array of
international research and teaching
collaborations, reflecting our ambition
as an inclusive, global institution.
Today, we strive for even greater
progress, so that you can make a
bigger impact on the world. We look
forward to welcoming you and playing
our part in your future success.
Professor Duncan Shepherd
Postgraduate Dean,
University Of Birmingham

5 6
Your
Postgraduate
Our commitment
to you

Guarantee
Careers support
Our careers support and training will
prepare you for the next step in your
journey, and well beyond.

By choosing Birmingham, you’re joining a large, Academic achievement

You’ll enjoy expert teaching, supervision
diverse and vibrant postgraduate community. and resources, helping you succeed in
your degree.
Whatever your area of study, you can look forward
to a stimulating, engaging experience of the highest Social, health and wellbeing
quality. We call this Your Postgraduate Guarantee. Your health, wellbeing and personal
development is as important to us as
your academic achievement, so you’ll
get the support to match.
This guarantee shows the commitment, resources and
support we deliver for all Birmingham postgraduates. Research culture
It means: You’ll be welcomed into our vibrant,
stimulating community, benefitting
„ You’ll engage with challenging debates, theories and concepts from our global research culture.

„ We’ll provide a strong choice of programmes to suit your ambitions

and interests, backed by academic expertise and influence

„ You’ll enjoy the support and facilities of a global,

research-intensive university

„ Your experience will be unique, but with a degree that proves an

asset in future and personal development matched to your
chosen career

Explore our postgraduate courses:

birmingham.ac.uk/pg

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 QUEEN THE
ELIZABETH MEDICAL
HOSPITAL SCHOOL

ACCOMMODATION

UNIVERSITY MAIN LIBRARY AND TEACHING

STATION AND LEARNING BUILDING

THE GREEN HEART

THE GREAT HALL

Our TO THE GUILD

OF STUDENTS

campus
With historic buildings, modern facilities and
green surroundings, our Edgbaston campus
is a place to be inspired.
Home to a diverse, global community of postgraduates, it has
everything you need to thrive, including shops, cafés, study
spaces and friendly people.
SPORT &
FITNESS
Take a virtual tour:
birmingham.ac.uk/virtual-tour

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Life on campus
We’ve created the ideal place for you to live and study. From new
accommodation to new teaching and study facilities, we’ve transformed
our beautiful campus close to Birmingham city centre.
At the centre of our campus, you’ll find the Green Heart that has 12 acres
of lush parkland. It’s a unique and rejuvenating space where many of our
students enjoy socialising, meeting, studying and performing.
Explore life on campus:
birmingham.ac.uk/campus-life
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Our library
Home to state-of-the-art facilities, our main library has
been designed to meet your learning needs. Whether you
want to study or research, independently or in a group,
our library offers informal seating, group study areas and
private desks. This modern space also provides access to
a wealth of new technology, including media rooms,
video editing booths and wireless mobile charging.
Our Colleges also provide different learning facilities.
Supporting the Arts, Shakespeare Studies and the Dental
and Medical Schools, our libraries offer extra study spaces
and resources to help your development.
Travelling to and from campus
From bike lanes to canal paths, our campus is well
connected to the wider city. Thanks to Birmingham
Cycle Revolution, cycling is easy here. A 4km, fully
segregated cycleway links Selly Oak and the University
with the city centre. It’s a safe, healthy and green way
to get around Birmingham.
It’s also convenient to get to our campus by bus with the
61, 63, X21 and X22 services running frequently to and from
the city centre. The 1 and 41 bus routes from Moseley stop
right outside the University, while the 48 and 244 buses
from Harborne stop close to our campus.
We even have our own railway station – ‘University’.
Regular trains will take you from Birmingham New Street
to campus in under eight minutes, making trips to and
from the city centre quick and easy.
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Guild of Students
Home to bars, shops, support services and food
outlets, the Guild of Students is a thriving hub of activity.
Whatever your interests or background, there are over
300 student groups, societies, and associations you can
join. The Guild helps our students to have fun, develop
their skills, enjoy new experiences and make the most
of their time in Birmingham.

Westmere Research Hub

Beautiful Westmere House is our Postgraduate
Researcher Hub. Here our postgraduate researchers
come together to meet, connect, collaborate and
innovate. It’s also where we welcome and provide
monthly inductions for postgraduate researchers
who join us after the start of the academic year.

The Student Hub

Our friendly and dedicated teams at the Aston Webb
Student Hub will support you and your development
throughout your journey at Birmingham. Here at the
heart of our campus, you can get the information and
support you need. As well as being able to access our
Careers Network, Registry and Student Service, you can
talk to us about everything from visas and ID cards to
thesis submissions. We also provide counselling,
wellbeing coaching and specialist learning support,
workshops and appointments.

Our research facilities

At Birmingham, we’re dedicated to helping you pursue
your ideas, transfer your knowledge and realise your
vision. It’s why we continually invest in new resources
and look at ways to improve our research facilities. A
living lab for the future, we’re always innovating in our
extensive range of labs. We explore new possibilities
from robotics and gene therapy to human biomaterials
and hydrogen gas fuelling.

New developments
We’ve enhanced the teaching and study facilities at our
Edgbaston campus to provide you with a modern
learning environment.

„ Teaching and Learning Building – this purpose-built

hub for education has lecture theatres and space for
1,000 students to carry out group or individual study.

„ Collaborative Teaching Laboratory – has labs and

practical teaching spaces for STEM subjects, along
with our state-of-the-art School of Engineering
building.

