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
PhDs
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
Collaborative & Industrial PhDs & Doctorates
Working with collaborative and industrial partners to find real world solutions to local and global challenges is core to Strathclyde’s mission
Professional Doctorates
These programmes allow working professionals to undertake research focussing on their specific professional context
Centres for Doctoral Training
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
We're tackling big societal challenges
Linda Lapp, PhD in Healthcare Analytics, Computer & Information Sciences
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.
Christopher McMahon, PhD in GeoEnergy, Civil & Environmental Engineering
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.
Diane Duffy, PhD in Digital Health & Wellness, Computer & Information Sciences
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.
Precious Otti, Chemical & Process Engineering 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.
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.
Dr Carla Romano, Research Associate, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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.
Dr Jim Walker, Chief Economist, Aletheia Capital Ltd
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.
Dr Rabinder Buttar, President & Founder of Clintec International Ltd
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
Our research & doctorate opportunities
Current PhD & postgraduate research opportunities
We offer a number of funded and unfunded PhD and postgraduate reseach opportunities. Find out more
PhD & research subject areas
Take a look at our PhD and research programmes by subject
Our research & strategic themes
Take a look at our PhD and research programmes linked to our Strategic Themes
Our research & innovation ecosystem
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.
World-class manufacturing initiatives
Find out more about the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland.
Ten awards in nine years
Strathclyde is a multi-award-winning university. Read more about our success in the Times Higher Education Awards
Responding to Covid-19
Strathclyde has been responding to the urgent needs of the NHS, care organisations, and the broader sector, in their battle against COVID-19.
Our researchers are involved in a range of projects from supporting the manufacture of ventilators, personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser and diagnostic tests, to studying the economic impact of the virus, how it has impacted on our physical and mental health and the changes to society and our lives – both good and bad – that the coronavirus has had.
From working on vaccine preparation for low and middle income countries to exploring the use of Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders, our PhD researchers have been working on the response to Covid-19.