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Graduate School

A research degree at Sunderland is much more than an academic milestone. It provides a unique opportunity to generate new knowledge and make a lasting impact on the world. Whatever your background, you'll join a community that values your ideas and celebrates your aspirations.

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Reasons to study your research degree with us

  • Over 70% of published research carried out at the University of Sunderland has been rated as either world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework
  • We're in the top 10 universities in Europe for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025)
  • We're 2nd in the UK for International Student Diversity (QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025)

Doctoral partnerships

We're part of the Northern Ireland and North East Doctoral Training Partnership (NINE DTP). The Partnership offers a range of studentships, fully-funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Sunderland is a partner of excellence in the discipline of Criminology, Prisons and Policing and accepts annual applications to the open competition in this field. The next round of applications will be advertised shortly on the NINE DTP website(opens in new tab). Contact Dr Nicola Roberts to learn more about this opportunity at Sunderland: nicola.roberts@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Available PhD opportunities

We offer the following research degree:

Past partnerships and research opportunities:

  • We were fortunate to be an active partner in the Northern Bridge Doctoral Training Partnership. This provided funded doctoral studentships for those studying across the arts and humanities. The 2024/25 competition was the last active phase of open competition for this award.
  • We recently closed applications for two fully-funded PhD studentships at the John Dawson Drug Discovery and Development Research Institute. One is focusing on AI-based modelling of autism for early detection and biomarker discovery. The other is investigating treatment of antimicrobial resistant GUI infections using bacteriophages and their derived antimicrobials.
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Our research culture

The research culture at Sunderland aligns with our University values. Our interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration between specialisms and strengthens our relationships with industry. We celebrate diverse viewpoints and provide our researchers with the confidence to push the boundaries of knowledge through their innovative research areas. Our governance and integrity ensures excellence throughout all research activities. This leads to high-quality academic research that makes a true contribution to knowledge and society – and inspires the next generation of researchers.

Research degree support

The Graduate School is here to support you with your journey as a researcher. Our services include:

  • Management of transfers, withdrawals, leave of absence and extensions
  • Organisation of examination arrangements, including oral exams
  • Annual monitoring and progression
  • Changes to supervisory arrangements
  • Support for PGR-related University committees

Get in touch

Whether you're a current or prospective research student, an academic, examiner, or an employer, you can contact us about all administrative aspects of research degrees:

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PhD Doctor of Philosophy

A doctorate is often an essential requirement for recruitment and promotion in university teaching roles. Therefore, a PhD is highly advisable if you're considering a career as an academic. In a broader sense, a PhD is a life-changing course that trains you to think at a higher level while you become an expert on a particular topic. It's quite possible that you'll end up knowing more about your topic than almost anyone else in the country.

Learn more