Make an impact with UWS Postgraduate Research
Join a world-leading postgraduate research community driven by curiosity, innovation, and real-world impact.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, tackle global challenges, or shape the future of your field, we provide the support, resources, and industry connections to help you succeed.
Explore our research opportunities, connect with expert supervisors, and take the next step in your academic journey.
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S STUDENTSHIPS 2025
Under the UWS Vice-Chancellor’s Studentship Scheme 2025, eight funded PhD studentships are offered for October 2025 start, which underline the University’s commitment to distinctive research and innovation.
50% fee waiver scholarships
We are delighted to offer 10 separate 50% fee waiver scholarships for an October 2025 start. Two scholarships each will be awarded to outstanding applicants in Psychology, Social Policy, Physics, Engineering and Business related to topics of strategic importance to the University.
How to apply
These are competitive, student-led scholarships, and prospective applicants should apply through the UWS online system. As part of your application you should include a research proposal of approximately 1,500 words outlining your proposed area of research and a covering letter detailing your motivation for applying and noting interest in being considered for a 50% fee waiver-scholarship. Research proposals should be aligned to the topic areas below.
Eligibility and deadlines
The scholarships are open to both home and international students applying for PhD study for October 2025. The 50% fee waiver will be applied for each year of study at the appropriate home/international rate. There are no stipends associated with these scholarships. Applicants must possess a minimum of a second-class Honours degree in a relevant subject area. The deadline for applications is 14/07/2025.
Selection process
After the closing date, applications will be assessed based on the excellence of the proposal, the academic background and wider experience of the candidate and alignment of the proposed research with the priority topic areas outlined below.
Proposals are welcomed in the following broad topic areas:
Business
• Organisational Cultures and leadership
• Embedding Equality Diversity and Inclusion in Employment and Service Delivery
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Growth Policy
• Artificial Intelligence in management
Engineering
TBC
Physics
TBC
Psychology
Applied Psychology, Criminology, and Social Justice - to explore, via a social justice lens, at-risk populations and the promotion of identity, community engagement, and cross-agency collaboration (in association with the Cold Case Unit at Murdoch University, Australia).
The Psychology of Social Justice, Identity, and Power - to explore, via an applied psychological and creative methods lens, the empowerment of marginalised populations and promote identity, social justice, community engagement, and transformative expression.
Social Policy
Boredom and the Criminal Justice System - to examine the ways in which the Scottish criminal justice system deals with young people and their needs as they make their way through the CJS.
Drug Policy and Societal Inequalities - to investigate contemporary drugs policy in Scotland and how approaches to harm prevention are connected to wider societal inequalities and how these are addressed and tackled.
Lived Experience of Newly Qualified Social Workers in Supported Year of Practice - to investigate how newly qualified social workers experience the initial stages of their careers, and the support systems offered to them.
UWS Research subject areas
Find Your Research Programme
UWS offers a wide range of postgraduate research degrees designed to help you make a meaningful impact in your field. Whether you choose a Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or a Professional Doctorate, you’ll be supported by expert academics and industry partnerships that enhance your research experience.
Explore research subject areas
Connor found his place with a PhD in Dementia Care – you could too!
The benefits of a UWS PhD are significant but don’t take our word for it. Hear from one of our research students on why the UWS is the perfect choice for those wanting to undertake a research degree.
I always had the misconception that a PhD was a very lonely journey whereas since I started at UWS it’s been the complete opposite. I’ve had invaluable support from the Doctoral College, through the Centre I’m based in, and through all the students that started at the same time as me.
Conor, PhD in Dementia Care
Funding Your Research
We offer a range of fully funded PhD studentships across all academic schools, providing financial support to help you focus on your research. In addition to studentships, you may also be eligible for other funding options, such as scholarships, loans, and external grants.
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UWS Postgraduate Tuition Fee Offer
The University offers a 20% tuition fee discount for UWS alumni or UWS undergraduate students in their final year of study, who wish to progress to full-time postgraduate study at UWS. This includes postgraduate research (MRes / MPhil / PhD) studies. UWS students wishing to progress from a postgraduate taught to a full-time postgraduate research degree are eligible for the offer.
Doctoral College
When you start a research degree at UWS, you automatically become a member of our Doctoral College - joining a vibrant community of almost 600 researchers. You’ll benefit from expert guidance, training, and events designed to support your research journey.
Curious about life as a postgraduate researcher?
As a part-time research student, I have bi-monthly chats with my supervisor to make sure I’m meeting deadlines and staying on track. They also run fantastic seminars for research students, every two weeks.
PhD Performance student Kennagh shares a week in her life at UWS!
Award winning students
There is a lack of research into people who use drugs but who are not using support services. Researching this population will allow these voices to be heard and for the development of interventions that will have a positive impact on lives through harm reduction and allowing access to treatment for those who may go otherwise unnoticed.
Beata Ciesluk, PhD student, the first UWS recipient of the Robertson Medal for her research into drug use in Scotland.
Research at UWS
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.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
UWS has set the vision to be recognised as a world-leading university based on supporting excellent, relevant and purposeful research aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was the 16th most impactful university in the world for ‘reducing inequalities’ (UN Sustainable Development Goal 10). Our research will continue to address major global challenges and will be delivered in multi-disciplinary teams across the institution
How else can we support?
Our friendly team are here to support you with any questions you might need answered. We also have a number of students who can give first-hand experience of what it is like to be a part of postgraduate research at UWS.