glasgow university postgraduate research

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• Postgraduate study

Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

• Staff research interests search

Postgraduate research  

Psychology PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research)

Funded PhD opportunities

• Many projects with the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Socially Intelligent Artificial Agents

We are engaged in a wide range of research in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, language, perception, statistics and research methods in psychology, social robotics, and health cognition. We have a strong presence in the field of neuroimaging and brain stimulation. Our work has links with fundamental and clinical neuroscience.

At any time we comprise about 35 academics, 2 Fellows (Marie Curie and Adam Smith), 20 research associates/assistants and large postgraduate community (60 students, including PhD-, Masters- and visiting students). Our staff have many ongoing, funded research projects and receive major research funding from the Wellcome trust, BBSRC and ESRC.

Using diverse approaches and paradigms, our research aims to advance our understanding of behaviour and the underlying mental processes and brain function at multiple levels of analysis.

Researchers are grouped across the School of Psychology, the Centre for Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (cSCAN), and the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi), which provides state-of-the-art functional neuroimaging facilities. Many investigators have double affiliations with links to the School of Psychology and Neuroscience, which span two colleges (Science & Engineering, and Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences), and integrates research from molecular to system neuroscience across a broad spectrum of interdisciplinary and translational programmes.

More information

• Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (CCNi)
• Centre for Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience (cSCAN)
• School of Psychology and Neuroscience

Study options

• Psychology, PhD:  3 years full-time or 5 years part-time
• Psychology, MSc (Res):  1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

Entry requirements

2.1 Honours degree or equivalent

Required documentation

Applicants should submit:

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

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)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• 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 accepted for entry to this programme:

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18;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

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests

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

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction 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.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

Fees and funding

• UK: £4,786
• International & EU: £30,240

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.

The iPhD  is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding

• View a full list of our  current scholarships

GRADUATE SCHOOL  

The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences  Graduate School  provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students.       Our aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:  

• provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques  
• training in essential research and generic skills  
• excellence in supervision and mentoring  
• interactive discussion groups and seminars  
• an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis  
• synergy between research groups and areas  
• extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research  
• extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK   
• a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training  

Our excellent facilities and dedicated staff will equip you with training complementary to a range of career options, and you can tailor your study pathway to the precise aspects that suit your objectives.   

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 [except iPhD applicants, where only one academic or professional reference is required]. 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. iPhD applicants do not need to submit any of these as you will start your programme by choosing a masters.
• Completed  College of MVLS Postgraduate Research Cover Letter
• If you have any questions about your application  before  you apply: email  [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

• Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found at Applying for a student visa outside the UK

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)

The School of Mathematics & Statistics combines world-leading research expertise in pure mathematics, applied mathematics and statistics. Our research in statistics impacts across a range of areas including the energy sector, the environment, medicine and public health, teaching practice and public policy.

Research projects

• Statistics thesis topics

The School of Mathematics and Statistics is one of the largest in the UK. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) the school was ranked 5 th in Mathematical Sciences, the highest ranking of any university in Scotland. Our research interests cover a wide range of topics, with our AI3 initiative, of analytics and inference innovation for impact, aiming to create a world-class environment for research and teaching that transforms the practice of Statistics, Data Analytics and Data Science.

With regular seminars and events, we have a lively and mutually supportive research environment, which has led to the award of coveted prizes and competitive fellowships for several of our junior staff and postgraduate research students.

• Our main areas of research (AI3 intiative)

Study options

Integrated phd programme (4 years).

Our  PhD with Integrated Study in Mathematical Sciences   is a four-year PhD programme in the School of Mathematics and Statistics.

Completion of taught Masters level courses in the first nine months will provide you with a valuable introduction to academic topics and research methods, whilst providing key training in the critical evaluation of research data.

Upon successful completion of the taught component, you will progress to your research degree. You will submit a thesis to be examined by the end of your fourth year.

Entry requirements

Phd programmes.

2.1 Honours degree or equivalent

Required documentation

Applicants should submit:

• Transcripts/degree certificate 
• Two references

Integrated PhD programmes

2.1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject area

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)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• 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 accepted for entry to this programme:

Toefl (ibt, my best or athome).

• 79; with Reading 13; Listening 12; Speaking 18;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

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests

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

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169

Oxford English Test

• Oxford ELLT 7
• R&L: OIDI level no less than 6 with Reading: 21-24 Listening: 15-17
• W&S: OIDI level no less than 6

Trinity College Tests

Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction 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.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses

Fees and funding

• UK: £4,786
• International & EU: £30,240

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.

