English Language and Applied Linguistics PhD/MLitt/MPhil: University of Briminghum

The following summary indicates our principal areas of research expertise.  Please view the English Department website http://www.english.bham.ac.uk for further details of possible research topics and staff contact details.

Their work in Corpus Linguistics incorporates interests in linguistic theory and language description, especially phraseology and the lexis–grammar interface, and in the application of corpus investigation techniques to areas such as translation, lexicography and diachronic language study. Corpus techniques also underpin much of their work in discourse and in language learning and teaching.

Work in Discourse Studies focuses on themes such as narrative analysis, critical discourse analysis, and social theory, and on topics such as literary stylistics, workplace discourse, academic discourse, evaluation, and multi-modal discourse. In turn, much of our work on Language Learning and Teaching incorporates corpus approaches to phraseology, lexis and grammar, and discourse approaches to academic literacies. They also focus on innovation in education, learning strategies and the acquisition of metaphor in the context of English as a global language.

In addition to traditional in-residence research degrees, they also offer two largely distance learning PhDs (modular and sandwich).

• Contact: Dr Alison Sealey
• Email: a.sealey@bham.ac.uk

Entry requirements

The normal entrance requirements for MPhil or PhD study are a first degree of at least good UK upper second-class Honours standard, an appropriate standard of English and adequate financial support. The requirements also allow for entry based on comparable ability, as indicated by a good UK MSc performance or a lower first degree performance plus substantial relevant experience.

For more information about Entry requirements visit

• Website: http://www.postgraduate.bham.ac.uk/entry/

How to apply

Online applications

If you submit an online application, please write your ID number on your supporting documents when you send them to us. You will receive an ID number by email on the day after you submit your application (apart from applications submitted on Friday, Saturday or Sunday when the email will arrive on Monday).

If you send in your supporting documents before completing the online application form, please make sure that you write your full name, date of birth and the programme you are applying for on all the documents.

Paper application form

If you apply using the paper application form, please include, where possible, your supporting documents with the application.

Where to send supporting documents

• Address: Admissions
  Aston Webb Building
  University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston
  Birmingham
  B15 2TT
  UK

Tuition fees and costs

The University charges an annual tuition fee. This covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students. Fees are payable at the start of your programme.

When you accept the offer of a place, you are also accepting responsibility for the payment of your tuition fees, even if you are sponsored or in receipt of an award and the sponsor fails to pay. It is therefore very important that you have sufficient funds available to you. Unfortunately, if you fail to pay the fees, you will not be permitted to continue your studies.

For more information about tuition fees visit

• Website: http://www.postgraduate.bham.ac.uk/finance/fees.shtml

For general information about open days

• 3 December

Their Postgraduate Open Day is the ideal opportunity to visit the University and find out more about the research areas or programmes that interest you.

• Contact person: Steve Allmark
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5430
• Fax: +44 (0)121 414 3850
• Email: pgopenday@contacts.bham.ac.uk

For more information about other tours and visits:

• Contact: Student Recruitment and Outreach Office
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3374
• Email: schools-liaison@bham.ac.uk

Contact details

Main University Switchboard

• Postal Address: University of Birmingham
  Edgbaston
  Birmingham
  B15 2TT
  UK
• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3344
• Fax: +44(0)121 414 3971

Postgraduate Admissions

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 5488
• Fax: +44 (0)121 414 6378
• Email: admissions@bham.ac.uk

International Applicant Enquiries

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3694
• Fax: +44 (0)121 414 3850
• Email: international@bham.ac.uk

Financial Support Office

• Tel: +44 (0)121 414 6720
• Fax: + 44(0)121 414 7926
• Email: financialsupport@bham.ac.uk