University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen United Kingdom

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Together, we break boundaries through research, discovery and impact. At the University of Aberdeen, your PhD is an opportunity to challenge ideas, create new knowledge and make a meaningful difference. Whatever your research field, you will join a supportive and ambitious research environment, working alongside leading academics to address global challenges. As a postgraduate researcher, you will develop the skills, independence and expertise needed for your future career. Founded in 1495, Aberdeen has over 500 years of excellence in research and teaching, and is recognised with two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes and five Nobel Prize winners across chemistry, physics, medicine, and nutrition. You will be part of a global community of over 14,000 students from more than 130 countries, with access to excellent facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration and dedicated academic and professional support throughout your doctoral journey.

Why study at the University of Aberdeen ?

Our research centres and institutes connect you with interdisciplinary teams working on global challenges, providing access to specialist expertise, collaboration opportunities and active research communities.

Throughout your research journey, you will be supported by our Postgraduate Research College, offering training and development opportunities to build research skills, professional competencies and career readiness.

Flexible study options are available, with full-time and part-time routes, and in some subject areas the opportunity to undertake your PhD via distance learning.

We are ranked 18th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026) and 3rd across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction (NSS 2025).

Aberdeen is a welcoming, student-friendly city on the northeast coast of Scotland with a rich history, coastal scenery and a vibrant food and drink scene, making it a great place to live and study.

3,000

postgraduate students

125

listings on FindAPhD

18th

in the UK (The Guardian University Guide 2026)

Aberdeen United Kingdom

main campus

About the University of Aberdeen

At the University of Aberdeen, you are not just a research student, you are an integral part of our vibrant academic community.

Support for research students

Our Postgraduate Research College provides a supportive and enabling research environment, designed to help you achieve your full potential. Working across disciplines and schools, we ensure you have the skills, information and support needed to deliver excellent and impactful research.

Research and study facilities

You will benefit from outstanding research and study facilities across our campuses, including the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, extensive specialist collections, and over 1,500 individual and group study spaces. Our Science Teaching Hub, located at our Old Aberdeen campus, provides a modern, fully digitised environment for specialist teaching and research across a range of disciplines. Depending on your field of research, you may be based at our Foresterhill health campus, one of Europe’s largest clinical complexes and a major hub for health education and research. You will also have access to specialist research facilities, museums and archives that support discovery and innovation across fields.

Careers and employability support

Our Careers and Employability Service supports your development throughout your studies and beyond, offering guidance, skills development opportunities and access to employers through events, internships, volunteering and graduate opportunities.

Funding and scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to support your studies, alongside funded opportunities throughout the year through doctoral training partnerships or individually funded research projects. Visit our funding database to learn more.

View the prospectus for University of Aberdeen

Student life at the University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen University Students' Union is open to all students at the university. There are over 150 clubs and societies to choose from, covering all manner of interests, and students have access to a wide range of services and a variety of events hosted by AUSA throughout the year. Students can also take advantage of the outstanding facilities at Aberdeen Sports Village the premier sports facility in the North-East of Scotland.

Aberdeen's bustling city centre offers something for everyone, from shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, to a beach, museums, parks, galleries, concerts, festivals, and top-class sporting events. Venture further into Aberdeenshire and you’ll find incredible wildlife, mountains, rivers, castles, beautiful coastlines and sandy beaches, all on our doorstep.

The University offers a wide range of accommodation including catered or self-catered rooms, en-suite rooms, and self-catered flats. There are accommodation options at the heart of the Old Aberdeen Campus and at nearby Hillhead Student Village.

Disciplines available at the University of Aberdeen

Biological Sciences

Business & Management

Chemistry

Computer Science

Creative Arts & Design

Economics

Education

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

Finance

Geography

Geology

Languages, Literature & Culture

Law

Linguistics & Classics

Materials Science

Mathematics

Medicine

Nursing & Health

Philosophy

Physics

Psychology

Sociology

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Frequently asked questions

Where do I apply for a PhD?

You can find information on how to apply at the University of Aberdeen's postgraduate research page. For applications to pre-defined and/or funded projects, you should follow the specific procedure outlined in the project's advertisement.

What qualifications do I need to apply for a PhD?

Typically, the entrance requirements for a PhD at the University of Aberdeen are either a Masters degree or a first or upper-second class Honours degree from an approved university in an appropriate area (or an equivalent qualification). Some schools and subjects may have additional specific requirements, so it is essential to check the prospectus page for your chosen subject before applying.

Do I need to find a PhD supervisor? If so, how do I do that?

Yes, it's highly advised that you contact a potential supervisor before you apply, especially if you are not applying for a pre-defined project. Discussing the project idea with a potential supervisor is vital to maximising the strength of your application. You can use the following links to help you find a suitable supervisor:

When you contact a potential supervisor, you can send an introductory email and include your research proposal if you have one.

Do I need to submit a full proposal with my application?

If you're not applying for a pre-defined project, you should submit a draft proposal, though it doesn't have to be a full, complete proposal. The purpose of the proposal is to reveal something of an applicant's preparation and insight into PhD study. Research proposals vary by discipline, so you should use the typical format for your area of interest. The supervisor you contact should be able to provide further information.

How long does a PhD usually take?

A full-time PhD usually takes 36 to 48 months. A part-time PhD takes 72 months or more.

What funding options are available for PhD student?

The university offers many funded pre-defined projects throughout the year, either singly funded projects or as part of a Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). You can also search the university's funding database to find other sources of funding.

Main campus

University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen

Scotland

United Kingdom

Search 125 PhD opportunities at University of Aberdeen

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University of Aberdeen