Study with usPhD & postgraduate research degrees

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

Limb Salvage System

Find out how researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering have developed a limb salvage system which can be used in a range of environments, such as after disasters or in the military.

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.

  • Icon of a medal
    University of the Year 2012 & 2019
    Times Higher Education Awards
  • Icon depicting a university building
    Almost 90% of research rated 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'
    Times Higher Education’s analysis of REF2021
  • Joint 36th in the world for addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
    Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023
  • Icon depicting Glasgow's Finnieston crane
    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

We're tackling big societal challenges

Linda Lapp, PhD student at Strathclyde University

Linda Lapp

PhD Healthcare Analytics

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.
Diane Duffy, PhD student

Diane Duffy

PhD in Digital Health & Wellness

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.
Christopher McMahon, PhD student, Strathclyde University

Christopher McMahon

PhD in GeoEnergy

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.

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
PhD student Precious standing in the James Weir corridor smiling at the camera

Precious Otti

PhD in Chemical & Process Engineering

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.

Our faculties