Strathclyde Doctoral School

A community of more than 1,800 doctoral researchers from over 80 countries, Strathclyde Doctoral School (SDS) provides a vibrant and comprehensive PGR-centred research and development environment in which post-graduate researchers can flourish.

The purpose of Strathclyde Doctoral School is to fully equip our doctoral researchers to become future leaders through careers in research, academia, business, industry, government, and social sectors.

The School encompasses our four Faculties, and working with Professional Services Directorates, is committed to enriching the PGR experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring development is designed and delivered at the highest levels.

All postgraduate researchers automatically become part of Strathclyde Doctoral School when they accept their place at Strathclyde. 

Doctoral Researchers Group

The Doctoral Researchers Group was set up by our doctoral students for our doctoral students. The DRG plays an active role in the ongoing development of the doctoral experience at Strathclyde by working in close partnership with Strathclyde Doctoral School.

Being part of the group gives researchers an opportunity to develop leadership and teamwork skills and experience. They run regular activities, including social events and an annual conference for researchers, including coffee mornings. They also work with the subject representatives to share practice and identify areas for development.

Find out more about the Doctoral Researchers Group

Working with the DRG and SDS to build a strong and supportive Doctoral Researcher community has completely transformed the perspective I had of my PhD. My department and my thesis were the only things I knew until, soon enough, it was like finally seeing everything in full colour.

Roberto Ravenna, Chair of the Doctoral Researchers Group (2021/22)

Support & facilities

Researcher Development

Research training, as part of a doctoral award, provides core research skills. Researcher development creates opportunities for researchers to develop skills which can help them to meet their future career aspirations.

Strathclyde Sport

Our £31m sports, health and wellbeing facility is open to all. Come visit us to find out more about the new facilities.

Careers Service

The Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to maximise students' and graduates' employability and career prospects.  Find out more about how it can help you.

Development for your PhD & beyond 

Your doctorate is only part of the story of your time at Strathclyde. We take your professional development seriously and our aim is to ensure you are equipped with the skills and experiences you’ll need to pursue any career path you chose.

We deliver a comprehensive programme of skills and research training so that our doctoral graduates are fully equipped to pursue their chosen careers, regardless of their destination.

Strathclyde was the first institution to develop a Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PG Cert RPD) and our unique approach to training for postgraduate researchers aims to differentiate Strathclyde doctoral graduates in an increasingly competitive employment market. It provides a framework that helps you identify your development needs and build a training plan to meet those needs. Engaging with your professional development through the PG Cert RPD will enhance your research skills and improve your employability, all directly supporting your readiness to secure the job you want.

The PG Cert RPD allows you to gain experience across four broad areas:

  • knowledge & intellectual abilities
  • personal effectiveness
  • governance & organisation
  • engagement, influence & impact

You'll learn how to evaluate your experiences against competencies relevant to professional researchers, and how to communicate your skills, knowledge and attributes to potential employers.

Reflecting on your experiences through essays will help you understand what you learned, and how you can apply that learning to your research and future career.

The PG Cert RPD reflects and rewards the full range of activities our postgraduate researchers undertake while at Strathclyde, and demonstrates to employers that you are committed to your own professional development.