phd by publication scotland

• Apply for PhD Heritage
• Apply for MPhil Heritage

History PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in History at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

Research students can draw on the expertise of our academic staff, all of whom have national and international reputations in their respective fields. We value the opportunity to work with new research talent and have put in place a supportive environment for you to develop your skills and pursue your specialist field of research.

The Faculty of Arts and Humanities has a vibrant postgraduate research community working across its four Divisions. Students are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

• Apply for PhD History
• Apply for MPhil History

Politics PhD

Study for a PhD or MPhil in Politics at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a dynamic culture where collaboration is key, international links abound and the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is always at the forefront of our minds.

• Apply for PhD Politics
• Apply for MPhil Politics

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing)

Our Doctor of Applied Social Research is designed to transform the way you think as a professional and ensure you can make a powerful impact in your field.

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Housing. 

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Housing) and apply online

Housing PhD

Study for a PhD in Housing Studies at the University of Stirling and you’ll be part of a research environment with an outstanding international reputation. In the Faculty of Social Sciences we engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll receive expert support and encouragement as you conduct your research and pursue your ambitions.

Our Housing Studies staff are on the cutting-edge of housing research, with specialist expertise in policy analysis, homelessness and housing rights, social theory, housing and land market analysis. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework – a UK-wide assessment of universities’ research output – we ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK in the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

• Apply for PhD Housing
• Apply for MPhil housing

Law and Philosophy

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and 82% of our overall research in Law was classed as world leading or internationally excellent. Research is centred around a number of clusters, reflecting staff expertise. These include Private Law, Environmental and Energy Law, Public Law, Competition Law, Intellectual Property and Legal Philosophy. Our Law staff are involved in a number of research networks and groups – from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Implementation Project, to the University Association for Contemporary European Studies. Postgraduate students undertaking a PhD or MPhil in Law at the University benefit directly from our vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment, and play a key role in furthering the division’s knowledge.

• Apply for PhD Law
• Apply for MPhil Law

Philosophy PhD

The University of Stirling offers a range of postgraduate research opportunities in Philosophy through our collaboration with the University of St Andrews. The St Andrews and Stirling Graduate programme in Philosophy (SASP) is taught by the Philosophy departments at the University of St Andrews and the University of Stirling, which together form Scotland’s premier centre for Philosophy and one of the top Philosophy programmes in the United Kingdom. The philosophical ambience is rigorous, friendly and co-operative.

We offer graduate teaching at a level that matches the best graduate programmes elsewhere in the world, across many areas of Philosophy. Our students are active participants in both the Arché Philosophical Research Centre and the Centre for Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs. In addition, the department hosts the Institute for Gender Studies.

• Find out more about Philosophy PhD and MPhil opportunities

Learn more about our Philosophy research

English Studies PhD (including Creative Writing)

English Studies at Stirling encompasses the study of global literatures written in English, English language (including Global Englishes), and Anglophone cultures from the medieval period to the present day. It also encompasses creative practice. We offer expert supervision in all these areas. Our key research strengths include:

• Book History (from the medieval to the present day)
• Scottish Studies
• Gothic Studies
• Medieval, Early Modern and Eighteenth-Century Studies
• Victorian and Neo-Victorian Studies
• Creative Writing
• English Language and Linguistics
• Postcolonial Studies
• Translation Studies

You may wish to contact us about projects in any of these areas. We also offer supervision in other areas of English Studies and supervise doctoral students from across the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and indeed the rest of the University. Notably we co-supervise projects with colleagues in History, Social Sciences, and Law.

We have excellent national and international connections, with links to universities across Europe, North America, and Asia. We also hold leadership roles in learned societies, lead major international research projects, organise conferences, and are active members of editorial boards of the leading journals in the field, which will help you create connections as you complete your research with us. You will also be able to take advantage of our long-established links with libraries, archives, and museums across the UK. Recent collaborations with external partners include the British Library, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Library of Scotland, NHS Scotland, and many others. In terms of additional sources of funding, we would point you to the Carnegie Trust PhD Scholarships: we have had a successful track record with these in recent years.

