Strive for more – join an exceptional research community

An ambitious university with a vibrant and thriving waterfront location, Portsmouth is an exciting and inspiring place to study. With our impressive range of courses, fantastic support and career-related activities central to every course, Portsmouth is a great choice for your postgraduate research experience.

Why study for a research degree at Portsmouth?

• We are one of the top universities in the UK for postgraduate research student satisfaction - 86% of our postgraduate research students were satisfied with their overall research degree experience (PRES 2017).
• In the most recent Research Excellence Framework in 2014, over 60 percent of research submitted by the University was rated as world-leading and internationally excellent.
• Gold-rated for teaching excellence
• One of the world’s top new universities in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2017
• Top 40 university (The Guardian’s University Guide 2018)

Research that makes a difference

We place huge value on research and innovation. We focus on creating solutions for the real world, tackling problems that have an impact on society, human life and our planet. This gives you the chance to learn from the staff at the forefront of their disciplines.

We have a thriving research community of more than 800 students across five faculties who are supported by over 500 highly trained supervisors. Our Graduate School provides excellent support and guidance for all research students.

A dedicated Graduate School

Our dedicated Graduate School is the first port of call for information for all postgraduate research students and supervisors. We support, administer and coordinate training for the MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorate programmes.

As a research degree student at the University of Portsmouth, you will have access to the Graduate School Development Programme, which offers broad-based generic skills training with over 150 workshops on a wide range of topics including research design, doctoral process and career development. These popular and highly rated workshops are delivered by our expert tutors from across the University and support our students at all stages of their research degree.

The city

Located on the south coast of England, Portsmouth is a cosmopolitan city enjoying some of the best weather in the UK. It is a lively and engaging place to live, where the historic sits comfortably alongside the modern. The city is compact, enabling you to get around quickly and effortlessly. And with most University buildings located in the heart of the city, everything you need is within easy reach including shopping, entertainment and the seafront.

Funding and scholarships

Applications are now open for fully-funded PhD bursaries for programmes starting in October 2018. Find out what projects are available and how you can apply at our research funding pages.

Postgraduate Information Days

Book your place at one of our information days and find out what it is like to study at a Gold-rated university.

• Wednesday 14 March 2018
• Wednesday 25 April 2018