Doctoral College

About the project

The Doctoral College brings together expertise, support, and specialist services from across the University to create a thriving environment for research. It fosters a rich culture of collaboration, connecting researchers, supervisors, and global partners, and enabling an active community where ideas, innovation, and academic excellence can grow.

Director of the Doctoral College

"Our research community is committed to advancing knowledge and tackling real-world challenges. Our postgraduate research degrees combine rigorous academic study with opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and discovery. Whether you aim to excel in academia or shape your professional future, the Doctoral College is here to support every step of your journey."

The Doctoral College commitment

The Doctoral College is committed to making your postgraduate research journey a positive, rewarding, and successful one. We do this by:

• fostering an inclusive and supportive research culture
• developing a community of cross and interdisciplinary researchers
• facilitating dynamic, innovative and creative training opportunities
• encouraging collaborative relationships between postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and academic staff
• offering a framework of value added courses to enhance professional development and employability
• providing supervision and internal examiner training for academic staff
• promoting an environment which enables PGRs to have the best possible experience.

Explore our research subjects

We offer research degrees across a broad spectrum of disciplines. Our diverse research environment allows you to pursue advanced study in the area that best aligns with your interests and ambitions.

Find a research project

Explore our expertise across a range of disciplines and specialities. Find the right research area for you and choose an existing research project or create your own.

How to apply

Find out everything you need to know to apply for a postgraduate research degree including the requirements and the necessary supporting documentation.

Research subjects

The subjects you can study at research level encompass the breadth of expertise available at the University of Huddersfield. Our research degrees enable you to pursue impactful and forward-looking research projects in the following areas:

• Applied Health Sciences
• Archaeology
• Architecture and the Built Environment
• Art and Design
• Arts and Humanities (including Communication: Cultural and Media Studies, Creative Writing, English Literature, Fashion and Textiles, History and Music)
• Biological and Life Sciences (including Chemistry and Forensic Science)
• Business and Management Studies Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Accounting, Finance and Economics
• Computer Science
• Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Education
• Engineering
• Law
• Nursing (including Public Health)
• Optometry and Vision Sciences
• Performing Arts
• Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Politics and International Studies
• Psychology Cyberpsychology
• Cyberpsychology
• Social Work and Social Policy

Research scholarships

We are committed to offering a bespoke range of financial support to enable you to pursue your passion and carry out innovative research projects with our University.

Discover the available opportunities including our University scholarships and subject specific research scholarships and funded studentships.

Growing our portfolio of postgraduate research degrees

We are committed to broadening our doctoral portfolio. Alongside traditional PhDs, we are developing routes that include practice-based doctorates, prospective publication for staff, professional doctorates, and PhDs by publication for those researchers with over six years of experience.

Pooja Prasoona Raja (PhD Researcher)

Read Pooja's experience as a PhD Researcher at the University of Huddersfield, including what she her research project is about and the support she's received from the Doctoral College.

Tricia Quashie (EdD Graduate)

Read Tricia's experience as a Doctor of Education (EdD) graduate at the University of Huddersfield, including what she her research project worked towards and the support she received from the Doctoral College.

Omorinsola George (DBA Graduate)

Read Omorinsola's experience as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) graduate at the University of Huddersfield, including what her research project was about and the support she received from the Doctoral College.

PhD: Warming up Cold Cases: Evaluating the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Forensic Techniques in Investigations of Unidentified Victims

“I completed my BSc in Life Sciences in India before moving to the UK to study an MSc in Forensic Science. My passion for research then led me to a PhD in Archaeology , where I’d worked on a cold case analysis project with my supervisor.

When my supervisor's research moved to the University of Huddersfield, I decided to transfer too. The University made the process straightforward and supported me throughout my enrolment. I especially appreciated the help from the Doctoral College with transferring my student visa. I was in direct contact with the Head of the Doctoral College, who personally supported me until I arrived on campus. She keeps in touch with me and other PhD students, making sure we have the support we need throughout our research journey.

The Doctoral College offers a wide range of training sessions to help postgraduate researchers develop new skills and connect with other students through regular events. One of the best additions has been the dedicated postgraduate research space in the Ramsden Building, giving PGR students a place to work, collaborate and build a sense of community.

I've really settled into life at Huddersfield. The Students' Union organises events specifically for postgraduate researchers, and I enjoy keeping active through Active Hud. I'm also the President of the PGR Social Society, where I help bring postgraduate researchers together and create opportunities to take a break from research, socialise and support one another.

If you're an international student thinking about studying at Huddersfield, I'd recommend. It's a welcoming and well-connected town with plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and make the most of your university experience.”

Research title: Sixth Form and Further Education as a gendered working environment: A Matrifocal Critical Realist, Feminist exploration of how mother-educators in the Sixth Form and FE sector experience maternity and flexible working policies

"I chose to study at the University of Huddersfield because it's my local university and somewhere I already knew well, having both studied and worked here previously. The structure of the Doctor of Education (EdD) was a great fit for me, and the excellent reputation of the education department gave me confidence that I was making the right choice. As a parent of three children, the opportunity to study part-time alongside work was invaluable.