In addition to the outstanding support within English Studies, you will join a large group of doctoral students within the Division of Literature and Languages. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities will provide access to dedicated research facilities, including working spaces. We also dedicate financial resources towards supporting doctoral candidates to access archives, carry out fieldwork, and attend conferences. There are excellent training opportunities in place at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums, a Divisional Writing Group which organises weekly Writing Hours and Writing Retreats, and the opportunity to get involved with conference organisation. PhD students in English Studies become valued members of our research community, and trusted colleagues in our teaching endeavours.

• Apply for PhD English Studies
• Apply for MPhil English Studies

French at Stirling makes a vital contribution to the rich disciplinary and interdisciplinary research environment of the Division of Literature and Languages. As a PhD student, you will be welcomed into a thriving, inclusive community of researchers. We encourage and support our PhD students to build confidence by taking part in staff-student research seminars and public engagement events, organising postgraduate conferences and publications and joining subject-association committees. You well also benefit from University’s Institute for Advanced Studies professional training and support. Enjoy access to our state-of-the art facilities, including our renowned inspirational campus grounds. As a student in French, you will be supported by a team whose internationally-recognised, award-winning research foregrounds the diversity of the French-speaking world and emphasises French as a global language. Many of our research staff in French also hold key roles in subject associations and are involved as editors or editorial board members of leading journals in their fields.

French at Stirling is internationally recognised for a research culture that has long underpinned transformative, decolonising approaches to curriculum development. We have led the way in (re)-shaping disciplinary understandings and prioritised a forward-thinking, inclusive research ethos that responds to a changing world and the place of French-speaking cultures within it. A small, supportive team with a strong collaborative work ethos, French at Stirling welcomes enquiries and applications from strong PhD candidates working across the full range of our areas of expertise

Established research strengths in French include: visual cultures (especially cinema), postcolonial literatures and decolonising methodologies, museum studies, poetry, histories of migration, gender and sexualities, queer studies, environmental humanities, translation studies.

• Apply for PhD French
• Apply for MPhil French

Languages, Cultures and Religions PhD

As a PhD student in Languages, Cultures and Religions you’ll contribute to a research culture that cuts across the disciplinary units of English (including English Language, Literature, Creative Writing and Publishing Studies), Modern Languages, Translation Studies, and Religion, and foregrounds their intersections. We work within a shared set of research groups, bringing together outstanding researchers to develop their fields. Our wide-ranging expertise comprises creative practice and the study of global literatures, cinema, languages and cultures from the medieval period to the present day. We work with a diverse range of theoretical frameworks and welcome students who are interested in engaging with the latest work in Translation and Interpreting, Gender and Sexuality, Postcolonial Studies,

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities are provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. Research students have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.

• Apply for PhD Languages, Cultures and Religions
• Apply for MPhil Languages, Cultures and Religions

Publishing Studies PhD

The Stirling Centre for International Publishing and Communication is a world-leading centre for postgraduate publishing studies, offering expertise in contemporary and historical publishing. The Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 as one of the first UK centres for research and postgraduate education in publishing studies. Scotland is a particularly exciting place to study publishing, with a rich literary culture and a distinctive publishing ecosystem, characterised by dynamic independent publishers.

As a PhD researcher, you will join a supportive and collegial research community and benefit from the Centre’s close relationships with publishing companies and literary organisations, as well as other universities. Our research expertise is wide-ranging, including digital publishing, global publishing, scholarly communications and open access, publishing and the visual arts, small press publishing and contemporary literary culture including book prizes and festivals. We are part of the Division for Literature and Languages, which offers adjacent expertise in literature, creative writing, translation and book history, hosting The Pathfoot Press, a centre for letterpress publishing. There are paths for interdisciplinary research and supervision.

Research students in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities have access to dedicated facilities for research and opportunities to participate in a wide range of research seminars and workshops, within specialist research centres and collaboratively in multi-disciplinary forums.

Our PhD community incorporates researchers from professional publishing backgrounds, publishing postgraduates, and graduates from other backgrounds. We welcome enquiries about potential PhDs and can advise on sources of funding. Previous students have obtained AHRC funding via the Scottish Graduate School of Arts and Humanities (SGSAH), and Carnegie Caledonian PhD scholarships.

• Apply for PhD Publishing Studies

Religious Studies PhD

As a postgraduate researcher in Religion at Stirling, you’ll work with a range of scholars at the cutting edge of critical and interdisciplinary engagement, exploring the way religion intersects with politics, gender, philosophy, postcolonial studies, theology, economics, literature, music, and the arts, sociology and more.

