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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.

A lecturer speaking to students who are sitting around a table in a classroom
A group of students standing together talking in a classroom

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)
Our achievements

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.

Available PhD and MPhil opportunities

We offer the following research degrees:

Other research opportunities can be found through our Research Institutes:

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.
Helen Benstead

Academic Director of the Graduate School

Dr Helen Benstead is the Academic Director of the Graduate School. In this role she manages postgraduate research degrees across the University, supporting the Graduate School team to ensure our research degree students have an excellent student experience while studying with us. She also ensures that students are well supported throughout their research degrees to complete on time and with outstanding contributions to their research fields.

Helen Benstead
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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 culture

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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More research support

Learn more about the research services provided through the Research Office and the Graduate School.

Research support