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A global university Dubai campus

Explore a world of opportunities in the UK and beyond. As an international
university, our facilities can be found in Birmingham and overseas, including
our Dubai campus.
Helping students create inspiring futures across the
region, we’re the first global top 100* and Russell Group
university to set up a campus in Dubai.
Here you’ll find state-of-the-art buildings, purpose-built
student housing and parkland that echoes the Green Heart
of our Birmingham campus. Home for up to 2,900 students,
our Dubai campus acts as a space for business and the
wider regional community to connect.
Across the West Midlands
Beyond our Edgbaston campus, we have three more
locations in the West Midlands. Two miles south is
Selly Oak, a large, green site with a village atmosphere.
The Shakespeare Institute can be found in the historic
town of Stratford-upon-Avon. While the School of
Dentistry at the Birmingham Dental Hospital is less
than a mile away. Located in Pebble Mill, it’s the UK’s
first stand-alone dental hospital and school to be built
in almost 40 years.

*QS World University Rankings 2024

The Exchange The Exchange

The Exchange is our city centre hub for education,
events and celebration in Birmingham’s Centenary
Square. Bringing our research, teaching and networks
together, it’s a place for new ideas that create better
places to live, work and learn. With comfortable
workspaces and a popular café, it’s a venue for students,
staff and the regional community to connect and build
new skills. It even hosted global broadcasters during
the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

At The Exchange, you can get free taster courses,

short paid courses and microcredentials to help you
develop professionally. It’s also the home of our new
MBA Essentials programme, delivered by the Birmingham
Leadership Institute.

If you’re an ambitious entrepreneur, you can access our The Exchange Dubai Campus
Incubator and Business Growth programme or apply for
UoB Elevate, a chance to found your own start-up.
(More on page 40.)

Dubai Campus

Explore our Dubai campus:

birmingham.ac.uk/dubai

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Sport at
Birmingham
Sport should be for all, not just a few. It’s one of the
ways we bring our diverse community together, with
activities for everyone. So, whether you want to keep
fit, train and compete, or find a fun way to get active,
there are hundreds of ways to do it.

Get active on campus

Love to keep moving? You’ll have access to the same training and performance
facilities used by athletes in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. If you
want to get fit, our Sport & Fitness club on campus offers a full range of classes
and gym memberships. With 100 sports scholarships and 55 student sports
clubs, the choice is yours.

Get out in nature

Why limit yourself to on-campus sports, when you can explore the outdoors?
At our Raymond Priestley Centre in the Lake District, you can try all kinds of
activities, from sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing to mountaineering
and rock climbing. If you’d prefer to stay closer to home, you’ll find watersports
at the nearby Edgbaston Reservoir and our Boat Club on the River Severn
in Worcester.

Discover more sport at Birmingham:

birmingham.ac.uk/sport

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Sport
facilities
Discover a wide range of options, including:
„ 50-metre pool with boom and moveable floor

„ 200+ station gym

„ Around 150 group exercise classes a week

„ Steam room and sauna

„ 10 outdoor tennis courts

„ Six glass-backed squash courts

„ 10-metre climbing wall

„ 800-seat arena-style sports hall, plus a

smaller sports hall

„ Pitches including floodlit, water-based, 3G synthetic,

natural turf and rubber crumb

„ Martial arts dojo

„ Performance and Wellbeing Centre

„ The Human Performance Laboratory, with training

assistance, nutrition advice and performance monitoring

Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

In 2022, we took sport to a whole new level at the University.
An Official Partner for the Commonwealth Games in
Birmingham, we were home to the largest athlete villages,
hosting hockey and squash.

As a postgraduate here, you’ll benefit from all that investment.

As a university, we’re bringing more sport to more people,
across the city and region.

Find out more about Birmingham 2022:

birmingham.ac.uk/birmingham22

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Culture
and music
Birmingham is a city on the move, with an arts and
culture scene that never stops evolving. Whatever
your tastes and interests, there’s so much to explore.

The Barber Institute of Fine Arts

From Botticelli to Monet and Van Gogh, the Barber Institute is home to our unique
art collection. Located on our main campus, The Observer calls it ‘the last great art
collection of the twentieth century’ and ‘one of the finest small galleries in Europe’.

Special collections and archives

As a major UK research library, we’re home to around 200,000 books dating from
1471 to 1850. Along with four million manuscripts, you’ll never be short of materials
to study.

The Lapworth Museum of Geology

One of the UK’s oldest geological museums, the Lapworth Museum dates back
to 1880. Its many artefacts attract students, researchers and enthusiasts.

The Research and Cultural Collections

Our diverse collection ranges from West African masks, to important
20th-century paintings such as Peter Lanyon’s mural in the Arts Building.

Winterbourne House and Gardens

As a Birmingham student, you can visit our Arts and Crafts house for free. Relax in
the surrounding gardens, or take in a lecture, exhibition or special interest tour.

The Bramall
Listen to performances from two symphony orchestras, a jazz orchestra,
choirs and many ensembles besides. Home to our Department of Music,
The Bramall hosts everything from classical music to comedy nights.
With high-quality acoustics, it seats 450 in the main auditorium.
Culture on campus
Activate your cultural life with one of our classes, workshops and
tours. From taking a language course, to campus events such
as our Birmingham Prom and Community Festival. You’ll have so
many opportunities to connect with students, academics and the
wider community, including graduation balls, alumni events and
international conferences.

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Living in
Birmingham
The UK’s second city, Birmingham is a vibrant and inspiring place
to live, with a rich culture and diverse community.

