PhD study at Strathclyde
As a socially progressive, internationally leading technological University, we’re home to world-class researchers who work side-by-side with our doctoral researchers addressing local, societal and global challenges. Our aim is to fully equip Strathclyde doctoral researchers to become future leaders through careers in research, academia, business, industry, government and social sectors.
As a doctoral researcher at Strathclyde, you will:
- work alongside world-class academics
- have access to first-rate facilities and an excellent research environment
- help find solutions to issues of global impact
- join the Strathclyde Doctoral School, a community of more than 1,800 doctoral researchers from over 80 countries
Our leading-edge research and our close links with business, industry and public sector organisations makes us the University of choice for a growing number of doctoral researchers. Collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches, and the desire to create an impact are key drivers at the core of Strathclyde's research strategy which is deeply rooted in all our doctoral programmes. Strathclyde's research programmes showcase our focus on relevance and usefulness through having an impact on industry, science and society and are befitting of an international technological university that is socially progressive.
Our Strathclyde doctoral programmes include the following research opportunities:
- PhDs
- Collaborative & Industrial PhDs & Doctorates
- Professional Doctorates
- Centres for Doctoral Training
In keeping with our reputation and status as a leading international technological University, we are continually advancing the intensity, quality and international competitiveness of our research.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice Chancellor
Apply for PhD study
Conduct original research and make a significant contribution to your chosen field of study. You will be at the cutting edge of your field while developing the expertise and skills for success in careers spanning industry, science, business, policy and social sectors
Working with collaborative and industrial partners to find real world solutions to local and global challenges is core to Strathclyde’s mission
These programmes allow working professionals to undertake research focussing on their specific professional context
Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) bring together doctoral researchers from multiple disciplines with industrial partners to address global challenges
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 opportunties, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Find out more about Strathclyde Doctoral SchoolWith the recent launch of the Doctoral School at Strathclyde, there's even more support for PhDs in place which is fantastic. I feel really connected to my PhD community and always know there's someone there to talk to.
Amy Hyslop, Entrepreneurship PhD student
Our research & doctorate opportunities
We offer a number of funded and unfunded PhD and postgraduate reseach opportunities. Find out more
Take a look at our PhD and research programmes by subject
We're tackling big societal challenges
My PhD is giving an extensive understanding about how the healthcare system in the UK works... I like that I have an opportunity to make a real change and hopefully help improve people’s lives.
This is an emerging sector in geoscience research and will likely become the key area that future geologists and geoscientists will be trained in as the need to tackle issues such as climate change remains paramount.
I study Type 1 diabetes and adolescent experiences with technology for physical activity...The deep-rooted personal experience and focus on helping others are what drives me to do my PhD.
The Strathclyde community is very professional, and friendly. They provided me with all the help I've needed and made my research journey easier and happier.
Strathclyde has a very engaging and friendly research community. They are always thinking of ways to improve the research experience at the University and make our research visible to the wider community.
Fulbright scholarship: from Florida to Strathclyde
Thanks to the Fulbright scholarship, PhD researcher Jenika Katz was able to move to Scotland for an adventure of a lifetime.
Jenika's doctoral research at Strathclyde focuses on how to increase retention of migrant workers in the hospitality industry.
Read Jenika's blog
Careers & opportunities
With a Doctorate from Strathclyde you have many career opportunities ahead of you. Whether your interests are in industry, business, government, public or social sectors, your research and the training and development you will have received together with the network of Strathclyde researchers, friends and contacts you will have developed, mean that a bright future awaits you. Have a look at what some of our Strathclyde Doctorates are now doing.
At Strathclyde, I felt part of a big family, where everyone was willing to listen to me, to share their thoughts and to support me. Straight after my Viva and only after a week from the completion of my degree I started a position as Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Geoscience at University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Working at the foremost institute in economic modelling and studying the Scottish economy was a fantastic learning experience. The team of researchers at the institute at that time were exceptional so, along with my old teachers in the Economics Department, it was an amazing environment in which to work and study.
After gaining experience in three major pharmaceutical companies, I started my own clinical research company, Clintec International Ltd, which grew to become a significant global player serving the needs of a wide range of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and public healthcare organisations with the ultimate aim of conducting clinical research for the benefit of patients.
Our faculties
Find out more about our research
Take a look at our PhD and research programmes linked to our Strategic Themes
Find out more about the way we are working with innovative organisations, entrepreneurs and local communities across Scotland’s first Innovation District, the Glasgow City Innovation District.
Find out more about the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning university. Read more about our success in the Times Higher Education Awards