Take your postgraduate research interests further
Ready to make a contribution to our outstanding research work? Explore our postgraduate research options
The challenges facing society, human life and our planet need answers – and our research is helping to find them.
If you'd like to play your part in tackling the problems ahead – and learn from people at the forefront of their disciplines – then our postgraduate research degrees are where your journey starts.
Search the different types of research degrees we offer, find a pre-approved PhD project to apply for, explore the research subject areas and topics we cover, discover how you can fund your research with us – including bursaries and studentships – and when you're ready, start your application to become part of research at Portsmouth.
Postgraduate Open Evenings and events
Our Postgraduate Open Evenings are your chance to explore the University and the city before making your decision. Come to our next event to talk to our postgrad team, course leaders and current students.
Explore our PhD projects
Look through our funded and self-funded PhD research projects and find out how to apply.
Our research degrees subject areas
Take your expertise further by studying for a PhD or other research degree at the University of Portsmouth. Explore the subject areas you can study & get started on your research journey.
City Guide
Why Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has fantastic local, independent businesses from art galleries, to bars, restaurants and delicatessens. Hear why local people and students chose and love Portsmouth. Explore more of what Portsmouth has to offer for your life outside study.
Cerys: When I first came to the open day for Portsmouth, I instantly fell in love with it.
Imogen: It's got such a really friendly atmosphere, even though it's a city it's quite a small city, so it feels really welcoming and homely.
Andy: I think Portsmouth is very forward-thinking.
Joanne: It's got a real independent spirit about it.
Antony: With the waterfront, the historic dockyard, a really good mix of nationalities.
Lee-Anne: Half my friends are from Nigeria, other half are from places like Czech Republic, and it's very interesting to meet new people.
Steve: There's lots of cultural events, there's art galleries, there's music venues.
Ben: There's a great restaurant scene and a great nightlife scene as well.
Claire: There's always new things popping up, new restaurants, new art shops, new things.
Gareth: Entertainment activities in terms of lots of bars and restaurants and loads of cool places to eat.
Anthony: And then there's so many shows you've got kite festivals.
Rikki: Food festivals.
Anthony: Big one that really helps the town is Victorious Festival and I think they're on their tenth year next year.
Connie: It is such a really lovely community.
Simon: And I think after you've been here a while, you feel part of the community.
Erin: The mood is just unrivalled. You've got the beach. There's also a nice sense of community.
Megan: The community feel just makes you feel like you're at home, away from home.
Rikki: I think it's got a really good mix of independent businesses.
Luke: There's so many local independent businesses.
Daniel: You can walk everywhere.
Samantha: When the sun is shining, there is nowhere better than Portsmouth.
Holly: You're only ever five/ten minute walk away from the seafront.
Antony: It's a very cosmopolitan city. It's got so much to offer.
Nehanda: Commercial Road, you have the city centre and the hub where it's all lively.
Nathan: Student nightlife is really, really good. Lots of nightclubs. Lots stuff to do.
Nehanda: But then as soon as you come to Southsea it's more like a lazy seaside town like you get to go to the beach.
Samantha: You just have to go down to the beach or the common on a sunny day and everyone's having picnics. It's just beautiful.
Holly: Or you can enjoy the pubs and the clubs or the theatre in the main city centre.
Gareth: I love that kind of vibrancy of the city.
Lee-Anne: The weather is milder than other parts of England, so if you're someone who doesn't really want it to be cold, always, it's perfect here. It will rain, but it's still perfect.
Antony: I think that it's the perfect place to come and study a degree.
Gareth: I love it. I would highly recommend it for anyone.
Eliska: It's a big enough city to not be afraid to express yourself, but it's also small enough to be heard.
Reasons to do a PhD or research degree
Discover how a research degree could boost your career, and help you create innovation with lasting impact in a field you're passionate about.
Find a PhD Supervisor
If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.
Types of research degrees
A research degree at Portsmouth is your chance to put your knowledge to work, and help find solutions to the problems facing society. Find out about our PhD, PhD by Publication, Professional Doctorates, MD, MPhil and MRes degrees.
Funding your research degree
Find out how you can fund your postgraduate research project, with options including loans, bursaries, and scholarships.
How to apply for postgraduate research
Read our guide on how to complete and submit your postgraduate research application. Take the next step in your academic career today.
Postgraduate Virtual Experience
Find out more about the city and the University, from anywhere in the world, and get a taste of what life is like as a postgraduate student at Portsmouth.
Writing a research proposal and personal statement
Explore our advice on what you should be looking to include in your research proposal and your personal statement before you apply.
Order a Postgraduate Prospectus
Explore our postgraduate taught and research degrees in our postgrad prospectus, and get information on how to apply, how to fund your postgraduate degree, and more.
The Graduate School
Get support to develop the research, professional and transferable skills you need to succeed.
Research and innovation
Find out more about research opportunities at Portsmouth, and how you can help us tackle the planet's most urgent challenges. Start your research journey today.
Contact us about postgraduate and Master’s study
Contact us about building on your existing academic qualifications & knowledge with a postgraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth.
Student stories
Studying with us is a great decision, but don't just take our word for it – read stories from our graduates about why they chose Portsmouth and how studying with us changed their lives.
