Help Shape the world with a postgraduate research degree from UWS
Join our thriving international research community
Postgraduate Research students work at the forefront of their academic subject and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
To be a successful researcher, you must be passionate about your subject area, with enthusiasm for research and analysis, and the motivation to manage a personal learning programme. You will have already demonstrated research aptitude in undergraduate or masters-level studies.
As a career-focused university we work with international businesses, regional enterprises, local and international education partners to ensure that UWS research drives innovation and supports the future needs of society, industry and government. This focus increases your employability and career prospects, whether you seek a career in an academic or commercial environment.
A modern success story
UWS was founded in 2007 but can trace its origins back to 1897. Born out of the industrial revolution, for 120 years we have been helping people to develop their knowledge and skills to contribute to society.
We’re one of the best performing modern universities in Scotland and are ranked within the top 200 modern universities globally. Ranked in the top 200 of the world’s universities that are 50 years old, or younger (source: Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024).
With over 80 postgraduate courses on offer across a range of industries and job roles you’re sure to find the right course for the career you want.
Our students are highly satisfied with the quality of teaching and their overall experience as a student at UWS. Courses across all six academic schools receive the highest student satisfaction rates in survey after survey.
That’s why nine in ten of our students would recommend us to a friend.
International university – global reach
We are an international university. We are successful in attracting students from across the globe who come to UWS to access world-leading education which is internationally recognised and respected. Our international students help to make us a culturally diverse and exciting place to study.
Every year our expert academics work with around 600 students, including more than 250 students from 25 countries, to support them through high-quality, highly-regarded research degrees: MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf.
World-class research
We are proud of the quality of our research at UWS.
Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
In the most recent round of research assessment in the UK - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, 90 percent of research at University of the West of Scotland was classed as world-leading, internationally excellent, or recognised internationally.
The University also increased its position for research intensity, now ranking within the top 90 universities in the UK.
UWS’s REF results include an outstanding performance for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism, ranking within the top three Scottish universities in this area, with 71 percent of research recognised as world-leading or internationally excellent.
The University also saw 100 percent of its impact in Physics recognised as internationally excellent.
The results reinforce the position that UWS makes a significant contribution to economic, social, cultural, health and public policy, both internationally and within our local communities.
Doctoral College
As a doctoral student, you will automatically become a member of the Doctoral College which is concerned with creating and maintaining a collegiate, interdisciplinary research environment. The the main aim being to generate societally impactful research and produce highly employable doctoral graduates of the future.
The Doctoral College helps foster a collaborative peer-supported doctoral research culture across the University and our partner institutions worldwide; it does so through year-round events and initiatives in addition to professional development such as:
- PGR students peer-mentoring to improve transition to PGR studies
- Wellbeing and socialising club(s) to tackle isolation and support healthy lifestyle in a friendly environment
- joint international events with partner institutions worldwide
Last updated: 14/10/2024
Search Research System
PURE is the University's research information management system and provides a single source of research information for UWS. It is used to record and manage research activity with details of research outputs, funding applications, conference contributions, external impact and staff profiles.