Make Birmingham yours

Almost 40% of Birmingham’s population is under 25, making it one of the youngest major cities
in Europe. The top regional city for quality of life in the UK, we also offer a choice of accommodation
to suit all budgets. Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do.
It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city and almost half decide to stay in the region
after they graduate. Birmingham is more than somewhere to study. It’s a place to get future ready.

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All the space you need
Our historic green campus is just a few minutes away from
the vibrant energy of an exciting modern city. We even
have our own railway station on campus. So, you’ll find it
easy to stay connected with rail journeys taking you to the
thriving city centre in less than eight minutes. Offering a
warm welcome, Birmingham is one of the most culturally
diverse cities in Britain. There’s something for everyone.
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Food
With new restaurants and food festivals always springing
up across the city, you’re bound to find something to your
taste. Digbeth Dining Club has won many awards for
hosting independent food stalls and pop-ups across the
city. While on campus we have our very own farmers’
market, offering local, environmentally friendly produce.
With so many independent events, collaborations, and day
and night markets, you’ll soon discover new favourite foods
and places to eat.
Shopping
Our ever-changing city offers everything you need from
independent shops to famous brands in the city centre.
You’ll be spoilt for choice. As well as major shopping
centres like the Bullring, Selfridges, Mailbox and Grand
Central, you can find vintage clothing stores and artisan
workshops in the world-famous Jewellery Quarter.
Culture
Birmingham is home to a vibrant cultural scene. As well as
world-leading museums and art galleries, there are urban
festivals such as Birmingham Pride and the Mostly Jazz,
Funk & Soul Festival. You can also explore the industrial
district of Digbeth, where the city’s history is brought
to life.
Explore what our city has to offer:
birmingham.ac.uk/city
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University
accommodation
Across our campus and
accommodation villages,
you’ll find over 30 places to
eat and drink. Giving you
lots of fun ways to socialise
and connect.

Choose from a range of accommodation in our three student villages, all just a
short walk from campus.

Vale Village Pritchatts Park Village

The Vale is a green parkland space beside a peaceful lake.
A 15-minute walk from the main campus, you can choose
between a studio or studio apartment. With a friendly
community atmosphere, you’ll also find a bar, restaurant,
café, convenience store and laundrette on your doorstep.
Selly Oak Village
Jarrat Hall offers ensuite rooms with shared kitchens, one
of the best ways to make new postgraduate friends. Close
to the vibrant Selly Oak high street, it’s just a five-minute
walk from campus. Prices are around £174 per week.
Discover self-catering accommodation in a relaxing
setting. Pritchatts Park is only a 7-minute walk from
campus. You’re also close to Harborne and the University
train station. With shared meeting rooms, a lounge area,
quiet study zone and games room, it’s the ideal living
space to meet other postgraduates. Prices start from
£238 per week.
Studying at another location?
If you’re studying at the Shakespeare Institute in
Stratford-upon-Avon, we can help you find somewhere
close to the campus.

Learn more about our

postgraduate accommodation: Find accommodation in Stratford:
birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation birmingham.ac.uk/stratfordliving

The information on this page is correct

at the date of publication (October 2023),
but may have changed. Please visit:
birmingham.ac.uk/accommodation
for the most up-to-date details.

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Search for properties

Private accommodation
To help you find a safe, comfortable
place, we’ve built our own property
Whether you’re looking for a shared house, single apartment or a family home,
search engine, Birmingham Studentpad. you’ll find lots of private properties to choose from. Renting outside of our
You can use it to connect with trusted
landlords offering homes for rent in
accommodation can give you more flexibility around location and budget.
the area, for both longer and shorter That’s why many of our students prefer to search for their own private rental.
term stays.

Only landlords certified by the Midland

Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS)
can advertise on the site, meaning you’ll
be renting from a responsible landlord
who does everything by a strict code
of conduct.
Search for a student home:
birminghamstudentpad.co.uk
Close to campus
A five-minute walk from campus, Selly Oak is the
closest residential area, with weekly rent costing
around £100–£175, excluding utilities.
Host Student Apartments also offer ensuite rooms and
premium studios just a few minutes walk away. Prices start
from £204 per week, while Host The Metalworks have a
range of rooms on the edge of campus from £180 a week.
Community Living
If you’re renting privately in Selly Oak, our Community
Living service brings students and locals together with
a dedicated hub offering free drinks, Wi-Fi and advice,
including a contract check.
Learn more about Community Living:
community-living.org.uk

You can find more studios across the street from

campus on Bristol Road. Both Battery Park and Athena
Studios offer private student housing from £235 per week.
Explore your private renting options:
birmingham.ac.uk/renting
Live in the city
Many postgraduates prefer to live in the centre of
Birmingham. In the heart of city life, it’s only a short
train ride to campus, direct from New Street to University
Station. To find you a place in the city, we work with
accommodation providers who offer a wide range
of options.

If you feel more at home in the suburbs, Moseley and

Harborne are two nearby villages very popular with
students. Each has a trendy feel, with a variety of bars,
restaurants and cafés. Just next to Moseley is
Kings Heath, where rents are a little cheaper.

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Our
research
Help us challenge and change the world.

What will you discover?

Research drives us, and the world forward. It also supports our
academic expertise, benefitting thousands of lives every year.

At Birmingham, you’re free to pursue your own independent

research, while building the skills and confidence to make an
impact on global society.

Our research focus

A platform for significant, pioneering research, Birmingham is a hub
for innovation, delivery and academic rigour. We focus on global
issues, with a collaborative, cross-disciplinary culture. One that
produces practical answers to some of the world’s greatest
challenges.