• View a full list of our  current scholarships

Our postgraduate students join a community of academic experts across a wide range of pure and applied mathematics and statistics and develop a mature understanding of fundamental theories and analytical skills applicable to many solutions.

There is a lively seminar program with members of the Schools involved in a number of networks including the North British Functional Analysis Seminar, The North British Differential Equations Seminar and the LMS Network on Classical and Quantum Integrability.

The School also welcomes many guest speakers from the UK and overseas. We hold regular postgraduate seminars, where our PhD students can develop their presentation skills, and international conferences and workshops.

Students can also attend our hugely popular week-long training course each year, which provides practically motivated training in key statistical analysis and modelling skills.

You will be part of a Graduate School which provides the highest level of support to its students.

The overall aim of our Graduate School is to provide a world-leading environment for students which is intellectually stimulating, encourages them to contribute to culture, society and the economy and enables them to become leaders in a global environment.

We have a diverse community of over 750 students from more than 50 countries who work in innovative and transformative disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields. An important part of our work is to bring our students together and to ensure they consider themselves an important part of the University’s academic community.

Being part of our Graduate School community will be of huge advantage to you in your studies and beyond and we offer students a number of benefits in addition to exceptional teaching and supervision, including:

• A wide-ranging and responsive research student training programme which enables you to enhance your skills and successfully complete your studies.
• Mobility scholarships of up to £4000 to enable you to undertake work in collaboration with an international partner.
• A diverse programme of activities which will ensure you feel part of the wider-research community (including our biannual science slam event).
• A residential trip for all new research students.
• The opportunity to engage with industry-partners through training, placements and events.
• Professionally accredited programmes.
• Unique Masters programmes run in collaboration with other organisations.
• State-of-the-art facilities including the  James Watt Nanofabrication Centre  and the  Kelvin Nanocharacterisation Centre .
• Highly-rated support for international students.

Over the last five years, we have helped over 600 students to complete their research studies and our students have gone on to take up prestigious posts in industries across the world.

Email:  [email protected]

Collaborations

Our research group has strong connections with environmental agencies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Environment Agency in England and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology.

These collaborations have led to research secondments for postgraduate students, and other opportunities have seen students travelling abroad to work with high-profile scientific groups such as the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation in Australia. 

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.
• If you have any questions about your application  before  you apply: email  [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

• Advice on visa, immigrations and the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) can be found at Applying for a student visa outside the UK

More information

• External collaborations

University of Glasgow

• VISIT WEBSITE
• REQUEST INFO

Course and lecturers

Entry requirements, academic strengths, job prospects, student life, accommodation & facilities, student support, scholarships/bursaries, study options, postgraduate student body breakdown source: hesa , 2021.

• Study mode: This university 23% Part Time 77% Full Time
• Study mode: All universities (avg) 44% Part Time 56% Full Time
• Student nationality 46% UK 54% International
• Study level 21,355 Undergraduate 11,305 Postgraduate
• New students 51% School leavers 49% Mature students

The University of Glasgow is one of four ancient universities in Scotland, founded back in 1451.

Alumni include seven Nobel Prize winners, Scotland’s First Minister and a Prime Minister, while Albert Einstein gave a seminal lecture on the theory of relativity there in 1933.

The university consists of four colleges:

• College of Arts
• College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences
• College of Science and Engineering
• College of Social Sciences

There are three campuses making up the university. The main campus is Gilmorehill, centred around an impressive neo-gothic building and equipped with contemporary facilities. The university’s sporting facilities are located at the Garscube Campus, and further afield the Dumfries campus offers various courses and is surrounded by acres of parkland.

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city has a great range of sports facilities and was host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the 2018 European Championships, and the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. With a thriving cultural scene, there are plenty of museums, galleries and theatres to explore in students’ spare time. The streets are lined with a vast mix of historic Victorian buildings and modern skyscrapers, making up the many shops, bars and restaurants around the city.

Postgraduate

The university has over 7,000 postgraduate students from 140 countries around the world, taking up taught and research degrees. There is an extensive range of postgraduate study options, ranging from financial economics to European studies.

One of the main advantages for postgraduate students is The Gilchrist Postgraduate Club, a dedicated place for students and staff to study and socialise in. Facilities include study booths with integrated TV screens, a seminar room and a café/ bar.