Under the banner of Critical Religion, our research seeks to interrogate how we have come to think about the historical construction and category of “religion” itself, and to ask positive but searching questions about the place of religious discourse and practice in contemporary societies. We see this as a necessarily interdisciplinary enterprise, and encourage doctoral projects that combine theoretical ideas (such as from philosophy, theology, feminism, or critical theory) with more embodied expressions within society and culture (such as from literature and the arts, material culture, economic activity, or political formations). Our expertise in Continental Philosophy, Non-Western Scholarly Traditions, Caribbean culture, Postcolonial Literature and theory, Gender, Hermeneutics, Middle East Politics, China, Translation, Economics, Literature and the Arts (including music), Sociology of Religion and Cultural Studies are just some of the principal lenses through which we wish to pursue what it means to “be” religious in a globalising world.

We have a vibrant research environment that welcomes, values and supports interdisciplinary doctoral researchers. The Faculty of Arts and Humanities provide access to dedicated research facilities, study space, and training opportunities at multiple levels. Pursing a PhD in Religion in this context at Stirling will then offer unique opportunities to work collaboratively across disciplinary subjects, as you engage in research seminars, workshops and forums both with broad connections and within specialist research centres that involve Religion.

• Apply for PhD Religious Studies
• Apply for MPhil Religious Studies

Spanish PhD

Studying for a PhD in Spanish, you’ll benefit from our international partnerships and broad expertise in film and visual cultures, literary writing and theory, postcolonial studies and more.

• Apply for PhD Spanish
• Apply for MPhil Spanish

Management, Work and Organisation PhD

Conducting a PhD in Management, Work and Organisation at the University of Stirling will put you at the heart of a vibrant environment which facilitates the development of world-class research. Research in the Division covers a range of business and management topics and supports knowledge exchange, research impact, as well as the development of young scholars.

The Management, Work and Organisation Division is comprised of two Groups – Business and Strategy, and Working Lives. Staff in these Groups have international reputations for the quality of their research, which is published in leading journals such as the Journal of Management Studies, Human Relations, Journal of Business Ethics and more.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll benefit from all of our expertise and make your own key contributions in a supportive, collaborative environment.  

• Apply for PhD Management and Organisation
• Apply for MPhil Management and Organisation

Marketing and Retail PhD

The PhD in Marketing and Retail enables students to undertake research in a broad range of topics. Students often conduct their research in collaboration with industry, charities, and governmental bodies with a view to using the findings of their research to improve some aspect of the organisation’s operation. The PhD programme is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council and is affiliated with the prestigious Business and Management Pathway of the Scottish Graduate School. The Marketing and Retail division has particular strengths in consumer culture and society and retail studies, as well as brands and branding, corporate social responsibility, and marketing in the small and medium sized enterprise. Whether your career aim involves a research or teaching orientated academic career, working in a charity or NGO, or a career in business, the PhD in Marketing can help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Marketing
• Apply for MPhil Marketing

Professional Doctorate Health Psychology

Our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology will train you to develop scientific and practitioner skills in Health Psychology, and to be eligible to become a health psychologist. It is based on real-world placement learning, and includes brief periods of teaching and workshops. 

You'll acquire specific competencies as defined by the British Psychological Society. You'll also gain competence in carrying out a piece of high quality empirical research to a standard publishable in peer review journals.

Supervision is provided by the experienced and enthusiastic health team in Psychology. We have an excellent international reputation in the field of Health Psychology with a record of high quality research into health and health behaviour.

The Professional Doctorate award is also available for study via a two year part-time top-up research doctorate route. Applicants who already hold a doctoral level (practitioner) qualification in Health Psychology via the British Psychological Society (QHP), and are eligible for registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a ‘Health Psychologist’ will be eligible to complete the research module for award of the Professional Doctorate degree.

Students following this route will be required to complete the 240 credit ‘Applied Research in Health Psychology’ module, via one-to-one supervision.

• Find out more about our Professional Doctorate Health Psychology and apply online

Psychology PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research impact and environment, and 87% of our overall research in Psychology is classed as world leading or internationally excellent. From the neuropsychology of perception and action to influences of smell on mate choice, we have a diverse range of research interests, and our staff are highly collaborative, with an extensive network of international research partners. Many of our academic staff and students conduct interdisciplinary research while working closely with public services and industry. Our research is organised in three overarching research groups: Cognition in Complex Environments, Behaviour & Evolution and Health and Behaviour Change. We have a collegiate working environment that provides excellent support and mentoring to early career researchers, making Stirling the perfect place to study for a PhD or MPhil in Psychology.

