Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months
- Part-time: 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting January 2027: Apply before Dec 2026, National (estimated deadline applies if you have the same nationality as the university).
If you are submitting your own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round. If you wish to start in September, you should apply by 1 June.
Language: English
TOEFL® IBT: 88 or 4.5 (New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned). Equivalent to the 0-120 score.)
PTE Academic: 67
IELTS: 6.5
Delivered: On Campus
Campus Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom
Disciplines: Area & Cultural Studies
Overview
Enjoy a full programme of research training to support you in contributing original research to the field of Arabic Studies. Learn more at the Arabic Studies programme from University of Birmingham.
The Department of Modern Languages is an interdisciplinary hub of research. They welcome research proposals that go beyond subject boundaries. You can be jointly supervised by an academic specialising in Arabic studies and another from a different discipline, depending on your research interests. Visit the programme website for more information.
Careers Support
At Birmingham, they prepare the researchers to make an impact across every sector of society. The PhD graduates are global change-makers: advancing knowledge, shaping policy, leading industries, and educating future generations.
You'll benefit from dedicated careers support tailored to your unique paths. The expert team of Careers Advisers, including a dedicated postgraduate research adviser, offer one-to-one guidance to help researchers navigate career decisions both within and beyond academia.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, 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.
They also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Programme Structure
Research themes:
- They explore how the study of languages, discourses, and cultures challenges the understanding and experience of the world.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL® IBT: 88 or 4.5 (New TOEFL iBT 1-6 score (CEFR-aligned). Equivalent to the 0-120 score.)
PTE Academic: 67
IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
- 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.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International: Non-residents: 43,864 AUD / year (≈ 23,390 GBP / year)
Domestic: Citizens or residents: 9,823 AUD / year (≈ 5,238 GBP / year)
Additional Details: UK: £2,619 part-time; International: £11,695 (part-time)
Living costs
Birmingham, United Kingdom: 1,435-2,127 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.