Overall, the university offers postgraduate students an extensive range of services and facilities to ensure they have a rewarding and fulfilling experience, both academically and socially.

The university offers a vast range of courses for postgraduate students, taught by leading experts. Students benefit from an extensive range of learning resources, including one of the largest university libraries in the UK with over 800 PCs. There is the opportunity to study full or part-time on a number of the taught degrees, while research degrees and distance courses are also available.

There are more than 300 different taught courses to choose from at the University of Glasgow. Taught master’s courses usually run for one year full-time or two years part-time. Alternatively, postgraduate diplomas usually last for nine months full-time. Postgraduate certificates take 4-5 months.

There are also research degrees available, generally split into research masters and PhDs. The length of these courses can vary.

The faculty consists of genuine experts in their field, often with years of experience working in relevant careers before transitioning into teaching (or teaching alongside their work). They excellent educators, inspiring students with their passion and dedication.

The entry requirements for study at a postgraduate level at the University of Glasgow vary depending on a student’s chosen subject, but in most cases a 2.1 undergraduate degree classification is considered the minimum requirement. Some courses may be able to offer places to students with a 2.2 undergraduate degree.

There is consideration for those students who return to university following time in the workplace – applicants who don’t meet the undergraduate degree criteria but who have relevant career experience may also be considered for a place.

The university’s website has information on the specific requirements for all courses, including those for international students – all courses are taught and assessed in English, but some may have a higher test score requirement, depending on the complexity of the language used within the study program.

January Entry

January entry is available on a range of both on campus and online distance learning postgraduate degrees, for students unable to start in September.

Got a question?

Get in touch, if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications.

There is a broad range of courses available at the University of Glasgow, with many of them being widely commended and respected by global institutions and industry bodies. The university is known for its quality, offering courses that are often ranked among some of the best in the country, in which students will benefit from outstanding expertise and excellent facilities.

Indeed, one of the main academic strengths of the university is its provision of extensive resources and dedicated learning spaces, often tailored to specific disciplines. As just one example, law students will be able to use a full moot courtroom as well as their own dedicated library that contains all the legal publications and materials they’ll need.

Glasgow also offers a modern approach to all tuition, which means getting students hands-on with their learning as much as possible. While lectures and seminars will play a key role in many courses, wherever possible they are supplemented by practical lessons using the same quality of equipment or software as is used in professional settings.

The University of Glasgow offers exciting opportunities to all students, not just through additional services but also via contemporary approaches to learning, with students benefiting from practical tuition alongside academic studies.

The university has a careers service that postgraduate students are welcome to use. Here, students will be able to book interviews with a careers advisor, as well as coaching appointments to help prepare for the future job hunt. A number of workshops and seminars are organised throughout the year to help and inspire students.

Online, there are step-by-step guides for CV help, as well as interview tips, advice on networking with employers, and information on where to look to find a job. There is also the Internship Hub, which posts current vacancies from businesses in the local area, as well as a Jobshop for part-time work and volunteering opportunities. If students are thinking of starting their own business after graduating, the startup support initiative will be able to offer them advice.

IN THIS SECTION

Student union, clubs and societies.

Glasgow University Union (GUU) is made up of seventeen elected student members, known as The Board of Management.

There is also a second union – Queen Margaret Union (QMU), who are elected bi-annually. All members strive to maintain the everyday running of their union, overseas events, arrange social activities and voice the concerns of the students to the university.

There is a large selection of societies for students to join. They include the Student Theatre Group, the Singapore Students’ Society, the Geography Society and the Creative Writing Society. There are more than 40 different sports clubs, ranging from windsurfing and sailing to skiing and surfing. The variety of clubs on offer is regularly featured in student reviews.

As the largest city in Scotland, it’s impossible to be bored in Glasgow. In 2022 it was ranked as the world’s friendliest and 2 nd most affordable city by Time Ou t.

Famous for its world-class culture, there are plenty of museums, galleries and venues spread around the city. For music fans, the city hosts over 130 shows and concerts every week and is the UK’s first UNESCO City of Music.

Accommodation

The university offers a number of self-catered postgraduate accommodation options, with standard and en-suite rooms to choose from.

Facilities vary depending on the site but include internet access, laundry facilities, a TV area or common room, 24/7 security and personal possession insurance.

The universities library is one of the largest in the UK, with over 2,200 study spaces, 800 PCs and an impressive collection of manuscripts, archives and rare books.

Around the university there are another 10 cafes and restaurants, as well as a second-hand book shop, a sports shop, and an art gallery.