My research explored how mothers working in sixth form and further education colleges experience balancing motherhood and work throughout different stages of their maternal journey. Through interviews with mothers in the sector, I developed a new research framework that enabled me to analyse their experiences from a mother's perspective. Drawing on gendered organisation theories, my research highlighted how workplace policies do not always align with their intended outcomes and how wider structural and social factors can contribute to the production and reproduction of inequalities for mothers.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my doctoral experience was developing my knowledge of research and theoretical frameworks, which has given me a new (niche!) interest. I also had the opportunity to present my research at conferences and publish my work, both of which were highlights of my doctoral journey. I found connecting with other postgraduate researchers very helpful. Building relationships with people going through similar experiences provided support and encouragement throughout my studies.

My advice to anyone considering postgraduate study is to be prepared to discover just how much there is still to learn. It's also important to be open to developing and refining your academic writing skills. Most importantly, choose a research topic that you genuinely enjoy, because you'll be immersed in it for a long time, especially if you're studying part-time. It's a real learning experience and hugely worthwhile, so make the most of it. "

Research title: Assessment of Gender Based Income Inequality: Exploring the Employment Gender Divide in the Outsourcing Service Sector in Nigeria

"I chose to study in the UK because I had previously completed my MSc here, which gave me a strong understanding of the British education system and the opportunities available through postgraduate study.

When researching universities, the University of Huddersfield stood out because of its clear commitment to student success. The wealth of support available to students was evident from the information provided on the University website, and I was attracted by the welcoming and supportive environment. I also appreciated the campus itself, which offers a calm and peaceful setting that fosters ease of learning. The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) was particularly appealing because it provides valuable opportunities for professional development and supports my ambition to progress into senior industry roles.

As an international student, my experience has been academically enriching and eye-opening. I have benefited from conferences, postgraduate researcher training opportunities, and a range of internal and external development activities that have enhanced my research skills and broadened my perspective.

My advice to other international students coming to Huddersfield is not to be afraid to reach out for support. If you're facing a challenge, share it with someone you trust - there are people ready to help, whether that's members of staff or fellow students. You are never alone, and there is a strong support network available to help you succeed."

Funder and partner information

Our university provides a dynamic and supportive environment for postgraduate researchers, combining world-class facilities with expert academic guidance and a vibrant research community.

Industry courses and placements

Discover options from industry courses to placements and training opportunities, allowing our researchers to enhance their expertise, build valuable connections, and explore diverse career pathways.

Institutional research impact

Discover how our supportive and ambitious research environment empowers our researchers, strengthens our research community and drives research excellence across the University.

Access your PGR hub as a current postgraduate researcher

The PGR Hub is your dedicated online space for accessing essential information, resources, and support throughout your research degree journey. Designed exclusively for our current postgraduate researchers, the Hub brings together everything you need to succeed in one convenient location.

You'll need to log in to the Hub once you start studying with us, using your University credentials to access personalised resources, guidance, and support.

Solomon - PhD in Business and Management Studies

Discover Solomon’s journey as a PhD researcher at Huddersfield, from choosing to study in the UK to building his academic career, studying as an international student and making a global impact with his research.

Dona - Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)

Read about a Dona's researcher journey from Sri Lanka to Huddersfield, exploring her experience of postgraduate research and what her research has explored, life at the University and the opportunities that have shaped her academic journey.

Zunaira - PhD in Economics and Finance

Discover Zunaira’s journey as a PhD researcher at Huddersfield, from her experience as an international postgraduate researcher and the research she is working on as well as the skills and experience she has developed as she grows as a researcher.

Shakir - Doctorate in Business Administration DBA

Discover Shakir’s experience studying for a DBA at Huddersfield, from developing his research and analytical skills to gaining the practical knowledge and experience that supports his professional ambitions.

Our research

Explore our university research aiming to advance ideas, innovation and collaboration across all of our academic departments, nationally and globally.

Research institutes and centres

With more than 70 research institutes and centres, we're advanced in research, innovation and collaboration across all of our academic departments.

Global engagement

See our contributions to research on a global scale along with our collaborations with institutions from around the globe, boosting our research impact.

Events

See more about the events we have on offer including our research in conversation event series.

Research in Conversation series

Our Research in Conversation series includes sessions with thought-provoking talks on topics that touch our everyday lives, led by passionate speakers who bring insight, innovation, and inspiration to the table. These sessions offer the chance to connect, ask questions and discover how research and ideas shape the world around us.

Find out more about the Research in Conversation series.

Get in touch

For any enquiries or further information regarding our programmes, services, or admissions processes, please do not hesitate to contact our Doctoral College team at gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk . A member of our staff will be happy to assist you.

You can also get to know the people behind our Doctoral College on our dedicated Meet the Team page.

Explore some of our key awards a University and what we're achieving regionally, nationally and globally. Explore all our awards .

Research areas