PhD Studentships in the School of Education

Each year the School of Education is in the position to make available a small number of studentships for doctoral research in our three departments and five research centres.

School of Education Doctoral Scholarships

A small number of School scholarships are available to candidates of the highest academic calibre who wish to conduct doctoral level study in the priority research areas within our School of Education

Each year the School is able to offer individual scholarships that cover all or part of PhD fees and, in some cases, a stipend for living expenses.  Limited funds are available, meaning the scholarships are allocated on a competitive basis and are not open to existing PhD students.

A successful applicant will be expected to have a very good undergraduate degree (minimum of a 2:1 but, preferably, a first class honours). They should also hold, or expect to achieve, a very good Masters degree (at a distinction level) in a relevant subject. Their references will attest to qualities of academic achievement and research potential that make the candidate stand out above their peers. They may have already won academic prizes within their home institutions and /or internationally.

Applications will be assessed on (a) the quality of the student’s academic achievements and preparedness for doctoral level study; (b) the quality of the research proposal; (c) the potential to contribute to cutting edge research; and  (d) the match of the proposal to areas of research strength within the School of Education

Since we are particularly keen to build on existing areas of research strength, all applicants are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors and to discuss their proposal with them prior to online submission. Scholarships are open to new offer-holders only and must be supported by a suitable and willing supervisory team (i.e. two academics, the lead supervisor who must be based within the School of Education, has expertise in the intended area of research and has already successfully seen a PhD or EdD student to completion).

How to apply

Our School of Education scholarships run concurrently alongside the application for ESRC funded studentships. Therefore, to be considered for a School scholarship, you are already eligible for and applying for the ESRC studentships, as well as applying for entry on to the PhD programme within the School of Education. 

This year the closing date for student-led Open Competition applications AND the School studentships will be Tuesday 21st January 2025. 

Entry into the PhD programme for Scholarship holders commences 1 September, 2025.

Applicants will be notified of the outcomes by mid-April for the ESRC studentships, and by late May / early June for the School scholarships. Entry into the PhD programme for Scholarship holders commences 1 September, 2022.

ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Doctoral Studentships: Open Competition

All information regarding the ESRC Open Competition may be found on the Midlands Graduate School ESRC DTP 

This year the closing date for student-led Open Competition applications will be Tuesday 21st January 2025.

The China Scholarship Council (CSC) - UoB PhD Scholarship programme

The CSC – UoB scholarships are now open for the 2025/26 intake, with information on eligibility available on the scholarship page. Applications for this in the School of Education should be directed through and supported by your identified lead supervisor, an appropriate academic within the School of Education. This application will go to the School Director of Postgraduate Research and then be considered at School, and College level prior to progressing to University level for consideration. 

Scholarships for international students

Full details of additional funding available from the University to international students can be found on the International fees and funding webpages.

Funding database search

To find out if you are eligible for any University of Birmingham scholarships or bursaries, please visit the Postgraduate funding database search.