Become a world-changer: postgraduate research at the University of Southampton

Join a university that’s finding solutions to the planet’s biggest challenges, where you’ll be empowered to discover, innovate and make your research count.

We’re a global centre of research excellence because of people like you – curious minds and critical thinkers from all walks of life with the drive to pursue their passion. Join them and use your unique perspective to enrich our understanding of the world, and help change it for the better.

Whatever your academic background or life circumstances, we’ll support you to succeed, in an inclusive environment where your wellbeing and professional development matters.

At the University of Southampton, we are proud to be a top 100 university (QS World Rankings 2026), with 92% of our research being ranked as world leading and internationally excellent (REF 2021). As a postgraduate research student, you’ll benefit from the exceptional facilities and expert supervision available at a research-intensive university. For example, 87% of our postgraduate researchers reported an overall satisfaction with their studies (PRES 2025).

Want to know more?

Sign up for our free webinar on 3 December, 10:00 GMT, where we’ll be explaining what a PhD is and how you can start your journey. It’s a chance to learn more about the application process, the career possibilities a PhD opens up, and ask any questions you have so we can support you along the way.

Find out more about doing a PhD at Southampton

Why the University of Southampton? 

•  With over £86m invested into research funding at the University of Southampton since 2023, realise your research ambitions through our funded studentships or benefit from scholarships and bursaries for UK and international students.
•  Balance research with other commitments through flexible programme options, including part-time study.
• Prepare for the future by creating a personalised professional development programme, with a choice of more than 400 workshops each year.
• Be part of a diverse university community of more than 2,800 postgraduate researchers from 105 countries. As voted by students, Southampton ranks 8th overall for our research community and 11th for our research culture (PRES 2025).
• Make an impact through our global connections with governments, policymakers, NGOs and industrial partners, and through publication – almost 20% of research papers included in our Research Excellence Framework submission were co-authored by PhD students.

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Funding and scholarship opportunities 

We offer a range of funding options, including competitive studentships and scholarships, and fee waivers to cover the difference between UK and overseas fees. These include:

•  Funded Doctoral Training Programme studentships in a range of fields
• Black Futures PhD Scholarships for UK applicants of Black/Black mixed heritage
• Fee waivers for students from countries associated with the EU’s key funding programme Horizon
• Presidential Bursaries offering fee waivers for international students

You may be eligible for a UK government Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, and part-time programmes mean it’s also possible to earn while doing your PhD.

Find out more about University of Southampton studentships, scholarships and bursaries

Supporting you to fulfil your PhD ambitions 

We recognise a PhD can seem daunting – you may be the first member of your family to go to University, have a career and family responsibilities, or you might be returning to academia later in life and wonder how you’ll manage. At Southampton we offer:

•  Flexible part-time study options so you don’t have to put your life or career on hold
• Scholarships and funded programmes to help with your finances and living costs
• Dedicated support from your supervisory team and our inclusive postgraduate research community
• A range of comprehensive University services for wellbeing support or learning/access needs
• Bespoke networks for postgraduate research students with shared interests and priorities, such as a parents’ and carers’ and LGBTQ+ network, as well as access to the University’s staff networks

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment that breaks down barriers to postgraduate research and tackles systemic inequalities. This includes commitment to the Race Equality Charter and Athena Swan recognition, in addition to our Black Futures PhD Scholarships.

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Postgraduate research life at Southampton 

At Southampton, you’ll become part of a supportive research community with plenty of opportunities to connect with our diverse student community through welcome events, seminars and regular networking and wellbeing sessions. The Doctoral College brings the PhD community together for cross-University activities where you can showcase your work and discuss your research.

In the UK, our students are based in Southampton and Winchester (for those at Winchester School of Art) which are friendly, walkable cities, rich in culture, heritage and green spaces. Among the safest cities in the UK, they have a mild climate, with coast and countryside within easy reach and transport connections to the rest of the UK and Europe. There are also plenty of good local schools and other family-friendly facilities.

Find out more

Watch our video to discover postgraduate research at Southampton