You can study an MPhil over the course of one year or a PhD over the course of three to four years.
These degrees are available for study within any of our research groups:
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Working within a small highly-focused research team, the successful applicant will synthesize UCNPs with varied surface chemistry and photonic properties for non-invasive biosensing applications. This is an interdisciplinary project spanning inorganic nanoparticle synthesis, photonic materials, organic molecular loading, and biosensing.
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to investigate an aspect of Science Education Research. This will likely be on a topic involving the overlap of Science and Mathematics education, but the specific topic is open for discussion.
Colloids come in a wide variety of architectural designs and shapes and are traditionally employed in a wide range of applications from paints, stabilizers in emulsions and dispersions, structure directing agents to sensor components. Rod-shaped micro particles in particular exhibit numerous unique behaviours based on their structural characteristics, which makes this geometry very popular in biological contexts.
The aim of this project is to address the challenge of directly detecting disease biomarker panels in serum featuring target species whose relative concentrations span many orders of magnitude.
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to develop Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders as anti-infective agents. Experimental work will include organic chemistry, but also biochemical (enzyme assays), biophysical (UV-vis, NMR) and biology (in vitro activity) aspects.
Developing novel methodologies for portable detection of a variety of illicit substances including but not limited to drugs of abuse, explosives, gunshot residue and / or screening of bodily fluids at crime scenes.
Developing novel methodologies for portable, rapid, point-of-care detection of a variety of biomedically relevant markers for use in biomedical diagnostics
This project will pioneer AI-directed discovery of biomimetic peptoid-peptides that self-assemble into materials with predicted acoustic properties. The student will join the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics, and the materials will be applied to sensors and actuators of sound waves and mechanical vibrations being developed elsewhere in the school. Depending on student interest, the project may focus on computation, experiments, or both.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning consume energy, and computing in general requires massive amounts of electricity. In order to meet sustainability goals and avoid energy shortages, new strategies for computation are being explored. In this project we want to explore the possibility of using artificial active matter to develop innovative hardware for non-digital computation and become the active agent in solving computational problems.
This project will investigate Raman scattering and its variations (surface enhanced (SERS) and stimulated (SRS)) to assess cancer cells and tissue prior to and following treatment with conventional anticancer drugs and particularly new alternative drugs that have shown promise as anticancer agents.
The prospective student will work with Dr Fraser Scott to develop new treatments for leishmaniasis using the novel class of anti-infective agents, Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders. This will involve a combination of synthetic chemistry, biophysical measurements and biological evaluation.
Synthesis and catalysis are essential tools for chemical manufacture. Currently, organolithium reagents are ubiquitous in both academia and industry for breaking and making chemical bonds. With demands for lithium soaring due to its use in energy technology, new alternative organometallic reagents are required to ensure continuity and new innovations in the chemical industry. This project envisions the development of organocaesium chemistry will fill this need.
This project will explore new methods for direct hydrogen isotope exchange of oligonucleotides, and other heterocycles of elevated importance in drug discovery, using catalyst classes developed at Strathclyde. This will deliver flexible and powerful methods to access various pharmaceutically desired organic products and isotopically labelled late-stage candidate-type molecules. Computationally-driven methods will also be used to inform catalyst design and direct the emerging reaction scope.
We are recruiting for a 3.5 year PhD project. The project is part-funded by Penrhos Bio and will be based in the newly formed Strathclyde Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence for Molecular Exploration, Discovery and Development (AIMED2).
Design and application of new conjugated polymer photocatalysts for light-driven conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemical intermediates.
This PhD will involve conducting cutting-edge research to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in expediting the discovery of functional molecular materials crucial for a wide range of applications, spanning from renewable energy technologies to advanced electronics.
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) define an exciting and active area of new medicines discovery research. This project will be concerned with the delivery of chemical tools to establish the factors involved in determining the acyl chain selectivity observed by the zDHHC family of enzymes which are responsible for S-acylation, a key PTM. Based upon a new reactive fragment screening platform we will deliver workflows to validate targets within this emerging area of discovery research.
This project will explore new methods for directed C-H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange, based on state-of-the-art isotopic labelling catalysts developed at Strathclyde. Whilst being primarily preparatively based, mechanistic investigations will also inform new catalyst design, blending computational studies with kinetic measurements. The new catalysts and methods that emerge will provide a range of efficient methods to access a variety of isotopically labelled drug-like entities.
Cancer nanomedicine is dominating modern healthcare. This project is an opportunity to contribute to the development of novel nanomedicine interventions for the targeted and triggered release of pharmaceuticals in pancreatic cancer.
This interdisciplinary project will pioneer novel materials to better mimic the complex acoustic structures of insect hearing. The project will pursue a hybrid “top-down” 3D printing and “bottom-up” self-assembly approach enabled by recent developments in the supervisors’ labs and characterization of insect-mimetic acoustic membranes. The student will join the Leverhulme Doctoral School in Nature Inspired Acoustics. PhD & masters+PhD scholarships are available.
The student will investigate and quantify structure/reactivity relationships in nickel catalysis using a range of techniques including organic/organometallic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, and density functional theory, as appropriate.
In collaboration with Renishaw Plc, this project aims to investigate a new technology that Renishaw have developed to improve the capabilities of Raman imaging. The technology will be applied to several areas, including imaging tissue biopsies for cancer diagnosis and studying drug molecules for monitoring cellular uptake. This PhD will also include an industrial placement at Renishaw’s New Mills site and continual engagement with industrial supervisors.
