Start date
September 2025
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Course overview
Broaden, as well as deepen, your knowledge 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.
Course structure
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.
Course highlights
The PhD in Accounting 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.
- Comprehensive Training: The programme includes a short taught component that covers advanced research methods, ensuring you have a solid foundation in both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
- Research Excellence: You’ll conduct high-quality, original research under the guidance of leading academics, contributing new knowledge to the field of accounting and finance.
- Professional Development: The programme encourages active participation in seminars, workshops, and conferences, both within the university and at external institutions, enhancing your professional skills and network.
Module information
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).
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.
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.
Find out more about our research themes and associated academics in the Department of Accounting.
Entry requirements
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.
- Good Honours degree (1st or upper 2nd class)
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.
English language requirements
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 or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 95 overall with no less than 22 in any component
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 76 with no less than 67 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency - minimum overall score of 185, with no less than 176 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): C1 'Expert' with no less than 25 in each skill
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
- £5,006
Full-time
- £2,503
Part-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.
How to apply to our research courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate research programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Career opportunities
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.
Careers Network
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.