Faculty of SciencePhD@Work Programme
PhD@Work is aimed at science graduates (or graduates in other relevant disciplines) who are currently in full-time employment and interested in conducting high-quality research in their place of work.
Candidates will be jointly supervised by their employer and experts from the Faculty of Science at the University of Strathclyde. This will allow them to carry out research and gain a PhD qualification while remaining in their current employment. Areas of expertise in the faculty can be viewed on our research page.
Contact us
To find out more about the programme contact us and we will be happy to arrange an initial meeting to discuss and answer any questions that you have.
Email the team: science-research@strath.ac.uk
What is involved?
The candidate prepares an original research question/proposal, in collaboration with their employer and an academic supervisor at Strathclyde, typically focused on challenges relevant to their company. They then devote a significant proportion of their working time to their PhD project, studying the topic in depth. Research projects are usually carried out at the candidate’s workplace. However, where appropriate, candidates may come to Strathclyde to use research facilities and interact with supervisors and other colleagues. There is also the option to undertake formal training in research-related skills and practices as part of Strathclyde’s Researcher Development Programme.
Benefits to the candidate
A PhD is the highest postgraduate qualification offered by universities. Although formerly viewed as leading towards an academic career, the modern PhD is far more flexible, incorporating not only research, but also broader career development, leadership, and industry-focussed training. More than 70% of PhD graduates in the UK progress to non-academic careers, and research indicates that PhD graduates have higher earning potential. A key goal of the PhD@Work is to help the candidate communicate and apply their research beyond a university setting. They will also benefit from a cohort experience, linking with other PhD researchers for networking, peer learning and support opportunities.
Benefits to the company
- Access to the research knowledge created during the programme, with the potential to use this for commercial gain.
- The opportunity to engage with world-leading experts and innovators at the University of Strathclyde.
- Enhanced capability for growth, innovation, and knowledge exchange through collaboration with the university.
- Marketing/publicity opportunities associated with conducting world-leading research.
Timelines and Cost
- Candidates typically join the programme on a part-time basis and spend 50% of their time over six years completing their PhD. However, flexible timelines are available to match the aspirations of the candidate and business needs of the employer.
- Candidates normally study on a part-time basis and pay the applicable (home or international rate) part-time tuition fee.
- Candidates can register initially for a two-year Masters by Research (MPhil) degree and then transfer to a PhD degree (subject to satisfactory progress).
Our students
Karina Chan – GSK Industrial PhD Student (2019-2023)
"Being situated at a top pharmaceutical company in collaboration with a leading University offered the ideal environment for fostering knowledge growth, personal development and an impactful, in-depth project. Furthermore, a 3 month secondment into Strathclyde laboratories was offered, which provided a very well rounded training package."
Afjal Miah (GSK Employee and PhD Researcher 2010-2014)
"The training and experience gained form the Strathclyde-GSK PhD collaborative programme was critical for my scientific career progression. Not only did the programme strengthen my organic chemistry knowledge, but it also built my self-confidence to devise strategy and solve challenging medicinal chemistry problems for projects. Since completing the PhD, I have had greater opportunities to lead chemistry projects to key decision points and this has helped me progress my career position to Scientific Team Leader at GSK."
Why Strathclyde?
The University of Strathclyde is a leading international centre for research, knowledge exchange and teaching. Based in Glasgow in the heart of Scotland, a major focus is on conducting research of societal benefit through collaboration with business, industry, third sector organisations and Government, in keeping with our founding ethos as a “place of useful learning”. Almost 90% of our research was rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’ in REF2021 (Research Excellence Framework which measured research quality across UK higher education institutions).
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI)
The University of Strathclyde is committed to creating collaborative, inclusive and supportive working environments which enable high-quality, innovative, and industry-focused research. The university holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to supporting equality and inclusiveness.