Postgraduate research

Choose to study a research degree at the University of Central Lancashire and you’ll be joining a vibrant and world-class research environment, with access to outstanding facilities and comprehensive support from our experienced academics.

A PhD is a substantial commitment. Although you’ll receive regular supervision and training you will need to undertake significant independent study and, in some cases, periods of fieldwork in the UK or overseas. Not only will you undertake an in-depth study in your chosen research topic and build on your existing knowledge of a subject, but you will also develop other transferable skills highly valued by employers.

Choose the research degree that is right for you

Research Degree Tutors

Before you apply or if you wish to submit your own proposal for a research project, it’s a good idea to explore your ideas with one of our Research Degree Tutors. You can either email us at researchadmissions@uclan.ac.uk and we will introduce you to the most relevant colleague in your research area or email one of the School Research Degree Tutors directly, using the table below:

Westlakes research office

Research themes

Discover our range of University research themes to tailor your degree towards. