African Studies
Entry requirements
For MRes and MA by Research programmes, we usually require a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
If you’re applying for a PhD , you’ll also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.
Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.
If you’re applying for distance learning research programmes, you’ll also need to show that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study by distance learning.
You'll normally need to submit a research proposal. The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. See the Application Process section for more information.
Months of entry
January, September
Course content
Join Birmingham's internationally renowned Department of African Studies and Anthropology and develop your own independent research project on Africa or its diasporas.
You'll benefit from a rounded approach to your development as a researcher. You'll have opportunities to get involved in a range of research activities alongside your supervisory meetings, such as departmental research seminars and international workshops or conferences on cutting-edge research topics.
This experience will help you develop your skills, improving your research project and preparing you for a future career in or beyond the academy.
You’ll benefit from an interdisciplinary approach which lets you delve deeper into your chosen area of study.
Academics in the Department of African Studies and Anthropology can supervise historical and contemporary research drawing on archival, ethnographic and/or textual and media sources.
We have thematic expertise in topics including migration and diasporas, religion and society, economic inequality and insecurity, youth, the urban, popular culture, kinship, gender and sexuality.
Please consult our staff profile pages to identify a suitable lead supervisor before applying.
- Join a fantastic research environment where you can be involved in weekly seminars and regular conferences.
- Research with staff who have first-hand experience of the continent. Our academics have lived and taught in Africa and continue to carry out research there. The Department frequently attracts visiting researchers from Africa.
- Access unique resources held by the University, including the Church Missionary Society Archive and other Africa-related resources in our Cadbury Research Library, and the African Collection of Art and Artefacts held by Research and Cultural Collections.
Most of our postgraduate research-only programmes offer a PhD or Masters by Research option, but some programmes only offer the PhD route. The PhD is taken over three-six years and the Masters by Research over one-two years. We offer flexibility so you can choose the mode of study that works for you - full-time, part-time, or distance learning.
- There are no formal lectures or seminars in a PhD or MA by Research (if available). Instead, you’ll undertake research under the expert guidance of a primary supervisor, co-supervisor and mentor, supported by complementary research training.
- Your supervisory team will meet with you at regular intervals throughout your programme to offer guidance on how best to approach, implement and report on your research.
- If you take the distance learning option you’ll receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students, but with supervisory sessions taking place online. You'll be funded to make one compulsory visit to the University, enabling you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies.
- You’re expected to take full responsibility for your work, developing your own timetable for your research project so you can successfully complete it on time.
Information for international students
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- part time72 months
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
- full time36 months
- Distance learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate Enquiries