• Apply for PhD Psychology
• Apply for MPhil Psychology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Social Work. 

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Work) and apply online

Social Work PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research in Social Work was deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Social Work, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Social Work have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Social Work
• Apply for MPhil Social Work

Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology

Criminology phd.

The University of Stirling is ranked first in Scotland and Top 5 in the UK for Criminology (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023). Our world-class teaching is underpinned by leading-edge empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment which welcomes and supports PhD researchers in achieving their goals.   

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework assessment, Social Work and Social Policy research was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

• Apply for PhD Criminology

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Criminal Justice.

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Criminal Justice) and apply online

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Drug and Alcohol Studies)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Drug and Alcohol Studies.

Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research)

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways, including a specialisation in Social Research.

• Find out more about our Doctor of Applied Social Research (Social Research) and apply online

Sociology and Social Policy PhD

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework, Stirling ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK for Social Work and Social Policy research – with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world leading or internationally excellent.

As a PhD researcher in Sociology and Social Policy, you’ll benefit from our desire to engage with communities around the world and produce research that makes a positive difference to society. Our staff having outstanding international research records, and you’ll be part of a Faculty that hosts and collaborates with renowned centres and networks such as The Centre for Child Wellbeing and Protection, the Dementia Services Development Centre and many more.

Our research influences policy, shapes thinking and improves lives. Postgraduate researchers in Sociology and Social Policy have a key role to play in all that we do, and we offer a supportive, encouraging environment to help you achieve your goals.

• Apply for PhD Sociology and Social Policy
• Apply for MPhil Sociology and Social Policy

Sports Studies PhD

As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we pride ourselves on game-changing research. We’re shedding light on the risks posed by heading footballs, informing the conversation around anti-doping and inspiring the next generation to form healthy habits. Sport is in our DNA, and our research reflects our passion to make an impact on the global stage.

Our campus is home to Olympic athletes, national academies for tennis and swimming and unique five-star facilities – creating a dynamic environment where theory and practice are closely interlinked.

PhD studies in Sport and Exercise Science can be undertaken in diverse contexts from high performance sport to population health. Staff specialisms include genetics and molecular biology, nutrition and hydration, neuro-muscular function and physical activity. Doctoral students join a dynamic, internationally recognised academic community carrying out innovative studies that improve human health and performance and address global challenges.

Meanwhile, our expertise in Sport and Social Sciences allows doctoral students to conduct original studies across diverse sub-disciplines including sport coaching, sport psychology, sport policy, sociology of sport, and sport management, governance and economics. Our strong connections across the sport, health and exercise sectors allow students to address key issues in sport including anti-doping policy, coach education, sport for social change, sport and identity, and sport mega events. Our expertise includes the role of sport in contributing to health and wellbeing, including active lifestyles and workplace health.

• Apply for PhD Sports Studies
• Apply for MPhil Sports Studies

Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use)

If you’re an experienced professional who wants to advance your expertise and broaden your career opportunities, this course is an ideal match. From the outset, you’ll gain high-quality research skills that can be immediately applied in the workplace and refined through access to seminars and advanced training opportunities. You’ll also benefit from the guidance of our expert staff and your interaction with other doctoral students from a range of social science backgrounds.

The course is highly flexible and attendance is kept to a minimum to ensure you can fit your studies around your career. You’ll also have the opportunity to fine-tune your Doctorate based on your profession – choosing one of six pathways that include Substance Use. 

• Find out more about our Doctorate of Applied Social Research (Substance Use) and apply online

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• Study with us

PhD - Doctor of Philosophy

A PhD is a high level, globally-recognised qualification, rooted in original research and is rigorous and demanding. Most students are passionate about their area of interest and pursue a PhD as a result of their academic curiosity and desire for research excellence.

A PhD will typically take three to four years of full-time study, or five to six years of part-time study.

We can offer Doctoral Degrees in the following academic areas (subject to availability of academic staff for supervision) from various locations across the region.

Academic fields

Subject to availability of academic staff, we can offer postgraduate research student supervision in the following academic areas

Some example projects undertaken across our locations

Postgraduate students at the university undertake a diverse range of research from marine science to theology; nordic studies to sustainability; energy engineering to archaeology. Below is a small sample of projects previously researched by our students, in pursuit of their PhD or MSc by Research.

