| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2024-09-19 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD Cultural Heritage program at the University of Birmingham offers an interdisciplinary research journey, equipping students with advanced skills and a deep understanding of cultural heritage. The program fosters a global perspective, connecting students with international networks and preparing them for impactful careers in museum work, conservation, heritage management, and research.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD Cultural Heritage program at the University of Birmingham is a postgraduate research degree that allows students to conduct in-depth research in the field of cultural heritage. The program is offered both on-campus and through distance learning, providing flexibility for students. Students benefit from the expertise of the International Centre for Heritage (ICH), which is known for its cutting-edge research in the field. The program aims to equip students with advanced research skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deep understanding of cultural heritage issues. It also fosters a global perspective and encourages students to engage with international networks of academics, policymakers, and practitioners.
Careers:
Graduates of the PhD Cultural Heritage program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in the field of cultural heritage. Some potential career paths include:
- Museum work: Curatorial roles, research positions, and management positions in museums and heritage institutions.
- Conservation and regeneration: Working on projects to preserve and revitalize historic buildings, landscapes, and cultural sites.
- Heritage management: Managing heritage assets, developing heritage policies, and working on heritage tourism initiatives.
- Research: Pursuing academic careers in cultural heritage studies, conducting research for government agencies, or working as consultants. The program also provides students with opportunities to develop transferable skills, such as communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are valuable in a wide range of professions.
Other:
- The program offers a Visiting Scholar's Programme for researchers undertaking PhDs from other universities.
- The University of Birmingham is ranked in the top 100 for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS 2024).
- The program encourages students to get involved in research-related events and to benefit from the ICH's global networks.
- The program emphasizes the importance of developing research topics that are innovative, challenging, and impactful.
- The College of Arts and Law has a dedicated careers and employability team that offers tailored advice and a program of College-specific careers events.
- Graduates have gone on to work for prestigious organizations such as Birmingham Museums Trust, National Trust, Canal and River Trust, English Heritage, Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
- Annual tuition fee 2024 entry:
- UK: £4,786 full-time; £2,393 part-time
- International: £21,840 full-time; £10,920 part-time (distance learning only)
- The same fees apply to both campus-based and distance learning study.
- The distance learning programme also includes one fully-funded visit to campus in the first year of study.
- The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
- For UK postgraduate research students the University fee level is set at Research Council rates and as such is subject to change. The final fee will be announced by Research Councils UK in spring 2024.
- Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments.
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Entry Requirements:
- For MRes and MA by Research programmes:
- A good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
- For PhD programmes:
- A Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
- For Distance Learning Research Programmes:
- You must demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities, and experience to study by distance learning.
International Students:
- General Requirements:
- We accept a range of qualifications from different countries.
- Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.
- Specific Country Requirements:
- The document provides detailed entry requirements for students from various countries, including: Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Caribbean and West Indies, The Philippines, Türkiye, UAE, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- Standard Language Requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
- Equivalent Scores:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 21 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course: If you successfully complete the course, you will be able to fulfil the language requirement without retaking a language qualification.
