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PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
City Centre Campuses
Full Time
FEB-25
3 years
Select a course option
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
City Centre Campuses
Full Time
MAY-25
3 years
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
City Centre Campuses
Full Time
FEB-25
3 years
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
City Centre Campuses
Part Time
MAY-25
4 years
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
City Centre Campuses
Part Time
FEB-25
4 years
PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy
Birmingham City University
Online
FEB-25
4 years
Select a subject
Select a an exam type
A built environment PhD can be a pathway to a career in a wide range of related professions, especially in management roles – or in the academic world. If you’re already in such a role, the PhD is a major piece of personal development, developing new knowledge and building skills for your next career step. Birmingham City University has been a major centre for built environment education in the region, and PhD study builds on our expertise and professional and industry networks.
We cover the major built environment disciplines including surveying, project management, facilities management, planning, real estate and civil engineering. We are interested in interdisciplinary research building links to areas including engineering, computing, health, law and others.
What's covered in the course?
A PhD enables you to follow a programme of self-directed, independent study, supported by experienced supervisors who are themselves experts in their area. We may use industry experts to support some projects, and others may be run in full collaboration with an industry partner.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Research Practice prepares you for study at this level, as most find it a very different experience from previous taught courses. Topic-specific training and support is identified and provided by your supervision team and other experts as necessary.
Employment Opportunities
The PhD is a well-established and valued academic qualification within the sector and is highly likely to enhance career prospects. For those wanting to follow a career in teaching and researching in Higher Education, a PhD is highly desirable.
After the PhD
From the very start of your PhD journey we encourage you to think about what happens after you graduate: how the PhD will contribute to your career plan from identifying and getting your first job to beyond. We use the VITAE research career development framework to help you plan for your future.
To apply for our built environment PhD research degree you should have, or expect to be awarded, a Masters degree in a relevant subject area from a British or overseas university. Exceptional candidates without a Masters degree, but holding a first class or upper second class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area, may be considered. We also welcome enquiries from potential PhD researchers with appropriate levels of professional experience. We find it most effective to work with inquirers to focus their research ideas before a formal application is made. Alternatively please send us an initial PhD enquiry containing your brief PhD research proposal (1000-2000 words), and/or any questions or queries you may have.
Students living in
Domestic
£4,786 per year
Students from Domestic
£4,786 in 2024/25
£14,675 per year
Students from EU
Sep 2024; Feb 2025; May 2025: £14,675 in 2024/25.
£14,675 per year
Students from International
Sep 2024; Feb 2025; May 2025: £14,675 in 2024/25.
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