UHI Institute for Northern Studies

• The traditional Shetland boat – its origins and developments
• Nordic regions of Culture - intercultural links, regionalisation and communities of narrative after 1770
• World Heritage sites in context: the creation of significance through management.
• Coastal change and archaeological heritage in northern Scotland

UHI North, West and Hebrides

• Linking habitat characteristics with red deer condition in the Scottish Highlands
• The meteorological forcing of current and sea level anomalies in the Pentland Firth
• Effective student collaboration in online environments
• Sustainability of recycling in remote and rural communities
• Wave energy extraction and coastal protection
• Hospitality in adventure tourism: soft skills and natural knowledge

UHI Centre for History

• History of sport and culture in Dornoch and the Moray Firth, c.1600 - 1800
• Public health in the Highlands and Islands 1845 – 1912

Highland Theological College

• Missional Ethics in the Book of Acts
• Divine Providence and Moral Responsibility: a study of the moral implications of God’s decree

UHI Inverness

• Mapping and Repositioning: Forestry skills for the 21 st century
• Rural community adaptation to climatic changes

UHI Centre for Health Science

• Exploring the mechanisms of heart disease through proteome dynamics
• Immunological phenotypes in neurodevelopmental disorders

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig

• The role of the media in the revitalisation and maintenance of the Gaelic language
• Depictions of the young Gael in Gaelic Children's literature

Scottish Association for Marine Science

• Arctic Fjords: simplified  modelling and the role of freshwater
• Identification and Tracking of Harmful Algal Blooms using multi-spectral techniques from Remotely Piloted Aircraft platforms
• Understanding Scottish bottlenose dolphin movement patterns

UHI Centre for Mountain Studies

• An integrated sustainable  development framework for coastal and marine regions

View our available studentships

View our awarded PhD theses

Study with us PhD & 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

View our subject areas

Let's talk!

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

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 .

Submit your own research proposal

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Doctorates

• Collaborative & Industrial PhDs
• Professional Doctorates
• Centres for Doctoral Training

We're tackling big societal challenges

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 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 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.

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

Engineering, humanities & social sciences.

• Strathclyde Business School

Our faculties & departments

• Faculty of Engineering
• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical & Process Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering

Humanities & Social Sciences

• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Centre for Lifelong Learning
• Government & Public Policy
• Psychological Sciences & Health
• Social Work & Social Policy
• Faculty of Science
• Computer & Information Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Pure & Applied Chemistry
• Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
• Accounting & Finance
• Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Management Science
• MBA & General Management
• Strathclyde Executive Education & Development
• Work, Employment & Organisation

Research programmes

Before applying to study for a research programme at the University, ensure that you can meet all the entry requirements. The information below includes details on how and when to apply for our research programmes.

Finding a supervisor

As a prospective PhD, MSc(Res), or MSt(Res) student, you will apply to work with an individual supervisor or supervisory team within a School or institute, and not a specific programme of study. It is therefore important that you look at staff research interests within the University and ensure that your project matches an existing area of research .

If you are unable to identify a possible supervisor, please contact the School directly, who will be happy to advise you of the most appropriate academic for your chosen research area.

Applicants applying for the MFA, MRes or MPhil programmes are not required to contact a possible supervisor before making an application.

Entry requirements

Admission to research study within the Faculties of Arts and Divinity is normally on the basis of a good Masters degree which must be related to your area of research. Research applicants within the Faculty of Science require a good first degree with Honours at 2.1 (UK) or the overseas equivalent – more details can be found at entry requirements and country information .

The degree of MD (Medicine) requires a medical qualification that is recognised by the UK General Medical Council .

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency. For further information on what evidence of English proficiency is required, please see the  postgraduate English language requirements web page or email [email protected]

Supporting documents and references

All applications must include the required supplementary documentation before a decision can be made. This varies by programme but includes:

• CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
• A research proposal – see School-specific details below.
• A sample of academic written work in English – see School-specific details below.
• Two original signed academic references.
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Please only send certified copies with official English translations if applicable. Do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
• English language requirements certificate.

