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Frequently asked questions

For more information, please contact us or visit us at an Open Evening, where you may be able to talk to former students about their experience of studying at Birkbeck.

Can I study full time?

At postgraduate and MPhil/PhD level, you can choose to study our courses full-time. An increasing number of students are choosing to study with us via this route.

How much time do I need to study?

Independent private study is a vital part of preparing for lectures and seminars, and following them up after class. The amount needed varies both with the topic being studied and with your own speed of work, but realistically you should plan to spend at least an hour in private study for each hour you spend in the classroom.

In addition, you will need to make extra time to complete your coursework and revise for your examinations.

What is the difference between MSc and MRes?

The MRes degrees are designed for students who are intending to continue to a PhD or to pursue a research-oriented career. As such, they are more research focused than the MSc.

MRes degrees comprise of six taught modules and a dissertation of 25,000 words while the MSc is comprised of eight taught modules and a dissertation of 15,000 words.

The taught modules in both courses are made up of a combination of compulsory modules and optional modules. All students must take Research methods in management 1 and Principles of organization and management as compulsory modules. The other compulsory modules vary from course to course.

How many modules will I have to complete?

The number of modules you need to complete in a year varies, depending on the qualification you are pursuing and whether you are studying part-time or full-time.

  • Part-time MSc students: You will take two modules in each of the autumn and spring terms of your first year, and a further four in your second year. Your dissertation is due by 30 September in your second year of study.
  • Part-time MRes students: You will take at least two modules per term during your first year, and can take more if you wish to leave the second year free for work on your dissertation. Your dissertation is due by 30 September in your second year of study.
  • Full-time MSc students: You will take four modules in the autumn term, leaving four to be completed in the spring term. Your dissertation is due by 30 September of the same year.
  • Full-time MRes students: You will normally take three or four modules in the autumn term, leaving either three or two modules to be completed in the spring term. Your dissertation is due by 30 September of the same year.

How do I apply for a course?

The best way to apply is to apply online External Birkbeck Site at the Birkbeck central course listings. For more information about our application process, see the How to Apply section of our web site.