The university is investing GBP 1 billion into a new campus which will benefit students for years to come. Some features include a learning hub and an advanced research centre.

James McCune Smith Learning Hub

The JMS Building provides creative space for students. There are flexible study and social learning areas, in which many styles of technology-led teaching take place.

Advanced Research Centre

The ARC is a space for nurturing interdisciplinary thematic research ‘at scale’ – crossing traditional boundaries and established ways of working. This includes the Innovation Accelerator Area, where top-quality office and laboratory spaces can facilitate entrepreneurs and corporate spin-offs.

The University of Glasgow offers a wide range of student support services to ensure that all students are able to focus on their study program, minimising the distractions that life can often provide.

Support ranges from financial service to help with finding accommodation and searching for a job. A confidential disability support service is also available, which can offer guidance on additional tuition support, additional resources and more.

Each student is allocated a personal tutor, who will be able to assist with any academic decisions. The Students’ Representative Council maintain a Nightline service, where students can speak to someone in confidence over the phone anytime between 7 pm – 7 am. Counselling groups, courses, workshops and one-to-one sessions are free of charge and open for all students.

The majority of students have spoken fondly about both the academic and personal support they’ve received from the university, especially when it came to money advice.

There are many different scholarships and bursaries that students can apply for when attending the University of Glasgow, details of which can be found on the university’s website.  Some of these scholarships are awarded for recognition of academic talent and application, while others are available to benefit students from diverse backgrounds. Most are awarded in the form of a tuition fee discount, applied directly to the student’s account with the university.

Interested in scholarships?

Distance learning.

Taught courses are made up of seminars, tutorials and lectures, typically lasting one year if completed on a full-time basis. Assessments are in the form of exams or coursework – or both, depending on the course. Usually, the programme will consist of core and elective modules, which will allow students to specialise in areas of particular interest. Guest speakers and workshops are also incorporated into many of the degrees.

Research students will undertake an independent project, under the guidance of an academic supervisor specialising in their field of study. Work is not formally examined until the final thesis is submitted. A number of the courses also offer students the opportunity to teach undergraduate students.

The university currently offers a number of distance courses, including creative writing, education and public health. Courses are completed online, meaning students can study anywhere in the world. The university virtual learning environment will give students access to all the necessary learning resources, lectures, journal articles, interactive quizzes and they will be able to interact with fellow students on the online campus.

Sound interesting?

Popular subjects, find a course at this uni, education studies, general psychology, neuroscience, cultural studies, environmental studies, health studies, virtual events & open days.

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• Postgraduate study

How to apply for a postgraduate taught degree

Applying for a programme.

• Before you apply
• After you apply

Apply online

To apply for a programme, you must complete the Online Application Form :

• Go to the 'Apply now' button on the programme page .
• You must then register for an account with the University of Glasgow, or log in if you have registered before.
• Once you have logged in, you can then complete the online application form.

For more information on completing the online application form, see:

• Applying for a programme: Online Application Form

Application deadlines

Application deadlines for each programme are found at the end of the 'how to apply' section on a programme page.

Confirmation that we have received your application

Once we receive your application, we will send an email to acknowledge receipt within 1-2 working days.

The email will include your student ID and application number. You will need this if you need to make an enquiry on the progress of your application. It will also include instructions for logging into Applicant-Self-Service where you can manage your application.

Managing your application after you have applied

After you have submitted your application, you can manage it using Applicant Self-Service.

This includes uploading documents, updating personal details and responding to any offers.

You will be able to access Applicant Self-Service 1-3 working days after you have submitted your application.

Fore more information on how to manage your application, see: 

• Managing your application after you have applied: Applicant Self-Service
• Application system guide
• Application system help

If you experience issues with the online application form, see our help page:

We will review your application

We aim to respond to your application within 28 working days of receiving your application. Or, if applicable, within the 'Round' timescales detailed in the 'How to apply' section of the programme webpage.

To allow us to deal with your application as quickly as possible, make sure you attach all required documents to your application. Please do not enquire about your application until 28 working days have expired.

We will respond with either a decision or notice that your application is being held pending a review of a group of applications together.

We will issue a conditional offer, unconditional offer or rejection letter

If your application is successful.

If your application is successful, you will receive either a conditional or unconditional offer .

• A conditional offer means you still need to achieve the grades or points outlined in your offer letter. You will need to upload the documents required to prove that you have met these requirements.
• An unconditional offer means you have met all of the academic and English language requirements.

