Find out about funded and self-funded research degrees at the University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth offers postgraduate research degrees across a wide range of subjects. You will be joining a large, vibrant research community of postgraduate research students supervised by world-leading researchers. The majority of our research students are based at our Plymouth campuses, located in the stunning South West. Others work overseas, as part of our global partnerships that draw together international expertise.

We are committed to diversity and equality and to supporting the development of all of our researchers – not just in order to successfully complete your degree programmes but to enter the world of work thereafter. Our research students are supported by the University’s Doctoral College, which oversees your postgraduate journey and deals with everything from enquiries to the award of degrees. The Doctoral College also provides a stimulating training programme to develop your research skills and career prospects. You will also work closely with staff and other researchers in one of our Schools and Faculties, benefiting from, and contributing to, their research culture.

We are also members of a number of doctoral training partnerships which offer exciting consortium-based training opportunities as well as funded studentships in certain areas. These include the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership, the NERC Advanced Research and Innovation in Environmental Science Doctoral Training Partnership (ARIES), the NERC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SuMMeR) and the MRC-NIHR Trials Methodology Research Partnership (TMRP).

Postgraduate research degrees

Find out more about the research degrees we offer, our areas of expertise and supervision, details of tuition fees and loans, and how to apply.

You will join a vibrant, supportive and forward-thinking community, that is committed to meeting global challenges in creative and imaginative ways.

Explore the opportunities available to you

Postgraduate research studentships

Do you need funding for a research degree?

If you cannot fund your own PhD research project then please look at the advertised studentships as they become available throughout the year. Please check the advert carefully to ensure you are eligible and what funding and support are available.

Current postgraduate research studentships at the University of Plymouth