glasgow university phd opportunities

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• Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

• Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Philosophy PhD/MLitt (Research)/MPhil (Research)

Philosophy at the University of Glasgow is thriving. Our vibrant research environment includes an active community of postgraduate students and engaged staff who are internationally recognised for their contributions to a wide range of philosophical debates.

Our staff supervise a wide range of the core areas of philosophy, including:

• epistemology
• history of analytic and early modern philosophy
• logic and philosophy of logic
• metaphysics
• philosophy of language
• philosophy of mathematics
• philosophy of mind
• political philosophy.

Current areas of research, which may transcend and cut across these core areas, include:

• autonomy in moral and political philosophy
• causation and explanation
• cognitive penetration
• distributive justice
• epistemology of perception
• ethical intuitionism
• end of life ethics
• knowledge-how
• imagination
• mental qualities
• moral psychology
• pain and suffering
• philosophy of emotion
• philosophy of perception
• philosophy of virtual and augmented reality
• social choice theory
• social epistemology
• virtue ethics and epistemology.

We strongly encourage applications in any of the above areas.

Find out more

• research in philosophy
• events, centres, and projects in philosophy
• current postgraduate research students

Also see our Philosophy & Psychology PhD

Study options

Duration: 3 years full-time / 5 years part-time

A Doctor of Philosophy may be awarded to a student whose thesis is an original work making a significant contribution to knowledge in, or understanding of, a field of study and normally containing material worthy of publication.

Thesis Length: 70,000-100,000 words, including references, bibliography and appendices (other than documentary appendices).

MLitt (Research)

Duration: 2 years full-time / 3 years part-time

Our Degree of Master of Letters (Research) requires you to undertake a postgraduate course of special study and research that represents a distinct contribution to knowledge.

Thesis length: 40,000-70,000 words (including references, bibliography and appendices).

MPhil (Research)

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time

A Master of Philosophy (Research)requires you to undertake a postgraduate course of special study and research that represents a distinct contribution to knowledge.

Thesis length: 30,000-40,000 words (including references and bibliography).

Entry requirements

Our regular standard of admission is at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree (2:1), although candidates will usually also have completed or be undertaking a Masters qualification.

Candidates are required to provide:

• a sample of a single-authored, written, philosophical work, of less than 7000 words
• an outline of your proposed research subject in about 1000 words

Research outline

Your outline need not be a final thesis proposal but should include:

• a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
• the question that your research will address
• an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
• an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
• a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
• a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
• an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult

Your application, including your references and research outline, will be passed to members of staff whose expertise and research interests most closely match the area of your proposed study.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training) 7.0 with no subtests under 7.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

• 94; with Reading 24; Listening 24; Speaking 23; Writing 27
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 66;Reading 68; Speaking 65; Writing 82

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 185 overall, no subtest less than 185

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 8
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 8 with Reading: 27-28 and Listening: 20
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 8

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Fees and funding

• International & EU: £25,290

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

• Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

• Re-submission by a research student £540
• Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
• Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

• College of Arts & Humanities Graduate School  funding opportunities
• further funding opportunities
• MRes Scholarship: Creativity, Inclusion and the Virtual

We have a strong track record of securing AHRC and Glasgow University College of Arts  & Humanities funding for our PhD students.

Potential students with 1st class results (or equivalent) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teaching and research in the Arts and Humanities is supported by the outstanding resources of our  University Library  with its special collections and our on-campus  Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery .

Our close links and partnerships with  Glasgow Life , and the city’s many museums, art galleries, performing arts and music venues, international festivals and creative industry organisations make the University of Glasgow the ideal place for postgraduate study of the arts.

Graduate School

Our Graduate School creates a productive and interdisciplinary collegiate environment for all of our research students. We offer a range of services, courses and skills development opportunities for research students.

The College of Arts & Humanities is home to a vibrant and diverse community of students enrolled on taught masters and research programmes within a stimulating intellectual and cultural environment. Across every school and subject area the college is home to world-leading and agenda-setting research.

