![Student in conversation with another student](/media-library/dubai/lifestyle/2024/students.x18666c55.jpg?w=432&h=432&fit=crop&q=80&f=webp)
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Broaden, as well as deepen, your knowlegde of research methods and your understanding of the techniques used in modern social science research.
Upon completion, you will excel in analysing diverse data sets using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. You will be adept at explaining the theories that underpin various approaches to social science research, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Doctoral researchers in Accounting are registered for a full time 3-year PhD or a part-time 6-year PhD. The programme includes a short taught component to broaden and deepen your knowledge of research methods, followed by an extensive research phase where you conduct original research and develop transferable professional skills.
The PhD in Accounting and Finance at the University of Birmingham combines a short taught component with an extensive research phase. The taught modules broaden and deepen your knowledge of research methods, while the research phase focuses on creating and interpreting new knowledge through your thesis. You’ll develop advanced skills in both qualitative and quantitative analysis, participate in departmental seminars, and engage in workshops and conferences.
In the first year of the programme (first two years for those registered part-time) you are required to take and successfully complete 60 credits of core Research Methods modules. If you are using more qualitative methodologies, you will take modules from the MA Social Research programme. It is also recommended you take Advanced Training Modules from the MA Social Research Programme as appropriate to their research and training needs.
Depending on your needs and accredited prior learning, and subject to supervisory approval, doctoral researchers can substitute 20 credits of the introductory MA Social research modules for Advanced Training Modules. Those researchers employing quantitative methodologies are required to take Econometrics with Financial Applications module from the Department of Economics (30 credit module). You also need to take at least one of the existing MSc Investments and MSc International Accounting and Finance courses and one other module to successfully complete 60 credits of study. The MSc module and one other appropriate M or D level module should be chosen in agreement with your supervisor, as appropriate for your research topic. Modules available include: Financial Modelling and Forecasting Techniques (20 credits), Empirical Topics in Accounting and Finance (20 credits) and Quantitative Methods in Finance (10 credits).
By the end of their first year all doctoral students in Accounting will have completed an 8,000 word research proposal that they will present and be evaluated on at the first annual review. This forms the basis for supervised research over the remaining two years of the programme and the production of an 80,000 word thesis.
At Birmingham, you can apply for an advertised PhD or propose your own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
If you want to pursue your own research project, you can apply to our research programmes to propose this. This is self-funded although scholarships are available.
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
If you’d rather propose your own research, the first step is to find your supervisor. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.
When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the PhD programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
We usually ask students for an average of 65 in the taught component of their Masters. All international students also need to show that they have adequate knowledge of written and spoken English.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you are proposing your own research topic, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s 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.
Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.
You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.
Full-time
Part-time
These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.
You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. However, if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.
If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.
We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Graduates of the PhD in Accounting at the University of Birmingham have diverse career opportunities. They may pursue academic roles, work in government, businesses, supranational organisations, or the research arms of major financial institutions. With a deep understanding of contemporary accounting and business issues, they are well-equipped to lead societal debates. Additionally, they will have a comprehensive awareness of the functions of key institutions at both national and international levels.
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.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.