Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here.

GLASGOW CALEDONIAN UNIVERSITY
Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a vibrant, innovative and multi-award-winning University for the Common Good.
Our research
A leading modern University in research, GCU was the first to adopt the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the framework for its research strategy.
Issued by UN in 2015, applying to all countries and in place until 2030, the SDGs are an ideal statement of the research aspirations for a University with a commitment to the Common Good. These aspirations are realised through our applied research, which addresses three major societal challenges of inclusive societies, healthy lives and sustainable environments.

Our dedication to the SDGs has seen us named number one in the UK for promoting gender equality – and in the top five in the world – in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings.
We are proud to be in the top quartile globally for seven SDGs, including good health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities and sustainable cities and communities.
We were the first Scottish university to be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation and are proud to have been awarded the EcoCampus Platinum accreditation in light of our commitment to a sustainable campus. In 2021 we were awarded an Athena SWAN Institutional Silver Award in recognition of our commitment to promoting gender equality among students and staff.
Find out more at Research at GCU and Research at GCU London

Why choose GCU for your research studies?
We aim to contribute to society in a manner that embraces yet goes beyond the traditional role of a university. GCU’s For the Common Good commitment is brought to life through our strategy and by the actions of our staff, students and alumni around the world.
Choose Glasgow Caledonian University and be part of world-class research, which focuses on excellence and quality. You’ll have access to our innovative Research Centres. With well established, international reputations, their pioneering work is influencing and informing policy decisions and technological advancements. You’ll be supported by a community of academic staff and over 500 research students from more than 50 countries. At GCU, ideas, expertise and experiences can be shared, challenged and developed.
Glasgow is a fantastic, affordable city that is home to more than 130,000 students. Friendly Glasgow boasts world-class museums, cafés, concert venues, sports facilities, theatres, architecture and has more green space per square mile than any other UK city.
With a modern campus in the vibrant heart of Glasgow, our research students are guaranteed a unique and fulfilling experience.
How to apply
- Check out our current PhD Opportunities at GCU Glasgow and GCU London
- Contact the research supervisor or relevant department to discuss the project
- Apply online
Academic Units
Project List:
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr I Wong)Adaptive design of the UK dwellings to reduce summertime overheating
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr Sajid Nazir)Blockchain based Edge Computing for Healthcare Asset Management
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr A Ollauri)Carbon leakage in forest ecosystems – towards a better understanding of the real contribution of forests to mitigate climate change
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr A Nekahi)Chemical analysis of aging of multi-stressed HV polymer insulator
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr I Beklan Kucukdemiral)Data-Driven robust and optimal smart grid control
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr O Niculita)Design of Digital Twins for In-Service Support and Maintenance
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr Nebrase Elmrabit)Digital Forensic Investigation for Insider Threat Breaches using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr R Roberto Ramirez-Iniguez)Energy Harvesting for Optical Wireless Communication Systems in Indoor Environments
-
(PhD Supervisor: Prof B Hare)Fatal construction industry accidents: international comparisons for global improvement
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr Nebrase Elmrabit)Insider Threat Detection and Prevention using Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr Y Zhang)Multi-modality Based Smart System for Managing Resilience and Mental Wellbeing
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr D Liarokapis)Smart 5G and IoT Cooperative Communication System for Autonomous Vehicles in Intelligent Transport Systems
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr N Siddiqui)Sustainable Personalisation in Fashion Retail
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr M Kulatunga)The Investigation of Cold-Formed Thin-Walled Structural Members with Perforations Subjected to Different Loading Conditions
Project List:
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr S Patterson)Development of novel herbal extracts for treatment of metabolic disarray and neuropathy in rodent models of obesity and diabetes.
-
(PhD Supervisor: Prof A Graham)Exploiting the microRNA ‘signature’ of high density lipoproteins in cells and tissues: routes to novel therapeutics (Ref: SHLS21096)
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr S Jonuscheit)Global eye health and evaluation of eye care delivery models (ref: SHLS21079
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr J Butcher)Investigating the role of food as a vehicle for microbial transmission and antimicrobial resistance genes.
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr J Spencer)Investigating the role of the biofilm in waste water treatment plants as a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr M Williams)Macrophage driven therapy resistance in AML: from macrophage subset characterisation to therapeutic targeting.
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr V Ness)Tackling a global public health threat: Nurses antimicrobial stewardship in the post-pandemic era (Ref: SHLS21077)
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr J Spencer)The role of the microbiome in diabetic foot ulcers
-
(PhD Supervisor: Dr H Innes)Uncovering the genetic determinants of cirrhosis using genome-wide association methods (Ref: SHLS21088)
Project List:
-
(PhD Supervisor: Prof Artur Steiner)Citizens co-production: theory, policy and practice