Ranking
19th
in the UK
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.
Course overview
Our Geography (Urban and Regional Studies) PhD is offered by the department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. Set in a city with rich industrial heritage that has undergone a rapid and dramatic transformation over the past two decades - your future as a thought leader in planning and development starts here.
Our Department of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences is home to one of the leading groups of planning academics, providing unparalleled mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities. This advanced degree is designed for those aspiring to excel in academia or to lead in fields such as urban planning, sustainable development, urban regeneration, and transport planning. By engaging with the latest theories and methodologies, you'll gain the skills needed to address complex challenges in urban environments, influence policy, and drive innovation in shaping sustainable, thriving communities.
The campus has a lovely green environment to study in and a wide range of study spaces if I fancy a change from my office. I have access to BlueBEAR the University's supercomputer, which has been an invaluable resource to my research! Also, the University Graduate School holds many events for PGR students so there's always lots to get involved in!
Course structure
This course is designed to be completed in 3-4 years on a full-time basis. Each PhD within the department is unique and doesn't adhere to a fixed structure. Whilst we cannot provide a specific framework, here is an overview of what you can expect during your PhD.
Within every year, you are expected to attend a monthly progress meeting with your supervisory team where you will discuss your progress/research. All year 1 PhD students (or year 2 if part-time) will be required to submit a report for their end of year review that provides a reasonable basis for assessment of progress. This should be a 3,000-5,000 word written piece although there is flexibility in the format. In the first year of your PhD, you will typically focus on writing a literature review and undergoing methodological training, tailored to the needs of your research project.
Course highlights
Our research and teaching are designed to support policy-making by bridging the gap between academic research and the needs of policy-makers in central and local government, as well as other agencies. With a team of renowned planning scholars, we will advocate for your research to ensure it has a meaningful impact.
- Join a long-established school ranked highly for research excellence
- Be part of a research community with an international reputation
- Participate in seminars featuring world-renowned speakers
- Gain the full range of PhD skills, under the guidance of active researchers
- 92%
of our research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent
REF 2021
Become part of a diverse community of staff and students from around the world
- 19th
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
Course delivery
You will receive guidance through academic supervision and engage in self-directed learning under the mentorship of at least two faculty members. You’ll benefit from a dynamic research community, with opportunities to attend seminars and actively participate in the research culture. The course can be pursued full-time, part-time, or through distance learning.
Seminar
Projects
1:1 Supervision
- Seminars: Although this course is primarily research-driven, you will have the opportunity to participate in seminars led by renowned academics and present your findings to your peers.
- 1:1 Supervision: You will meet regularly with your supervisory team to discuss your research and receive feedback to aid your progress. Your supervisors, who are experts in your field, will provide guidance and support throughout your PhD journey.
- Projects: You will lead your research efforts, taking full responsibility for every stage, including formulating research questions, selecting methodology, conducting a literature review, and synthesising findings.
Module information
This course is designed to be completed in 3-4 years on a full-time basis. Each PhD within the department is unique and doesn't adhere to a fixed structure. Whilst we cannot provide a specific framework, here is an overview of what you can expect during your PhD.
Within every year, you are expected to attend a monthly progress meeting with your supervisory team where you will discuss your progress/research. All year 1 PhD students (or year 2 if part-time) will be required to submit a report for their end of year review that provides a reasonable basis for assessment of progress. This should be a 3,000-5,000 word written piece although there is flexibility in the format. In the first year of your PhD, you will typically focus on writing a literature review and undergoing methodological training, tailored to the needs of your research project.
Research projects
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.
We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of members of staff in the Department, and we recommend that you investigate staff research interests before applying.
Members of the Department can offer supervision in a range of areas within Urban and Regional planning including:
- Planning
- Regeneration
- Sustainability
- Climate change
- Transport
- Participatory and community-based approaches
Find an Advertised PhD
Find a PhD project that suits your interests by using our FindAPhD tool.
Find a supervisor
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.
Research themes
Our Urban and Regional Planning group explores some of the big issues facing today’s and tomorrow’s societies, including key issues such as urban regeneration, climate change, sustainable development, property development, community involvement and transport infrastructure. We engage with partners around the world to advance understandings in theory and to develop more equitable, fair and just forms of public policymaking.
Our three research subthemes bring our expertise together on key topics: Adapting to Environmental and Energy Uncertainties; Cities, Regions and Mobilities; and Children, Young People and Education. These provide rich foundational knowledge for the School’s interdisciplinary focus on Urban Sustainability.
Centre for Urban Wellbeing (CUWb)
The Centre for Urban Wellbeing was established in 2020 to support interdisciplinary and community-engaged research informed by the best global evidence to address urban wellbeing inequalities.
The Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA)
The Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA)'s distinct approach will be to leverage Birmingham’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary research expertise; and apply/translate ideas, skills and influence into wider engagement and action on climate change and broader sustainability matters.
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
and a Masters in a relevant subject. Students are not normally admitted to an PhD degree without first having completed a taught Masters degree.
Research proposal
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £4,921
Full-time
Funding options
Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached
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.
Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer
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.
Application process
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.
Career opportunities
We will help you to produce publications arising from your work and encourage you to publish as a single author where appropriate. Many research students are aiming for academic careers and we recognise the importance of providing opportunities for you to be involved in teaching and tutorial work, without compromising your obligations as a research student.
Careers Network
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.
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.
We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have a variety of choices of accommodation. Stay with us in our dedicated postgraduate halls or explore a wide range of private accommodation close to campus.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state of the art facilities.