Research Degrees at BIAD
This page gives introductory information about Research Degrees at the BIAD. For more detailed information on each stage of the Research Degrees process, please see the Research Process Map below. Also available as a PDF download (64KB).
A Research Degree is a Masters or Doctoral level qualification awarded to students who: complete satisfactorily an approved programme of individual research; submit an acceptable written thesis; and pass an oral examination during which they 'defend' their thesis. Undertaking a Research Degree provides an opportunity to broaden and deepen your knowledge of a particular area of study. In order to sustain the individual effort required to complete successfully the research programme you will, need to be deeply committed to the research topic. Unlike taught courses, each Research Degree study programme is tailored to the needs and interests of each student and must be individually approved by BIAD and Birmingham City University.
Supervision
Every research student, whether full-time or part-time, will be guided by a Supervisory Team comprising a Director of Studies and at least one additional (Second or Third) Supervisor. In some cases it can also be helpful to appoint an additional supervisor and possibly one or more external advisors. At least one member of the Supervisory Team will have had previous experience of successful supervision to MPhil or PhD as appropriate and the team will be appropriately qualified and experienced in the domain of the research. The student is expected to meet with the Supervisory Team on a regular basis to review progress and to obtain guidance and direction. Note however that your research degree is your individual programme of study - the supervisory team will provide guidance, support and direction but WILL NOT do the work for you. The Supervisory Team is also required to make periodic reports on your progress to BIAD faculty Research Degrees Committee, and the Committee makes an annual report on your progress to Birmingham City University.