Feel the courage to think bolder – explore our PhD projects

Feel the courage to think bolder – explore our PhD projects.

• Top 3 Modern University for Research Power (REF 2021)
• 5 STAR rating for excellence (QS World University Rankings 2024)

Your research degree will be some of the most important work of your life so far. And at Portsmouth, you’ll get all the support and inspiration you need to overcome challenges and deliver research with real impact.

We believe research should solve problems that matter and change the world for the better. Our recent breakthroughs include engineering an enzyme that could make single-use plastic recyclable, and using virtual reality to help prevent burglary and rehabilitate offenders.

Become an expert in your field 

Explore our PhD subject areas and find a research degree that’s perfect for you.

• Accounting
• Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism
• Area Studies
• Art and Design
• Biological Sciences
• Business and Management
• Engineering (Civil, Electronic, Energy, Mechanical)
• Computing
• Cosmology and Astrophysics
• Criminology
• Dental and Oral Health
• Digital and Creative Technologies
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Economics
• Education
• English Literature
• Film and Media
• Finance
• Geography (Physical and Human)
• Health and Social Care
• Health Informatics
• History
• Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing
• Languages and Applied Linguistics
• Law
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Operational Research and Logistics
• Organisation Studies and Human Resource Management
• Performance, Theatre and Music
• Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences
• Physics
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Sports and Exercise Science

Find out more and apply

Funding your degree

We know funding your research can be as challenging as undertaking it. We can offer support and guidance to help you make this a little bit easier. From external loans and scholarships, to our own fully funded bursaries.

Explore the options available to you

Your postgraduate research experience

Your passion for your subject is your power – we want to help you harness it, so you can overcome any challenge.

From training you in research methods, to celebrating our research community’s achievements, and training supervisors to do a great job of guiding you, our Graduate School will help make your experience the best it can be.

Explore our pre-approved PhD projects

Find out more at a Postgraduate Open Day

Join us online or in-person and take an in-depth look at our programmes. Speak to current students and course leaders. Discover the study and finance options available, and find out how we can support you and your goals.

Book your place today