Research proposal

Applicants intending to read for a PhD, DLang, MPhil, MSc(Res) or MSt(Res) award should include an outline in English of not more than 500 words, with the following exceptions:

• School of Art History For MSt(Res) programmes, 800-1000 words. For PhD programmes, 1000-1500 words. Where appropriate, proposals should be accompanied by properly captioned images. All proposals must also include a substantial bibliography listing relevant publications.
• School of Classics 1,000 words and personal statement of no more than 600 words.
• School of Chemistry No research proposal or writing sample is required, but we would encourage applicants to indicate which research projects they are interested in, or supervisor they would like to work with.
• School of Earth and Environmental Sciences No research proposal is required however a personal or motivation statement should be submitted. Statements should be around 1,000 words and include why you have chosen St Andrews and the particular project. Also, explain how your current study and future career plans fit with the project. The selection committee and external funding bodies put great emphasis on this statement, so it is important it clearly applies to your chosen project. If you apply to more than one project, provide a personal statement for each. 
• School of Economics and Finance 2,000 words.
• School of English 2,000 words, including draft title and chapter outlines where possible.
• Department of Film Studies 1,000-word research proposal.
• School of Geography and Sustainable Development 1,500 words and personal statement of no more than 600 words.
• School of International Relations If applying for the PhD, a 1000-word research proposal (word count excludes bibliography and footnotes) and personal statement (statement of purpose) is required. 
• School of Management 1,500 words, excluding references.
• School of Modern Languages 2,000 words.
• Department of Philosophy PhD 1,000-word research proposal.
• Department of Philosophy MPhil a short summary of research interest (200 words maximum), plus the name of a proposed supervisor at either St Andrews or Stirling.
• School of Physics and Astronomy No research proposal is required, but we would encourage applicants to indicate which research projects they are interested in. A list of  currently advertised research projects is available.

Written work sample

All applications submitted to the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Divinity should include a 2,000-word sample of written work in English, with exceptions for:

• School of Classics provide a sample of written work between 2,500 to 5,000 words in length; this should be written in English
• School of English submit a 3,000 to 5,000-word critical essay. This can be an extract from a previous project or essay, or part of your dissertation.
• School of Geography and Sustainable Development The School of Geography and Sustainable Development offers Arts and Science PhD programmes. Please provide an academic writing sample which should be your undergraduate or Masters dissertation, a published article, or something similar; this should be written in English.
• School of Management a piece of academic work by you in the area in which you intend to study (maximum of 3,000 words).
• Department of Philosophy provide a sample of written work between 2,000 to 4,000 words in length.

Applicants who cannot provide a sample such as this should contact the appropriate School directly for further guidance.

Students applying to the Faculty of Science are not expected to submit a sample of their written work.

• Two referees must be supplied per application.
• university or business
• country of their university or business
• university or business email.
• The online application system will automatically generate an email to the referees.

We will automatically contact your named referees only when you have submitted your final application. On submission of your application, you will receive notification that we have contacted your referees requesting a reference; we will require one from each referee.

Your referee will be emailed a link to a web form to complete a reference online or to upload a document. You and your School will receive a notification when each referee has successfully uploaded a reference.

Referees who do not provide a reference within two weeks of the first request will be automatically emailed once more. Beyond this, it is your responsibility to ensure that your referees provide references.

Important dates and deadlines

For the majority of Schools, there is no deadline on applying for research. However, the following Schools have specific deadlines each year:

• School of Classics All complete PhD applications received by Thursday 30 November 2023 will be considered for SGSAH scholarship funding (there will be a limited number of studentships available for international students including EU). All complete applications received by Monday 15 January 2024 will be considered for School and University funding (Home, EU and Overseas students).
• School of Divinity Applications received by Friday 3 November 2023 will receive first consideration both for acceptance and for School and University funding; applications received after that date are considered on a rolling basis if and as places are available.

Applicants who wish to be considered for  any  funding first need to submit their University PhD application by Wednesday 15 November 2023, 5pm (GMT). Applicants applying for SGSSS or/and SGSAH-funded PhD studentships must notify the School of their intention to apply for this funding by emailing  [email protected]  by Wednesday 15 November 2023, 5pm (GMT) and must have secured a supervisory team before applying  for either funding route. Applications for SGSSS are submitted via their portal  Student-led Open Competition 2023/24 – Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (sgsss.ac.uk) . The deadline is Friday 1 December 2023, 5pm (GMT). Applicants for SGSAH  Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities - Prospective Students - AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership (sgsah.ac.uk)  must email their nomination form to the School  [email protected]  by Friday 1 December 2023, 5pm (GMT). Nomination forms  can be downloaded from the SGSAH website. Self-funded applicants must submit by Thursday 11 January 2024, 5pm (GMT).

