Study with usPhD & postgraduate research degrees

Virtual Open Week

Join us from 10 to 14 March.

Learn about your subjects of interest, connect with our experienced team and chat with our students.

Tackle local, global & societal challenges

We're looking for aspiring researchers to join our team and work side-by-side with world-renowned academics to help tackle the big issues facing society.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive, internationally leading technological University. Our leading-edge research and close links with business, industry and public sector organisations make us the University of choice for 1,800 doctoral researchers from over 80 countries.

Join Strathclyde as a doctoral researcher and help solve issues of global impact!

How to apply Fund your studies

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Our team are here to help every step of the way!

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How to apply

There are two main routes to undertaking a research project at Strathclyde - either by applying for an existing project or pursuing your own specific areas of interest.

Current opportunities

  Search our current projects. We've got a range of exciting research projects looking for people just like you!

  Projects don't always have funding attached to them. If this is the case, find out ways to fund your research.

  If there are no suitable projects, don't worry, you can still apply and submit your own research proposal.

Explore our current opportunities

Submit your own research proposal

You can apply at any time – all you have to do is pick your course and submit your application.

Submit your own research proposal

Studying a PhD: your questions answered

Elita, one of our PhD students, explains why she chose to study a PhD and shares info on funding opportunities and other useful advice.

When I spoke to my supervisors at the beginning of my application, they were pretty clear, that they wanted to support me, not just with the admission process, but also the funding and application processes.

Engineering student conduction research.

Work alongside world-class academics

Imagine being part of a dynamic community of brilliant minds, working alongside world-renowned academics at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

At Strathclyde, we don't just offer a doctoral degree - we offer an opportunity to make a real impact on the world. Our strong links with business, industry, and the public sector mean that our doctoral researchers are tackling some of the most pressing local, societal, and global challenges of our time.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding research environment offer doctoral researchers the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

Our research

We're tackling big societal challenges

I’ve always wanted to do something meaningful that will make a difference and this research gives me the opportunity to do just that.
Kanzis Mattu
Civil & Environmental Engineering (PhD)

Saving lives at sea with data from space

A pioneering project is harnessing satellite data to help lifeboats safely navigate the shifting waters of the Solway Firth on rescue missions.

Seek-and-destroy nanomedicines for prostate cancer treatment

Strathclyde researcher Dr Christine Dufes is currently leading research on new 'seek-and-destroy- nanomedicines, with exciting results in laboratory settings.

  • University of the Year 2012 & 2019
    Times Higher Education Awards
  • Almost 90% of research rated 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'
    Times Higher Education’s analysis of REF2021
  • Joint 25th in the world & 4th in UK
    Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, for top universities pursuing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Glasgow’s the 4th best city in the world!
    Time Out Index 2022

What's the right research degree for you?

There are two types of research degrees:

  • Doctoral degrees such as PhDs or Professional Doctorates
  • Masters research degrees including MRes or MPhil

Our guide explores the different types of research degrees to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Types of research degrees

Strathclyde Doctoral School

Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent.

The School encompasses our four Faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.

Strathclyde Doctoral School

Our faculties