PhD in Italian Studies PhD / MA by Research

At University of Birmingham, England, applications close 1 June; tuition is £23,390 (full-time) / £11,695 (part-time).

You will spend most of your time conducting independent research in Italian studies, reading and analysing primary sources, and developing your own thesis argument. Regular supervisory meetings, bespoke research-training sessions and peer seminars give you feedback and help you refine methods.

The MA by Research requires a 40,000-word thesis completed within one year (two years part-time), while the PhD culminates in a thesis of up to 80,000 words and a viva voce after three years (six years part-time). Distance-learning students make one compulsory visit to campus for intensive training and to meet their supervisory team.

A distinctive feature is the possibility of joint supervision with academics from other disciplines, plus access to specialist translation-memory software and the Birmingham Doctoral Programme, which provides a structured development framework and real-world engagement opportunities.

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.