2024 Vice Chancellor’s Inaugural PhD Studentship Scheme

Birmingham City University is delighted to launch the first phase of its Vice Chancellor’s Inaugural PhD Studentship scheme, which is offering 23 fully funded doctoral studentships.

Applications are open to all eligible UG and PGT graduates and are particularly encouraged from groups that have historically been underrepresented in doctoral study.

The scheme focuses on addressing key research priorities, unleashing potential from postgraduate researchers to contribute to the research impacts of BCU.

Applications are now invited for the Vice Chancellor’s Inaugural PhD Studentship Scheme studentships for September 2024 entry.

WHY APPLY FOR THE VC INAUGURAL PHD STUDENTSHIP SCHEME?

The scheme will provide a tax-free doctoral stipend at the same rate as UK Research Council funded studentships for up to 42 months full time, to contribute towards living expenses during the doctoral studies. The scheme will also provide a full fee waiver.

Successful candidates will gain transferable skills for their CV and will be encouraged to undertake paid teaching related activity (limited to the recommended maximum of 6 hours per week) such as seminar support, demonstrator for laboratory and studio activities etc alongside their doctoral studies and be embedded into research groups and our research culture and community.

Post PhD completion (submission of thesis), PGRs will be encouraged to apply for research and teaching opportunities to enable them to further develop their academic skills and experience and progress into employment.

PROJECTS AND AREAS OF RESEARCH

The areas of research that applications will be sought from will focus on addressing the University’s key research priorities within the Research Strategy 2029, especially those linked to STEAM and our academic plan.

There are projects available within our faculties of Arts, Design and Media; Business, Law and Social Sciences; Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment; and Health, Education and Life Sciences.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHEME?

The University invites applications for these doctoral studentships from:

• Undergraduate students with a good (1 / 2.i / 2.ii) Honours degree, or equivalent, in a subject area relevant to their chosen project.
• Postgraduate students with a Masters degree in a subject area relevant to their chosen project.
• The scheme is open to Home and International fee status applicants.

Applications are open to all eligible UG and PGT graduates and are particularly encouraged from groups that have historically been underrepresented in doctoral study.

FEES AND FUNDING

The studentships will follow Birmingham City University’s ‘PhD Classic’ Doctoral Training Grant funding model which:

• Covers the doctoral tuition fees (FT Home rate - £4,786 a year / FT international rate - £14,675 for 2024/25).
• Provides a tax-free stipend for living expenses at the same rate as UK Research Council funded studentships (£19,237 a year for 2024/25) for up to 42 months, full time.

PROJECTS AND AREAS OF RESEARCH

There are projects available within our faculties of Arts, Design and Media; Business, Law and Social Sciences; Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment; and Health, Education and Life Sciences.

How To Apply

For more information and to apply on-line, please click the above “Apply” button.

Closing date for applications:

• The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 30 April 2024.
• All those wishing to be considered must have submitted the relevant BCU online application (including an uploaded research proposal) by this date.
• You are strongly encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline wherever possible.

Selection process:

Your application for a VC Inaugural PhD studentship will be considered on the basis of:

• Your completed online PhD application form, with uploaded:
• Research Proposal.

and (if shortlisted)

• The interview.
• Each Faculty will be responsible for considering applications received. 
• The process for considering applications will be overseen by a panel chaired by the Associate Dean for postgraduate research, or equivalent, in each Faculty.
• Successful candidates will have a strong academic background and/or exceptional research potential.

Notification of outcomes:

Successful shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Doctoral Research College and invited to interview before the end of May 2024.

FIND OUT MORE

If you would like to discuss this scheme or your application in more detail, we'll be available to answer your questions at our online information sessions. Each information session will incorporate a brief presentation followed by a Q&A.

ATTEND a Q&A

Please register to attend one of the following sessions.

• Tuesday 16 April 2024 - 10-11am
• Tuesday 23 April 2024 - 10-11am

Once you have registered, you will receive (by email) a link to an MS Teams meeting.

We look forward to meeting you!