Combined with modern facilities, collaborative networks and

academic expertise, it’s an approach that shapes and inspires all
our teaching, creating and learning.

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Global opportunities
Diversity and collaboration are at the heart of our community.
That’s why we’re a member of Universitas 21, an international
network of universities that supports global research collaboration.

At Birmingham, you’ll get to do research at some of the world’s most

prestigious universities. Or, you could work with postgraduates who
visit us from those same universities. Exposing you to different
ideas and cultures, it’s a great way to build your international
experience.

Work freely with renowned academics

Our research is about finding practical new solutions for the
economy, policy and society. To help, we share findings with
our peers and engage with the public, supporting government
and industry.

As an active part in our research community, you’ll have the

freedom to thrive as an independent researcher and professional
in your field.

Our research centres

It’s normal for us to collaborate across disciplines, partnering with
institutions in the UK and around the world. We often work with
business and industry too. All helping to create research teams
who are recognised globally for their work.

Our Institutes and Centres of Excellence play a key role.

They secure funding, build cross-sector partnerships and
promote innovation across teaching, learning and research.

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) assesses

both the quality and broader impact of research in all
universities in the UK. In the 2021 results, we were
ranked 12th overall in the UK for Research Power.

More than 50% of research at Birmingham was

recognised as 4 star; the highest score. This reflects
the transformative impact of our research community
on today’s major social and environmental issues.

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Careers
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and
opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing
new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can
help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance
in your field.
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Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry
Exclusive opportunities
Our Careers Network offers funded work placements across all kinds
of sectors, plus direct access to 100s of employers through careers fairs,
workshops and presentations. We even run internships, exclusive to
our students.
Mentoring and more
It’s your future, so develop it your way. Our Careers Network mentoring
schemes will match you with an expert in your area of interest. From career
planning to application workshops, drop-ins and one-to-one appointments,
you’ll have lots of opportunities to develop, with help for freelancers too.
A lifetime of support
For specialist career support, our postgraduate teams are here to help.
It could be advice on your career path, further study or your field of research.
You can also get help securing funding or working in the UK. With access
to our careers services after you graduate, you can count on us for life.
Get careers support:
birmingham.ac.uk/career
Connect with our global alumni
As an active part of our community, our alumni love to share their
experiences, giving you a unique insight into their career journeys.
They’re also a great source of professional support, providing guest
lectures, mentoring and work placements.
Meet our global alumni:
birmingham.ac.uk/alumni
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Get ready to
go further
You could be looking for an academic
role, switching sectors or building your
professional experience. Whatever your
journey, our employer links and support
for postgraduate enterprise will boost
your career even more.
Open new doors
Our close ties with employers could open a world of new
opportunities, from global organisations, to public sector,
not-for-profit and Birmingham’s rich community of
small businesses.
In fact, we’re the 3rd most targeted university by the largest
number of top employers in 2022-23 (Graduate Market High
Fliers Report).
Gain real-world experience
Employability and enterprise are built into all our programmes,
meaning your development will fit your subject and apply to
your career once you graduate.
At Masters and PhD level, you can work with real
employers, applying your knowledge to strategic challenges.
Opportunities include short and long placements, plus
employer-led projects within your degree.
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What support will I get?
We offer many opportunities for you to make the most
of your student experience, on and off campus. We can
help you gain experience, develop a broad range of
skills and make useful contacts for your future career:
„ One-to-one career guidance from
college-specific advisors
„ CV and job application advice
„ Our yearly programme of careers fairs on campus
„ Employer presentations, helping you build
contacts and learn what they have to offer
„ Careers workshops, including interview skills
and finding work experience
„ Graduate mentoring
„ Skills training for postgraduates, including
real-world business challenges
„ Tailored careers support, events, skills training
and conferences for postgraduate researchers
„ Entrepreneurial skills training, with advice on starting
your own business
„ Online action-planning tools and self-enrolment
career development courses
„ Postgraduate Professional Development Award
– recognising your commitment to employable
skills, creating your own pathway with masterclasses,
activities and more
Each of our Colleges hosts its own careers and
employability team, with tailored advice, guidance
and careers events tailored to your course.
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Start up business
UoB Elevate is a business growth programme, based
at The Exchange in Birmingham city centre and enables
our student and graduate entrepreneurs to develop their
business with tailored support, mentoring, funding and
alumni networks available. The incubator offers free office
space, Wi-Fi and meeting spaces in the heart of the city.
If you want to pursue your own venture and take a different
graduate route, you’ll be supported to achieve your ambition

‘
and to support the wider region and community with
your ideas.

Frankie and Paris are PhD students and co-founders

of Bloomwise, helping small businesses to support
their employees’ mental health. Frankie has recently won
Start-Up Founder of the Year for Midlands Women in Tech.

Post-study visas for graduates

If you’re an international graduate who’d like to stay in the UK,
you can apply for a post-study work visa. If you’re eligible, you
Our idea was first developed as part of the
can work in the UK for two years after completing your
Virtual Consultancy Challenge (VCC) in
Masters degree, regardless of the subject.
2020, a virtual training programme and
team competition to solve a real-life
If you’ve completed a PhD, you can stay for up to three years.
challenge for an industry or charity client.
You can also switch visa types while living in the UK, with no
Our solution was selected as the winner
study time limits at postgraduate level.
and since then we have registered as a
company and have been further
developing our idea.
Learn more about visas:
The Exchange provides the support birmingham.ac.uk/gradroute
and guidance that can help us grow our
business. It provides us with a means to
sell our products due to better access to
small businesses and through regional
business support schemes. Additionally,
it will give us access to funding schemes,

‘
investor networks, and intern hiring
opportunities, which we believe are vital
to our future business plans.