Find out more about what is happening in the community by following us: 

• Twitter: #UofGArts
• facebook.com/UofGArts

You will also be part of the wider Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities , the world's first national graduate school in the Arts & Humanities. Membership includes 16   Scottish universities, four art schools & the national conservatoire, with support from the arts, culture, creative & heritage sectors. 

Philosophical community

• a dedicated weekly postgraduate philosophy seminar to present research to other postgraduate students and receive feedback from staff
• a dedicated weekly philosophy senior seminar series
• frequent domestic and international focused speaker series, workshops, and conferences
• mentored teaching development opportunities
• an annual postgraduate reading party in the remote highlands of Scotland
• triannual postgraduate and staff social gatherings

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search .

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

• Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploaded   as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to  [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
• Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
• For Distance Learning study option only - completed  CoAH Distance Learning PGR application statement form
• If you have any questions about your application  before  you apply:  contact The School of Humanities at  [email protected]
• If you have any questions  after  you have submitted your application:  contact our Admissions team
• Any  references  may be submitted by email to:  [email protected]

International Students

• Visa and immigration
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

CREATe at the University of Glasgow offers unique, world-class opportunities for doctoral research. We supervise PhD students working across a range of disciplines including cultural economics, empirical legal studies, intellectual property law, policy studies and studies of management of the creative industries. Our ethos for PhD training involves fostering an active cohort of researchers and including students in scholarly activities of the Centre, including conferences, impact activity and digital resource curation. For an idea of topics of interest, please see the fields outlined in our  research programme . CREATe also regularly hosts visiting PhD students for periods ranging from several weeks to one year. Proposals for bold, interdisciplinary work are welcome.

Information for Prospective PhD Students

There are a number of ways to pursue PhD studies with CREATe. When available, we will advertise funded PhD studentships associated with specific grants. You may browse these upcoming and previous CREATe funded PhD research opportunities on our opportunities page here .

Alternatively, prospective students may contact us with a proposal for self-funded or externally funded doctoral research. If you have a research proposal prepared and have identified potential supervisor(s) , please get in touch with us using our contact information or email a member of faculty directly to discuss your interests. We encourage prospective PhD students to seek external funding as part of the application process.

• Resources for PhD students from the  ESRC
• Funding for PhD students from the  AHRC
• Lord Kelvin PhD Fellowships at the University of Glasgow
• Funding for Glasgow University PhD students Principal’s Early Career Mobility Fund
• Research Papers
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• What is CREATe
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School of Law

• Postgraduate research opportunities
• PhD programme

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

The PhD represents the highest academic achievement. It is designed so as to provide highly qualified and motivated scholars with the opportunity to pursue a research interest in depth over an extended period under expert supervision.

• 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time, leading to the presentation and defence of a thesis of up to 100,000 words
• dedicated supervision by experts in your chosen subject area
• research training programme within the School, supported by wider provision within the College of Social Sciences
• entry in September or January
• regular research events, including graduate research seminars, poster events, reading groups
• access to exceptional library and online resources
• free printing, conference funding.

Please email  [email protected]  with any enquiries of an academic nature.

• Skip to main content

We use cookies

Necessary cookies.

Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.

Analytics cookies

Analytical cookies help us improve our website. We use Google Analytics. All data is anonymised.

Hotjar and Clarity

Hotjar and Clarity help us to understand our users’ behaviour by visually representing their clicks, taps and scrolling. All data is anonymised.

Privacy policy

• Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

• Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Education PhD/MPhil/MRes

Education open evening: Thursday 18 April, 17:30 - 19:00

Come along to the School of Education open evening. Discover our wide range of postgraduate programmes and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) teaching qualification.

• Find out more and book your place

Our PhD students are supervised by two or more academics from one of our five research and teaching groups: Creativity, Culture & Faith; Interdisciplinary Learning Education Technology & Society; Professional Learning & Leadership; Social Justice, Place & Lifelong Education; Curriculum, Assessment & Pedagogy.

The School of Education is a thriving and dynamic school. Our School is ranked 1st in the UK on the Complete University Guide (2020),(2019) and is in the top 50 in the world in the QS World University Rankings (2020),(2019). Our staff engage in world class research that advances knowledge and practice and we are respected for contributions to policy and practice having established strong partnerships with education communities.