• School of Psychology and Neuroscience Only complete PhD applications received by Monday 8th January 2024 will be considered for scholarship funding. There is no deadline for applicants not seeking funding.

For all other Schools or Departments, applications can be sent in any time throughout the academic year. However, it is important to remember that if you are applying for any scholarships or funding, then the deadline for this may be early in the year.

Start dates

We strongly encourage students to begin their studies in September, but the start date for research study can be flexible. Your start date will be decided between yourself and your supervisor, but you may indicate your preferred start date on the application.

Start dates are:

• 27 September

Fees and funding

Tuition fees will vary depending on what programme you are studying and where you live. You may be able to apply for help with funding your studies at the University.

Early application is strongly advised if you are applying for a scholarship. Many have an early closing date (often between December and February) and most scholarships require you to be holding an offer in order to be considered for funding.

We continue to accept self-funded applications even after scholarship deadlines have passed. If you need further guidance on this, please contact the School that you are applying to.

For more advice on scholarships and funding, please go to postgraduate scholarships . You can also find out about our current tuition fees .

Applicants with special needs or disabilities

Applicants should disclose the details of any special needs or disabilities that they have in the relevant section of the application form. This information will be passed on to the Advice and Support Centre's disability team. Applicants with a special need or disability are encouraged to get in touch with the disability team (email  [email protected] ) as early as possible to ensure that their needs will be met by the University.

If you are a student with a special need or disability, and the University has not been made fully aware of your disability requirements prior to an offer being made, we cannot guarantee that suitable resources will be available on your arrival in St Andrews.

All applications are assessed purely on academic merit, and the impact of a disability will be considered only after a final decision has been made.

Research 

Here at GCU, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of our research strategy. These global goals are reflected in our University for the Common Good ethos.

Application by subject area

Choose where and when to study.

We have intakes starting in October, February and May each year and a number of different research subjects based in Glasgow or London.

Begin your PhD application by choosing to study in either Glasgow or London and by selecting the subject area most relevant to your PhD project. You then have the option to apply to either full-time or part-time study starting on your chosen intake date.

Study in Glasgow

Study in london.

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PhD by Prior Publication

The PhD by Prior Publication award is designed to recognise current Royal Holloway staff members who have produced a significant body of research which is equivalent in standard to a PhD.

Please read appendix 4 of the  Research Degree Regulations  for further details. 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact  [email protected]

Admissions criteria for the PhD by Prior Publication

In order to be considered for admission on the PhD by Prior Publication programme, you must:

• be an established member of the Royal Holloway academic staff`or teaching fellow at Royal Holloway, who has been in post for at least 2 years.
• provide prima facie evidence that:
• there is a coherent body of work
• there is evidence of a significant contribution made to the field
• the extent of the work is equivalent to that expected of a standard Doctor of Philosophy

Admissions process

In order to apply for admission on the PhD by Publication programme, you will need to complete the PhD by Prior Publication online application form  and pay an initial assessment fee of £250.:

• As part of the application, you will be required to upload a 1,000 - 1,500 word supporting statement and any relevant evidence (normally a list of the publications you intend to submit)
• Please note that the personal details requested are required details for every student record that is created.
• On receipt of the application form, a student record will be created for you and the Doctoral School will contact you with details of how to pay the £250 initial assessment fee.
• Once the initial assessment fee has been paid, your supporting statement and the list of publications you wish to submit will be forwarded to the relevant Director PGR Education.  The assessment for admission to the programme will be carried out by the member of staff who will be your supervisor and is subject to the approval of the Director of PGR Education.
• The Doctoral School will inform you whether your application has been successful.

Process after admission has been granted

If admission is granted, you will be registered on the PhD by Prior Publication.  

The fee to be registered on the PhD by Prior Publication is 50% of the standard HomeEU fee i.e. £2,164 for 2019/20.  This is in addition to the £250 initial assessment fee.

You will be appointed a supervisor who should:

• provide guidance on the coherence and quality of your published work to be submitted for the examination
• advise on the preparation of the supporting critical appraisal
• provide guidance on the preparation for the oral examination
• normally arrange up to 6 supervisory meetings a year

It is expected that you will submit your PhD within 12 months of registration.

