Sheffield Hallam University

At Sheffield Hallam University, our research is shaped by our values. We believe in applied learning, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the responsibility of universities to address the cultural, economic, social and health challenges of our time. Above all, we believe knowledge has the power to transform lives.

That’s why our research strategy targets high-impact areas, tackling global issues with innovative, boundary-breaking solutions that deliver benefits to individuals and communities, both locally and worldwide. Our ambition is to strengthen this spirit of discovery and collaboration, ensuring that through our teaching, research degrees and wider partnerships, every new contribution to knowledge inspires progress and is passed on to the next generation.

Why study at Sheffield Hallam University?

In REF 2021, 72% of our submitted research received the ‘world-leading’ (4*) and ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) ratings

We have an overall satisfaction rating of 85% for our postgraduate research courses in the 2025 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey

Since 2022/23, we have committed to set all University PhD stipends to match the net Real Living Wage

25

listings on FindAPhD

★★★★★

in the QS Stars excellence rating, achieving top marks in teaching, employability, facilities, innovation and inclusivity (QS Stars 2025)

Sheffield United Kingdom

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About Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK’s largest universities, with a diverse community of 32,000 students and 295,000 alumni worldwide.

Our mission is simple: we transform lives. We prepare our students for ambitious futures and create knowledge that delivers practical solutions to real-world challenges.

At postgraduate level, you’ll benefit from a research and teaching environment defined by applied learning, innovation, and collaboration. Our work addresses the health, economic, social and cultural challenges shaping society today, with impact felt locally, nationally and globally.

We are proudly a university of place – rooted in Sheffield and our region, but with a community and partnerships spanning more than 120 countries. This global outlook, combined with our commitment to inclusion and widening participation, ensures Hallam is a place where talented people from all backgrounds can thrive.

Sheffield Hallam is ambitious for its students, partners, and communities – a place where postgraduate study and research spark innovation, challenge convention, and inspire lasting change.

View the prospectus for Sheffield Hallam University

Departments at Sheffield Hallam University

Business, Technology & Enterprise

Humanities Research Centre

Department of Law and Criminology

Sheffield Institute of Education

Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences

Centre for Culture, Media and Society

Art, Design & Media Research Centre

Engineering and Built Environment

Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre

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Student life at Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield has been named one of the UK’s top ten student cities (Student Crowd 2024) and Sheffield Hallam University has been ranked the 4th most affordable university in the UK, based on average costs of weekly rent, food, drink and transport (The Times 2023).

Sheffield combines vibrant music, sport, and culture with the beauty of the Peak District on its doorstep. Having been named the best city break in the UK (Time Out 2024) and celebrated as the UK’s top foodie city outside London, Sheffield is a fantastic place to live, study and explore.

Our postgraduate research students are part of our Doctoral School, a cross-university community of research students and academic staff. Our research areas provide dedicated local support for postgraduate researchers and offer opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops and conferences.

We have a team-based approach to supervision, and research students are supported by a main Director of Studies with additional supervisors or advisors bringing further expertise, skills or knowledge to the team.

Our Researcher and Innovator Development Academy provides access to a range of university-wide training and development opportunities for research staff and students.

Our two libraries have 24-hour access and flexible learning spaces, as well as providing advice and training on areas such as data management and publishing, and disseminating research.

Disciplines available at Sheffield Hallam University

Architecture, Building & Planning

Business & Management

Chemistry

Communication & Media Studies

Computer Science

Creative Arts & Design

Economics

Education

Engineering

Environmental Sciences

History & Archaeology

Languages, Literature & Culture

Law

Materials Science

Medicine

Politics & Government

Psychology

Sociology

Sport & Exercise Science

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Frequently asked questions

How do I apply?

General information on how to apply for a research degree can be found on our website. We recommend you contact the research area early in your decision-making process to discuss your research idea. You should apply via the online application form for your chosen course, start date and mode of study. The application form and entry requirements can be found under the relevant course on our online prospectus. Contact the research area if you are not sure which course is right for you. Our MPhil and PhD start dates are October, February and May. For funded PhD scholarship opportunities, information on the application process and deadline will be stated in the scholarship advert. We also offer professional doctorates in Business and Education – see our online prospectus for entry requirements and how to apply.

What scholarships and funding are available?

Competitive PhD scholarships will be advertised on our website when they are available and open for applications. Each advert will specify the application process, deadline for applications and eligibility requirements. Our website also has some general information on the scholarships, bursaries and loans that might be available for study at Sheffield Hallam, depending on eligibility and course of study.

What qualifications do I need to study a PhD?

The entry requirements for each research area can be found in the relevant course entry on our online prospectus. Please contact the relevant research area if you are not sure which course would be right for you. If English is not your first language, you will also need to provide evidence of English language ability; this must be to the level specified in the relevant course entry. For more information about the different English language qualifications we accept, see English Language Qualifications. If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

How do I find a potential supervisor?

Explore our research areas to find out more about our academic staff and their research interests. You can also search the Sheffield Hallam Research Archive to find staff who are publishing in your area of interest. When you have identified a potential supervisor you can contact them by email, giving an overview of your previous study and experience, your research interests and why you would like to study for a PhD with them. Please don’t e-mail multiple staff members at the same time; it is worth taking the time to ensure your enquiry relates to the staff member’s research expertise. You can also contact the research area for support with identifying a potential supervisor. Once you have identified a potential supervisor, you can work with them to refine your research proposal. We may also advertise projects that already have a named supervisor, and you can contact this supervisor to discuss your application.

What should I include in my research proposal?

PhD scholarship or project adverts may specify particular requirements for the research proposal and you should always follow any guidance given in the advert or provided by the relevant research area.

For general applications, proposals should be up to 1500 words long, and include:

an outline of the proposed research and the central questions, problems or hypothesis that you plan to address
Understanding of the current knowledge and context, referencing key background literature
proposed methodology or approach, if known
the potential significance or impact of the research
the name of the potential supervisor you have identified

Through your research proposal we will assess your knowledge and understanding of the research area, your ability to research the literature and frame a research idea within the current field of knowledge, and your ability to present ideas clearly and concisely.

What should I include in my personal statement?

PhD scholarship or project adverts may specify particular requirements for the personal statement and you should always follow any guidance given in the advert or provided by the relevant research area.

For general applications, you should use the personal statement section of the application form to demonstrate your aptitude for postgraduate research. In general, this should be maximum 1000 words;however, you should consult the relevant course page on the online prospectus for any specific requirements.

In your application, we’re looking for evidence of:

Your motivation and curiosity for postgraduate research
Your analytical and problem-solving skills (and technical expertise where relevant)
Your ability to communicate clearly in writing
Your planning and organisational skills
Your ability to work independently and to collaborate with others
Your commitment to integrity and carrying out your research responsibly
Your resilience to setbacks and challenges

You should include examples from your academic (including your undergraduate and/or masters dissertation), professional or other experience.