PhD and MPhil enquiries and applications

Birmingham Newman University offers PhD and MPhil degrees in partnership with Liverpool Hope University.

As a research student, you will be registered with both institutions and work towards a Liverpool Hope University research award while being fully supported by Birmingham Newman’s Graduate School.

We welcome applications from students interested in full-time or part-time study who meet the University’s entry requirements.

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Research degrees

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The MPhil is a prestigious research degree in its own right. It involves a substantial research project, though with a narrower scope than a PhD. It is ideal for students seeking to explore a focused research question or prepare for doctoral study.

MPhil students will demonstrate:

  • A systematic understanding of knowledge and critical awareness of current issues
  • Originality in applying knowledge and research techniques
  • The ability to evaluate and critique existing research and propose new insights

Study duration:

  • Full-time: typically 2 years (maximum 3 years)
  • Part-time: typically 3 years (maximum 4 years)
  • Thesis length: up to 60,000 words

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an independent, original contribution to knowledge within a specific discipline. It demonstrates your ability to design and conduct advanced research, critically engage with scholarship, and produce work of publishable quality.

PhD students will demonstrate:

  • The creation and interpretation of new knowledge through original research
  • A deep understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the field
  • The ability to design and adapt research projects in response to emerging challenges
  • Mastery of advanced research methods and academic enquiry

Study duration:

  • Full-time: typically 3 years (maximum 4 years)
  • Part-time: typically 5 years (maximum 6 years)
  • Thesis length: up to 100,000 words

Why study with us

As a research student at Birmingham Newman, you’ll benefit from:

  • A supportive academic environment rooted in our ethos of partnership and community
  • Access to expert supervision and vibrant research centres
  • Membership of Vitae, offering world-class researcher development resources

Interested in applying

Please read the rest of this page for more information. You are invited to contact the Graduate School to make an informal enquiry.

Advice on writing a research proposal

Preparing your research proposal

As part of your application to Birmingham Newman University’s postgraduate research programmes, you’ll need to submit a research proposal—an outline of approximately 3,000 words, including references and bibliography.

This proposal helps us assess:

  • The originality and quality of your ideas
  • Your ability to think critically and engage with relevant literature
  • How your research aligns with our disciplinary strengths and research priorities

It also informs the allocation of a suitable supervisor. We strongly encourage you to discuss your proposal informally with a potential supervisor before submitting your application. Please note, however, that supervisor allocation is subject to availability and expertise across the University.

Flexibility and development

Your proposal is a starting point – not a fixed contract. It’s normal for research students to refine their topic as they progress, especially after deeper literature review, methodological reflection, and feedback from supervisors.

Proposal structure

Your proposal should be clearly structured under the following headings:

Title

A concise and descriptive title that reflects the focus of your research.

Overview of the Research

Provide a brief summary of your project. Explain how your research fits within the priorities of your chosen Discipline Area, referencing relevant research centres or supervisors. Clarify why Birmingham Newman is the right place for your study.

Positioning of the Research

Demonstrate your understanding of the field by referencing key texts. Identify gaps in current knowledge – both theoretical and practical—that your research aims to address.

Research Design and Methodology

Outline the data or evidence you will need and the methods you plan to use. Be clear about how your approach will help answer your research questions.

References and Bibliography

Include a list of sources cited in your proposal, formatted consistently.

If you’d like support in shaping your proposal or identifying a potential supervisor, please contact the Graduate School team. We’re here to help you take the next step in your research journey.

Common pitfalls in research proposals

At Birmingham Newman University, we value originality, clarity, and academic rigour in research proposals. While many applicants meet the academic entry requirements, proposals that lack focus or depth may not progress to the next stage.

To strengthen your application, we recommend the following:

Clearly define your research question or problem

Your proposal should demonstrate a well-articulated idea grounded in relevant academic literature.

Stay focused and follow the structure

Proposals that are vague, overly broad, or do not meet the submission guidelines may suggest a lack of direction. A concise, well-organised proposal helps us understand your aims and assess your readiness for postgraduate research.

If you’re unsure about your proposal, we encourage you to speak with a potential supervisor before submitting your application. We’re here to support you in developing a strong foundation for your research journey.

Guide for applicants

To apply for postgraduate research you must satisfy the University’s general entry requirements as well as any specific requirements for your chosen programme.

Applications are assessed based upon academic excellence and other relevant experience, and how closely your research proposal aligns with Birmingham Newman University’s key research areas.

We will also look for evidence of your interest in the programme and an understanding of the rigorous demands of postgraduate study.

Applicants for PhD

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The requirements for admission to a programme of study leading to the award of an PhD are that an applicant should normally:

[a] possess EITHER a Masters degree from a recognised UK Higher Education Institution OR hold an equivalent non-UK qualification if applying from another country and satisfy the English Language requirements stipulated by the University. In exceptional circumstances applicants with a Bachelors Degree at 2.1 Honours standard or above and with relevant additional paid or unpaid research experience may be considered.

[b] successfully undertake a research degree interview as part of the application process.

Applicants for MPhil

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The requirements for admission to a programme of study leading to the award of an MPhil are that an applicant should:

[a] possess EITHER a Bachelors Degree at 2.1 Honours standard or above from a recognised UK Higher Education Institution OR hold an equivalent non-UK qualification if applying from another country and satisfy the English Language requirements stipulated by the University.

[b] successfully undertake a research degree interview as part of the application process.

MPhil and PhD applicants who have successfully completed one or more years of full-time study (or two or more years of part-time study) for a research degree at a UK university may be considered for admission with advanced standing. In such cases, the admissions procedure shall be identical to other applicants; however, the duration of the programme may vary and shall be as specified at the time of entry.

Application Process

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