Frankie and Paris

Founders of Bloomwise

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Supporting you
As a safe, inclusive community, your wellbeing is our top priority. We’ll support
every part of your mental and physical health, so you can realise your full potential.
If you’re facing any concerns or challenges, you can get assistance from The Student Hub in the Aston Webb Building
on campus, or online through Student Help. Whether you’re looking for information, guidance, emotional support or a
specific service, The Student Hub is a great place to start.
Support for researchers
Access a range of online skills training, such as thesis
guidance, research methods and communicating your
research. Our Research Skills Team will help you become
a better researcher and prepare you for each step of your
doctoral journey.
With in-person events and workshops, it’s all designed
around the diversity of research we conduct here. You’ll
also be personalising your development and building
transferrable skills linked to your career ambitions.
Assessment and personal enrichment
Each semester, you’ll have dedicated time to prepare for
exams and complete other assessed work. We also hold
the UoBe Festival between semesters, a campus-wide
student enrichment week where you can take part in
activities that interest you. These could include engaging
with research, hearing from speakers and employers, or
volunteering for community and outreach work.
Enabling disabled students
Birmingham is an inclusive learning community where we
want everyone to have the best experience. So, if you have
a disability (including long-term health conditions, specific
learning disabilities such as dyslexia, or a mental health
difficulty), you can get help from our Student Disability
Service.
Explore all our support:
birmingham.ac.uk/support
41
Disclosing a disability won’t affect your academic course
admission, but will make sure you get any support or
adjustments you need. Our professional team offer
specialist advice, including help getting any disability
funding support you may be entitled to.
Studying as a parent?
If you’re studying while caring for young children, you’ll find
three different day nurseries on campus. Each offer a high
standard of care and experience, with reduced nursery
fees to support you during your studies.
Supporting your wellbeing
If you’re having any practical, emotional or psychological
issues, our confidential service can help. Staffed by
professional counsellors and wellbeing advisors, it offers
one-to-one sessions, online counselling, and a range of
support groups. The Guild also runs a free, impartial and
confidential advice service. All from fully trained advisors,
with practical advice on every aspect of student life.
Faith and friendship
Our Multi-Faith Chaplaincy is for students of all faiths and
none. Here you can meet for worship, relax in the Oasis
Lounge, see a chaplain for spiritual and religious advice or
pastoral counselling. We have chaplains from most major
faith traditions, as well as many faith groups and societies
run by students.
42
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Your postgraduate
‘
community
The best thing about being a doctorate
researcher at the University of Birmingham
is undoubtedly the sense of belonging.

‘
I really feel like a member of the academic
community who is heard, respected,
and valued.
Join one of the UK’s largest postgraduate communities. Our 14,000+ postgraduates
Daniela
make up around 40% of our student population. PhD Law

Our community is safe, diverse and inclusive, with strong

student representation and dedicated resources such as
our University Graduate School and the Guild’s full-time
Postgraduate Officer.

Life at Birmingham is about far more than studying a

degree or course. It’s about getting involved in research,
groups, publications, talks, conferences and more. Our
friendly postgraduate community has so much to offer.
We’d love to welcome you in.

University Graduate School

The University Graduate School (UGS) is your
postgraduate hub, a place to network and socialise with
students from across the University. Working with many
of our other support services, the UGS offers everything
from advice and support, to training, facilities, tutoring
and supervision.

The school runs a diverse programme of events through

the year, such as cultural celebrations, the Research
Poster Conference and our Images of Research and Study
competitions. With a full calendar, you’ll have the chance
to gain new skills, while finding creative ways to share
your knowledge and research with the public.

But why stop at our events, when you can organise

Student
your own? They could be social, academic or related to
wellbeing. The UGS will support your every step, with
ambassadors lots of opportunities to network with students, staff
and colleagues. The more you take part, the more you’ll
raise your profile and enhance your transferable skills.
Every year the UGS recruits 10
researchers and 10 Masters students
to become ambassadors, who get a
financial bursary in return. Together, they
support and promote UGS activities, even
creating their own postgraduate events.
If you’re passionate about building a
community, it’s a great way to develop
your skills.

43 44

Your social
community
There are many ways to get involved
with our student community. At the heart
of it all is the Guild of Students, helping
everyone connect and thrive together.
45
Your social community
Representation
The Guild of Students is your students’ union.
Study with us and you’ll automatically become a member.
Our community elects a team of seven full-time and seven
part-time student Officers to lead the Guild each year.
This includes a Postgraduate Officer who’ll represent
your interests, both on and off campus.
The Postgraduate and Mature Students Association
(PGMSA) is a student-led group that works with the
Guild and the University. Here to champion the needs
of postgraduates and mature students, the PGMSA
also organises regular social events throughout the
academic year.
Groups and societies
With over 400 active student groups and societies, you’re
sure to find one that fits you. Covering interests, activities,
charities and causes, they cater for our entire student
community; a great way to make new friends.
Added to this, each School runs its own social activities,
research fora, seminars and groups for postgraduates.
All open to you, the moment you start your course
or degree.
Get involved
Represent your student community. Become a student
Rep or Guild Officer. You can fight for the causes you
believe in, or campaign for changes you want to see.
On campus, or in the world.
Get in touch
postgraduate@guild.bham.ac.uk
@guild_postgrad
/guildpostgraduate
@guild_postgrad
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry
Your global community
Helping you feel at home
To help you adjust to life as a postgraduate, the Guild also
offers free, impartial and confidential advice. There’s also
welfare support for mature or part-time students, while if
you’re an international student, Global Buddies is a scheme
to help you settle in.
From making new friends, to getting the most out of life at
Birmingham, you’ll have the full support of our friendly
student community, including after you graduate.
Our global network of over 300,000 alumni spans more
than 190 countries. With local alumni groups from the USA
to Hong Kong, it’s a way to keep in touch, share memories
and build work connections, wherever the future takes you.
Jobs, skills and volunteering
Earn money and build skills while you study. Guild Jobs
gives you access to part-time vacancies across the
University and city.
You can also boost your CV by volunteering in the Guild,
University and local community. There are thousands of
projects to choose from, all flexible around your studies.
The Guild also hosts a wide range of events and workshops
to develop your academic and vocational skills. From
Employability Fairs, to masterclasses and postgraduate
networking events, they’ve got everything covered.
Learn more about
your students’ union:
guildofstudents.com
46
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.

