Join Strathclyde as a doctoral researcher and help solve issues of global impact!

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.

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

Research is of central importance in everything we do. We are home to world-class researchers in each of our four faculties – Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences; Science and the Strathclyde Business School.

Based on the results of REF 2014, the Times Higher Education ranked Strathclyde as one of the UK’s top 20 universities for research intensity. Almost 90% of research produced by the University of Strathclyde has also been rated world-leading or internationally-excellent in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.

The quality of our research and our reputation for challenging conventional thinking make us the partner of choice for growing numbers of organisations and other universities around the world.

Together with our partners, we are at the forefront of international research in our strategic theme areas including:

• Energy
• Health & Wellbeing
• Society & Policy
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Advanced Manufacturing & Materials
• Ocean, Air & Space
• Measurement Science & Enabling Technologies

View our research opportunities

About the University of Strathclyde

Founded in 1796 as a ‘place of useful learning’ the University of Strathclyde is a leading technological University based in the heart of Glasgow.

For more than 200 years Strathclyde has been delivering academic excellence through world-class research and teaching, providing students with flexible, innovative learning in preparation for their chosen career path.

• Scottish University of the Year 2024 (Daily Mail University Awards)
• Joint 25th in the world & 4th in UK - Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, for top universities pursuing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2023 – Triple E Awards
• Recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 1996, 2019 & 2021 
• University of the Year (Times Higher University, 2012 and 2019)

We are investing in your future

We attract forward-thinking companies and organisations, including: the UK’s first Fraunhofer Centre and the Fraunhofer UK-HQ – Europe’s largest contract research organisation; the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre; Entrepreneurial Scotland; the Scottish Centre of Excellence for Satellite Applications; the Weir Advanced Research Centre; the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult; DHI – the Digital Health and Care Institute; the Centre for Sensor and Imaging Systems (CENSIS); the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC); and the UK National Facility for pharmaceutical manufacturing alongside our hub for Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC).

We’ve forged many historic links with industry, locally and globally to help develop solutions that have an impact.

Funding

There are a range of funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities, as well as individual projects, available annually. We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate research study.

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.

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.

Find out more

PhD@Work Programme

Focussing on research that is useful, our PhD@Work programme allows candidates to prepare an original research question or proposal in collaboration with their employer and academics at Strathclyde, and explore the topic in depth.

Typically carried out at their work and on a part-time basis, the candidate would spend a significant amount of their working time on the PhD project, focussing on challenges relevant to them and their company. Candidates will be able to access research facilities at Strathclyde, where appropriate and interact with supervisors and other colleagues, enabling valuable networking, peer learning and support opportunities.

Find out how it would benefit you and your employer and how to apply.

Get in touch

pgenquiries@strath.ac.uk