The detection of new, rapidly evolving illicit drugs presents a unique challenge for laboratory analysts and public health officials. This project will explore wastewater as a means of detecting drugs of abuse to provide a more complete picture of their role in community drug use.
Our goal is to embed the 5Rs — Reduce, Recycle, Refuse, Rot, and Reuse — not just in the main targets and applications of these tiny devices, but in their entire life cycle. GREENS is committed to integrating sustainability principles into the design/ fabrication processes and applications of small-scale robots, ensuring that they are environmentally friendly from their initial building blocks (raw materials), through their processing and final disposal.
The overall goal is to develop and investigate a new class of advanced materials with multifunctional properties to be used in microrobotics. Start date: 1 October 2025
The aim is to take advantage of the noise in qubits as resource for materials simulations within quantum embedding approaches to overcome the finite size limitations of existing quantum algorithms. Based mainly in the Quantum Technologies Department at the Teddington NPL site in Greater London.
This PhD will investigate changes that occur in pharmaceutically relevant materials under conditions similar to those in the tabletting press. We will investigate the hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic regime using diffraction and spectroscopy to elucidate the changes that occur in a range of materials from active pharmaceutical ingredients to fillers and glidants.
John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) doctoral studentships are available annually for excellent students and excellent research projects.
There are two main sources of funding:
The JARSS 2025/26 competition will open in October 2024 and students successful in this competition will commence studies in October 2025. Faculties will set their own internal deadlines for the competition.
Academics/Supervisors make the applications for this scheme and there are various deadlines across Departments and Faculties, therefore, in the first instance, all interested students should contact the Department where they would like to carry out their research.
Check out our postgraduate research webinars.
In the video below, Rebecca explains why she chose to study at Strathclyde and what she enjoys about being a PhD student:
Find out more about our student-led, knowledge exchange service, which provides opportunities for SMEs and larger companies to access chemistry facilities or consultancy services.
The facilities at Strathclyde are top-class, and the staff are super supportive to allow your research to flourish, with no roadblocks in the way of progress.
We're one of the largest research schools in the UK with interest and expertise across analytical, biological, physical and synthesis research areas.
| Name | Research methodologies & approaches used | Current PhD student topics |
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| Dr Joshua Barham |
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| Dr Rebecca Beveridge |
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| Professor Glenn Burley |
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| Dr Shiao Chow |
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| Professor Peter Cormack |
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| Professor Damion Corrigan |
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| Dr Gavin Craig |
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| Dr Christine Davidson |
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| Dr Lynn Dennany |
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| Dr Robert Edkins |
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| Professor Karen Faulds |
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| Dr Ying Fu |
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| Professor Duncan Graham |
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| Dr Penelope Haddrill |
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| Professor Clare Hoskins |
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| Dr Aruna Ivaturi |
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| Dr Craig Jamieson |
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| Dr Alan Kennedy |
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| Professor William Kerr |
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| Dr K H Aaron Lau |
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| Dr John Liggat |
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| Dr David Lindsay |
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| Dr Lewis MacKenzie |
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| Professor Robert Mulvey |
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| Professor John Murphy |
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| Dr David Nelson |
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| Dr Tahereh Nematiaram |
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| Dr Alison Nordon |
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| Dr Charles O'Hara |
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| Dr David Palmer |
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| Dr John Parkinson |
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| Dr Binoy Paulose |
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| Dr Marc Reid |
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| Dr Stuart Robertson |
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| Dr Fraser Scott |
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| Dr Sebastian Sprick |
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| Professor Nicholas Tomkinson |
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| Professor Christopher Tuttle |
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| Dr Alastair Wark |
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| Dr Catherine Weetman |
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The Strathclyde Doctoral School offers a vibrant, student-centred research and training environment, dedicated to supporting both current and future research talent.
Bringing together all four of our faculties, it is committed to enhancing the student experience, increasing research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring that training is delivered at the highest standard.
As a postgraduate researcher, you will automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
As part of your PhD, you will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).
This certificate is designed to enhance your research experience and recognize the skills and activities you develop as a research student.
It will help you build essential skills for both professional development and employability, including:
You will plan these activities alongside your doctoral studies, documenting and reflecting on your journey to success along the way.
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
As a PhD student at Strathclyde, I was exposed to high-level intellectual reasoning. I was taught diligence, hard work, patience and determination.
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
For PhD or MPhil, you will need a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, from a recognised academic institution.
If English isn't your first language, you'll also need to have a recent UKVI-recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualification. Refer also to English Language Requirements.
During the application, you'll be asked for the following:
By filling out these details as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay in your application being processed by the University.
You can identify and interact with a research supervisor before applying, or we ask that you highlight a potential supervisor in your application and the department will team you up with the best supervisor for your project.
Once we've received your application, your research proposal is passed to potential supervisors for consideration. If it's not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they are unable to supervise, it's passed along to another supervisor for consideration. If they can supervise you, they'll confirm and nominate a potential second supervisor.
As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.
If you accept our offer of study, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.
Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.
If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.
An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement for some postgraduate students in science, engineering and technology.
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
| Scotland | £5,006 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £5,006 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £27,800 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