birmingham.ac.uk/
pg-options

47 48
 Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Which programme
should you choose?
Whatever your lifestyle, we’ve got the flexible study options to match.
From part-time and distance learning, to microcredentials, short courses
and overseas faculties, you’re sure to find the right programme for you.

What level of study? Distance learning

This will depend on the qualifications you already have
and the level of professional development you want to
achieve. Your subject of interest may have an influence,
too. Most people study a Masters once they finish
their undergraduate degree, but we also offer some
programmes such as Postgraduate Certificates
or Diplomas.
Decide your mode of study
Study on campus, block delivery, blended and distance
learning. You’re free to choose the option that suits you.
You may also be able to transfer from one approach
to another.
Can’t study on campus? Why not do everything online?
Distance learning lets you complete your studies from
home, at your own pace. You’ll have exactly the same
qualification, with the same quality of learning, but
without having to move.
Masters-level taught programmes
Choose from one-year full-time or two-year part-time
programmes. Both involve a number of modules, which
include coursework, exams and a dissertation. A Masters
is a great way to build on your knowledge, prepare for a
research degree, gain a vocational qualification or even
change career.

Full-time or part-time?
Full-time studies might be the most common choice, but
part-time may fit better around you. Whether on campus
or online, many of our courses will let you choose. But if
you’re an international student, you may need to study
full-time to qualify for your visa.

birmingham.ac.uk/
pg-options

49 50
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry
Degree Apprenticeships?
Want to go further in life? Perhaps you’re a manager
looking to transform your career through Continuing
Professional Development (CPD). Our Level 7 degree
apprenticeships combine university study with
on-the-job training. Each is part-time and studied
at postgraduate level. Whether you’re a student or
employer, they could be the answer.
birmingham.ac.uk/
degreeapprenticeships
51
How modules
and credits work
You’ll gain 180 credits in each full year on a
Masters-level course. You’ll complete both
mandatory and optional modules, each based
on a single subject or as part of the wider
area of study.
Each 20-credit module is equivalent to 30-35
hours of learning per semester, combining
independent study with time spent in
lectures and seminars.
Postgraduate microcredential
Standalone (10-20 credits)
Unbundled module (10-20 credits)
Full programmes
Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
Masters Degree (180 credits)
Changing career?
The world’s evolving fast and so are you. Circumstances,
interests and ambitions all change as you grow. Our
postgraduate degrees could be the start of an exciting
new career path. So make sure you explore our many
course options and see if there’s one for you.
52
 Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Short courses

‘
Build on the skills you have or develop a whole new set. Our short courses can
help you progress in every stage of your career. Offering flexible, degree-quality
education in smaller chunks, they can help towards a University certificate or
formal qualification.

What are short courses?

From face-to-face modules taught over four days, to pure
online learning, our list of short courses is growing all the
time. Meaning you’re bound to find one that matches your
interests and goals.
There are typically 3 different types of
Coming from a life science and health
care background, learning to code was a
huge challenge for me, but it was totally
worth it. I couldn’t be happier in my new
role with Gymshark and I have the advice
and support of the course leaders during

‘
short course you can study with us: and after the course to thank for that.
It’s been brilliant putting what I learnt
1. Microcredentials into practice at my new job.
Taught over 8–12 weeks, microcredentials can help
you learn new skills in fast-growing industries,
without paying for the whole Masters degree. Sumaya
Skills Bootcamp in Coding
Usually taken from existing modules within a Masters,
they can be used as standalone credentials, with some
also counting as academic credits towards a full Masters.

2. Skills Bootcamps
As part of the UK government scheme, Skills for Life,
we offer a range of Skills Bootcamps, with some fully
funded. You could be looking to progress your career,
or switch to a new one. These bootcamps will give you
the skills, while fitting around your life.

3. Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Refreshing your skills at work is more important than ever.
Our non-credit CPD courses will help you stay ahead in
a fast-changing world. All delivered in a supportive
learning environment.