Requirements of the PhD by Prior Publication

The candidate must submit the following:

• a portfolio of peer-verified outputs which are in the public domain and / or published research which must constitute a substantial and coherent body of work which is comparable to the extent of work required of a standard PhD programme.
• a critical appraisal of 15,00 - 30,000 words which must: Demonstrate how the outputs form a coherent body of work, demonstrate methodological and conceptual rigour, articulate the contribution to the field, clarify the individual contribution made the candidate in cases where the work has been co-authored.

Further details can be found in section of appendix 4 of the  Research Degree Regulations .

Guidance for examinars 

Examiners of the PhD by Prior Publication are expected to:

• evaluate the intellectual merit of the candidate's cited published work
• establish if a satisfactory case is made for coherence between the publications
• assess the contribution to knowledge represented by the publications and made apparent in any critical appraisal
• evaluate the rigour with which the candidate has contextualised and analysed his/her publications in any critical appraisal
• evaluate the appropriateness of the methods employed in the research and the suitability of their application
• assess the candidate's contribution to the various phases of the research embodied in multi-authored works
• establish the candidate's 'ownership' of the published work and appreciation of the state of (historical and current) knowledge within the candidate's research area
• assess the candidate's research skills in terms of his / her potential as a continuing, independent researcher.            

Contact us 

• Schools & departments

PhD programme structure

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is expected to take three years full-time or six years part-time.

At Moray House, w e offer a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) taken three years full-time or six years part-time. The first full-time year of the PhD degree is probationary and progress to year two is subject to satisfactory progress and passing the first-year progression board.

All research degrees culminate in the submission of a thesis.  The PhD thesis should be up to 100,000 words.

You may start your studies with us either on the 1st October or the 1st January of a year.

There are no compulsory courses or modules on research degrees as these programmes are purely research degrees.

There are several School and University seminars and training courses available for research students, as well as a large number of postgraduate courses that students may audit if they wish. You will be encouraged to attend such courses when appropriate during your studies as part of your skill development, following discussions with your supervisor(s).

Research supervision

As a research student, you will be supported by supervisors with strong skills and expertise in the areas of your research. For the PhD programme, you will be supported by at least two supervisors.

Supervisors and their areas of expertise

Skill development

You will have the opportunity to develop your presentation skills, and practice presenting your research to fellow students and staff at regular monthly sessions organised by the School. 

You will have several opportunities for optional training and development throughout your studies. Research students are encouraged to attend and actively engage with the activities of one or more research cluster, which include seminars, meetings and workshops.

Research expertise

With over 250 research staff and students, we have a vibrant and expanding research community with a broad portfolio of academic disciplines gathered within seven broad research themes with permeable boundaries. The expert research at Moray House School of Education and Sport is organised into these thematic hubs:

• Advanced Quantitative Research in Education
• Children and Young People
• Digital Education
• Language, Interculturality and Literacies
• Social Justice and Inclusion
• Sport-Related Research
• Teacher Education, Curriculum and Pedagogy

Research & Knowledge Exchange at Moray House  

PhD by Distance option

Our PhD by Distance route allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in the fields of Education and Sport from their home country or city. 

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme. It is a PhD which you have chosen to study at a distance, having taken into account the challenges around access to resources that this may involve. It is available to suitably qualified applicants in the same areas as our on-campus programmes.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisor(s). The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study. This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of academic support from their supervisory team as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors and method of communication for supervision sessions will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. You will be expected to attend at least one face-to-face supervision session each year, with additional meetings and regular communication.

Further detail on the University's Code of Practice for Supervisors and Research Students

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance. For example, both ESRC and AHRC regulations currently state that students must live within the same area as the Institution where they are studying.

Applying to study for a PhD by Distance

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus programmes.  

In addition, applicants wishing to study by Distance must complete and submit the following form with their PhD application.

Applicants should provide information about any previous experience of distance study, together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning. Experience of studying at a distance is desirable; however, this is not a specific requirement for admission. It is important that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study. 

Applicants must provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at their usual site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed. Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University-standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to discuss and complete a provisional study plan in consultation with their proposed principal supervisor as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

There is no guarantee that a request to study by distance will be granted where an offer to study on-campus might be made.