If your application is unsuccessful

If your application is unsuccessful then we will send you an email to inform you of this which will outline the reason why we have been unable to offer you a place on this particular programme.

Your application status will be updated to 'Declined' on Applicant-Self Service.

Study with us PhD & postgraduate research degrees

Tackle local, global & societal challenges.

We're looking for aspiring researchers to join our team and work side-by-side with world-renowned academics to help tackle the big issues facing society.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive, internationally leading technological University. Our leading-edge research and close links with business, industry and public sector organisations make us the University of choice for 1,800 doctoral researchers from over 80 countries.

Join Strathclyde as a doctoral researcher and help solve issues of global impact!

How to apply Fund your studies

View our subject areas

Let's talk!

Our team are here to help every step of the way!

How to apply

There are two main routes to undertaking a research project at Strathclyde - either by applying for an existing project or pursuing your own specific areas of interest.

Current opportunities

   Search our current projects . We've got a range of exciting research projects looking for people just like you!

  Projects don't always have funding attached to them. If this is the case, find out ways to  fund your research .

  If there are no suitable projects, don't worry, you can still apply and  submit your own research proposal .

Submit your own research proposal

You can apply at any time – all you have to do is pick your course and submit your application.

Studying a PhD: your questions answered

Elita, one of our PhD students, explains why she chose to study a PhD and shares info on funding opportunities and other useful advice.

When I spoke to my supervisors at the beginning of my application, they were pretty clear, that they wanted to support me, not just with the admission process, but also the funding and application processes.

Work alongside world-class academics

Imagine being part of a dynamic community of brilliant minds, working alongside world-renowned academics at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

At Strathclyde, we don't just offer a doctoral degree - we offer an opportunity to make a real impact on the world. Our strong links with business, industry, and the public sector mean that our doctoral researchers are tackling some of the most pressing local, societal, and global challenges of our time.

Our state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding research environment offer doctoral researchers the resources and support they need to reach their full potential.

We're tackling big societal challenges

Limb Salvage System

Find out how researchers in the Department of Biomedical Engineering have developed a limb salvage system which can be used in a range of environments, such as after disasters or in the military.

Seek-and-destroy nanomedicines for prostate cancer treatment

Strathclyde researcher Dr Christine Dufes is currently leading research on new 'seek-and-destroy- nanomedicines, with exciting results in laboratory settings.

What's the right research degree for you?

There are two types of research degrees:

• Doctoral degrees such as PhDs or Professional Doctorates
• Masters research degrees including MRes or MPhil

Our guide explores the different types of research degrees to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

Our Doctorates

• Collaborative & Industrial PhDs
• Professional Doctorates
• Centres for Doctoral Training

Strathclyde Doctoral School

Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent.

The School encompasses our four Faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.

Our faculties

Engineering, humanities & social sciences.

• Strathclyde Business School

Our faculties & departments

• Faculty of Engineering
• Architecture
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical & Process Engineering
• Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Design, Manufacturing & Engineering Management
• Electronic & Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering

Humanities & Social Sciences

• Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Centre for Lifelong Learning
• Government & Public Policy
• Psychological Sciences & Health
• Social Work & Social Policy
• Faculty of Science
• Computer & Information Sciences
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Pure & Applied Chemistry
• Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
• Accounting & Finance
• Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Management Science
• MBA & General Management
• Strathclyde Executive Education & Development
• Work, Employment & Organisation

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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.

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

Privacy policy

• Postgraduate research students
• Angela Maria Bravo Chacon
• Chengzhe Yao
• Constanza Andrea Cardenas Alarcon
• Daniel Jordan
• Didar Zhakanbayev
• Jiaming Zhang
• Konstantinos Chatzigeorgiou
• Leslie Thompson
• Md Abul Hashem
• Nicholas Strowbridge
• Samira Tahir Qizi Hasanzade
• Zhaohan Meng
• Zhuolin Bao

Search our postgraduate researcher profiles

• Postgraduate research opportunities A-Z

Scholarships  and funding

Discover a range of funded scholarships, bursaries towards study costs, tuition fee reductions and discounts, and loyalty rewards that help keep the cost of studying in one of the UK's most affordable cities within reach.

UK and Scottish postgraduate funding

We believe everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Study at GCU with the help of the external funding bodies below.

How to apply

Review our scholarships and apply once you have received an offer for a course.

Scholarship FAQ

How do I apply for a GCU scholarship?

Scholarship tips

Top tips for applying to our scholarship programme.