Explore all our short courses:

birmingham.ac.uk/shortcourses

53 54

Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry
Research programmes
at Birmingham
Masters-level research programmes
Working towards doctoral study? Our MRes includes
taught modules to increase your subject knowledge.
All while you complete an extended research thesis with
training and supervision. If you’d like to study a topic in
greater depth, a research Masters such as the MSc by
Research, might be a better option. It proves that you’re a
skilled researcher who can progress to a doctoral degree.
Doctoral Research Programmes
Doctoral degrees, such as PhDs, are the highest level
of academic qualification. Here, you’ll grow into a skilled
independent researcher, with advanced knowledge of
your subject. Conducting original academic research,
you may also be asked to teach undergraduate classes
and present papers at seminars and conferences.
Find the programme for you
To help you decide on the programme for you,
why not search all of our postgraduate courses?
You’ll find more details and
support on our course finder pages:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses
55
‘
The challenging yet
inspiring part for me?
Don’t expect that your
tutors will give answers
to all of your questions.
You are encouraged to
uncover answers in
your field as part of
Routes into research
the research community.
‘
Of course, you will
receive all the necessary
Our research programmes involve the
completion of original academic research, support to learn how.
or a piece of scholarship, which you will
conduct under expert supervision from a
Aya
Birmingham academic. You will also be
Ma Education Alumna
supported by a thriving academic community
of internationally renowned research staff
and talented research peers, alongside
research skills training.
You have the opportunity to pursue research
at either Masters or doctoral level through
our suite of programmes and qualifications,
depending on your background and career
plans.
There are, generally,two routes
to a Birmingham research degree:
Route one
You can apply to an ‘advertised PhD’,
which means it is part of an established
research project and is usually funded by
the University or other funding body.
Generally, advertised PhDs are associated
with the physical and life sciences subjects.
Some advertised PhDs will be pre-defined
but some may require you to propose your
own research.
Route two
Apply to any of our PhD programmes
and propose your own research that is
‘self-funded’ (by you, a sponsor, or other
sources not explicitly attached to the
PhD on application). Usually you submit
a research proposal and identify your
proposed supervisor. These are generally
associated with the arts and social sciences.
56
 Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

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: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcourses

Your documents
Your documents must all be in English, or have a certified
translation. If you upload documents through our course
finder and you get accepted, you’ll then need to send us
Essential information
certified copies or the original documents. We’ll need
Before applying, check the essential
these before we can confirm your offer.
information we need from you:
birmingham.ac.uk/applicantinformation
To avoid any delays, it’s a good idea to
supply all your documents when you apply. If you accept an offer from us, this forms a
contract between you and the University.
Here’s what we’ll need:
You’ll find full terms and conditions on our
„ Your academic transcripts and any other website. Please read them carefully and
supporting material check that you’re happy with them.

How
„ A personal statement explaining why you want to All information set out in the prospectus
study your chosen programme and on the University’s website is accurate
at the date of publication October 2023.
„ A CV or sample of work (if we ask for this on the
application form)

to apply
„ If English isn’t your first language, a certificate to
show your competency
„ Your research proposal, if relevant

Applying to our postgraduate courses is easy. Learn how to submit documents and
Whether you’re applying for a taught or research apply: birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply
programme at Birmingham, you can apply online,
then track your progress at every stage. You can
also update your personal details, view decisions
and accept any offers we make to you.

57 58
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Entry requirements
For our postgraduate programmes you’ll usually need a good Honours degree
(normally a 2:1 or above), or an equivalent qualification if you were educated
outside the UK. For some programmes, we may also ask for previous or current
work experience.

If you’re applying for a PhD, you may need a good Masters qualification for some programmes.
You’ll find the requirements for each programme in the course directory, our subject brochures or online:
birmingham.ac.uk/ pgcourses

English language requirements

You’ll need a high level of written and spoken English. So, if English isn’t your first language, you’ll need an English
language qualification awarded in the two years before your course begins.

Below are the IELTS or TOEFL scores you’ll need. We do accept other qualifications though, so please check if your
language qualifications meet our criteria: birmingham.ac.uk/intreqs

ACADEMIC AREA IELTS TOEFL

80 with no less than 19 in

6.0 with no less than 5.5 in
Engineering*, Science Reading, Listening and
any band
Writing, and 21 in Speaking

Arts*, Business Economics, Computer Science,

88 with no less than 21 in
Metallurgy and Materials, Dentistry, 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in
Reading and Writing, 20 in
Education (taught), Health Sciences, Medicine, any band
Listening and 22 in Speaking
Social Sciences

ClinPsyD, Education (research), Business, 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in 95 with no less than
International Business, Management, Law any band 22 in any band

*Some programmes require higher grades. Please see individual course entry requirements for further details.

English language courses

Don’t worry if you don’t meet our English language requirements. Before the start of the academic year, you can enrol on
an English programme at the Birmingham International Academy. If you pass, you’ll automatically meet our criteria. Find
out more: birmingham.ac.uk/bia

59 60
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Applying for a
taught programme

1 2 3
Check you meet our Complete the application
Find your course online: entry requirements form on the course page
birmingham.ac.uk/ (full details on the and upload any supporting
pgcourses course page). documents.

*Some taught courses may charge a £50 application fee.

Learn more here:

birmingham.ac.uk/pgapply

61 62
 Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Fees, funding and

scholarships for
your Masters
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student We understand that continuing your education to postgraduate level is a
support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for significant financial investment. We aim to provide you with information on all
funding and managing your finances. the associated costs so there are no surprises once you begin your course.

What does it cost?

Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the course you choose
and whether you’re a UK or international student. Taught
Masters programmes generally cost at least £9,500 each
year, although some programmes will cost more. Search for
the course you’d like to study on our website and you’ll find
full, detailed tuition fees there.
Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our
postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham
Masters Scholarships award £2,000 to more than 300
students each year. We offer a variety of other subject
and University scholarships, with further support for
alternative degree funding.

How to pay You may be able to claim government funding

You can pay your tuition fees in full, or in monthly or termly
instalments from a UK bank account. This happens through
our University direct debit scheme, which you can read
more about on our website.
to cover UK tuition fees. It applies to these areas:
„ Initial Teacher Training
„ Social work – through a social work bursary

„ Medical or healthcare courses – through an

Postgraduate Masters Loan
NHS bursary
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to
all UK students. If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland
or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from
your country’s government. It’s available for all full-time, See if you qualify: gov.uk/funding-for-
part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, postgraduate-study
as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification
(or equivalent).