The research of the School is organised through four research and teaching groups. Our staff and your potential supervisor, allocated to these groups on the basis of their research:

• Pedagogy, Praxis and Faith
• Education Leadership and Policy
• People, Place and Social Change
• Culture, Literacies, Inclusion and Pedagogy

Study options

• PhD:  3 years full-time; 5 years part-time
• MPhil: 1 year full time; 2 years part-time
• EdD: Online distance learning, 5 years part-time

Entry requirements

Awarded or expected 1st class or high upper 2nd class BSc degree.

Required documentation

Applicants should submit:

• Transcripts/degree certificate 
• Two references
• A one-page research proposal
• Name of potential Supervisor
• Signed  Provisional Supervisor Agreement Form

Research proposal

Candidates are required to provide a single page outline of the research subject proposed (approximately 1000 words). This need not be a final thesis proposal but should include:

• a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
• the question that your research will address
• an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
• an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent study in the subject
• a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take
• a discussion of the primary sources that your research will draw upon, including printed books, manuscripts, archives, libraries, or museums
• an indicative bibliography of secondary sources that you have already consulted and/or are planning to consult

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

• 7.0 with no sub-test under 6.5
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications

All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

• 94; with Reading 19; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements , this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 66 with no subtest less than: Listening 59;Reading 60; Speaking 59; Writing 74
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 185 overall, no subtest less than 176

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 8
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 7 with Reading: 25-26 and Listening: 18-19
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 8.

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have complete their degree in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years
• students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country  and  within the last 6 years

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Fees and funding

• UK: £4,786
• International & EU: £25,290

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

• Fee status and policies

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

• Re-submission by a research student £540
• Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
• Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
• Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

• ESRC Doctoral Studentship: Podcasting and pedagogy for the planet: Examining the nexus of art, entertainment, and education related to sustainability and climate change

The College of Social Sciences Graduate School draws together internationally recognised scholars and respected practitioners to offer a range of research programmes.

Our programmes are based on thorough training in research methods and we encourage you to take part in numerous exciting seminars, conferences and events. We offer modern library, IT services and a wide-range of support services. You will be living in one of Europe’s most exciting cities which has a vibrant cultural and social life .

Our Graduate School Researcher Development Programme  will support you to plan your professional development over the course of your PhD and ensure your employability.

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors.

All Postgraduate Research Students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You may want to identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

You can find relevant academic staff members with our staff research interests search .

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

• Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
• Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional. References may be uploaded   as part of the application form or you may enter your referees contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.  We can also accept confidential references direct to  [email protected] , from the referee’s university or business email account.
• Research proposal, CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
• Signed  Provisional Supervisor Agreement Form .
• If you have any questions about your application  before  you apply:  contact the School of Education
• If you have any questions  after  you have submitted your application:  contact our Admissions team
• Any  references  may be submitted by email to:  [email protected]

International Students

• Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found on our  International student pages

Postgraduate research PhDs

What is a phd.

PhD stands for 'Doctor of Philosophy'. To be awarded a PhD you must undertake a piece of independent and original research that results in a significant contribution to a field of knowledge in a specific area. You must write a thesis and defend your findings in an oral examination (viva).

Is a PhD right for you?

Do you have a passion and a curiosity about a field of research.

A deep passion and an enquiring mind are critical to successfully navigating a PhD.

You’ll need to be determined and resilient because your research will go on for three to four years. But remember, although this is about independent research, you will not travel the journey alone. With the support of expert supervisors, our comprehensive researcher development programme and the community provided by Strathclyde Doctoral School you will be well equipped for success.

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School of Computing,  Engineering and Built Environment

The School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment is one of the leading schools for programmes in building and surveying in the UK. The school also carries out extensive research in partnership with industry, commerce and other academic institutions in the UK and overseas.

PhD opportunities

You can find a PhD project at Glasgow Caledonian University using the search facility below. Here you can filter your search to view, funded, competition funded and self-funded opportunities within your chosen research discipline. Scroll down to the bottom page for fees, funding and how to apply.

The PhD search tool may take a little time to load, thank you for your patience.

Application process

Fees and funding

Learn more about postgraduate research fees and explore options for funding support.