How to pay your fees Looking for funding?

You can choose to pay your tuition fees in Our funding and scholarships database is a
full or make monthly or termly instalment great place to start. You can use a range of
payments using the University direct search filters to find any scholarships you’re
debit scheme from a UK bank account. Learn more: eligible for: birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding
birmingham.ac.uk/pgtloan

63 64
 Applying for an
‘advertised PhD’
An ‘advertised PhD’ simply means that it’s
part of an established research project at the
University. It’s also usually funded by us, or
another funding body. Most of the time, the
advertised listing will direct you to the correct
course page, where you can check the
requirements and apply.
Applying
1 1
for a research
Explore our current research projects:
birmingham.ac.uk/findaphd
programme 2 Prepare your personal statement
and any supporting documents.
3 3
Submit your application online
If you’d like to study a research through our course finder and
degree with us, there are generally
upload your supporting documents.
two routes you can take.
Once we receive your application, it usually
takes four to six weeks for us to review it.
You can track your progress and get updates
from us through the Applicant Portal.
If we make you an offer, it will either be
unconditional or conditional. If you accept and
meet the conditions, we’ll confirm your place.
If you’re looking to study on a student visa,
we’ll provide you with a Confirmation of
Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
65
Apply to propose
your own research
You’re not limited to our existing projects. You can
propose your own research, too. First, you’ll need to
submit a proposal for your research. This includes
identifying the supervisor you’d like to work with.
To pay for your research, there’s a range of funding
available from scholarships, charities, loans and
self-finance.
Think about the type of research degree
you’d like to study (PhD, MA/MSc by
research or MRes) and explore our
research themes.
2 Find and consult with
a supervisor or department:
birmingham.ac.uk/findasupervisor
Explore research funding options
and look through our scholarships
and funding database:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding
Write your proposal as a clear and
concise summary of your research. It’s
4
a key part of your application, so take
your time. Your potential supervisors
will use it to decide if your research is
something they can support.
5
Prepare your personal statement
and supporting documents.
6 Submit a formal application by visiting
the course page of the subject most
relevant to your area of research.
66
Postgraduate Prospectus | 2024 Entry

Fees, funding
‘ Search for funding
birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

and scholarships
I was awarded a Global
Challenges PhD Scholarship,
which includes a monthly PhD
stipend, and covers university

for research degrees

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.
For researchers, there are many different options to fund your degree.
From scholarships and studentships, to loans and partial funding, you can The scheme has also helped
strengthen relationships with
explore all your options on our funding database. local organisations and other

‘
early-career researchers
working in low- and
What does it cost? middle-income countries.

Tuition fees
Margaret
Our annual tuition fees are at least the minimum fees recommended by UKRI for our research-level programmes. Global Challenges
For 2023-24, this is £4,712. You’ll find full details in our course directory. But remember, there may be other costs involved, Doctoral Researcher
such as field trips, travel and off-campus research.

Research Council Funding (UKRI)

You may be able to get financial support from a government-funded research council. They’re known jointly as UKRI
(United Kingdom Research and Innovation):

„ AHRC (Arts and Humanities Research Council) „ MRC (Medical Research Council)

„ BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences „ NERC (Natural Environment Research Council)
Research Council)
„ STFC (Science and Technology Facilities Council)
„ ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council)

„ EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences

Research Council)

A full UKRI award will cover the cost of tuition fees and give you a maintenance grant for support during your studies.
Learn more: birmingham.ac.uk/researchcouncils

Our University scholarships are usually linked to the research areas we’re focused on. Find out more here:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgfunding

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you’re a UK national who normally lives in England, this government loan allows you to borrow up to £27,892 to
help with course fees and living costs. Full-time or part-time, the loan is divided into equal payments for each year
of your course, which can last from three to eight academic years. Discover more: birmingham.ac.uk/pgdloan

Other sources of funding

From charities and trusts, to foundations and medical societies, there are many more organisations who can help you
fund your degree: birmingham.ac.uk/pgcharitiesfund

67 68
Make it happen
Any questions? A prospectus can’t tell you everything. But you can ask our
students and alumni through our online events, read a blog post by a
postgraduate, take a campus tour or join an open day.

Meet us
Come and meet our friendly staff and
students. We hold events on and off
campus, where you can see
Birmingham for yourself.
Blogs
Learn from students about
postgraduate life and studying
in Birmingham.
Ask us
Ask us anything, anytime. You can
even ask a particular student or
member of staff.
Online events
Our regular online Q&A sessions let
you chat with current students,
academics and members of the
postgraduate recruitment team.
Postgraduate Open Day
Explore the campus. View our
accommodation.
Talk to our support team and
academic staff about your course.
Join one of our open days and you
can do it all.
Campus tours
Take a tour of our campus in a
small group, led by a postgraduate
student. It’s a great way to see life
at Birmingham with your own eyes.
Places fill up quickly, so book in
advance.

Saturday 25 November 2023 ,

Wednesday 20 March 2024 and
Saturday 22 June 2024.

Meet our students: Book your place today:

birmingham.ac.uk/pgadvice birmingham.ac.uk/pgevents

69 70
Postgraduate
Open Days
Saturday 25 November 2023
Wednesday 20 March 2024
Saturday 22 June 2024

Book now:
birmingham.ac.uk/pgopenday

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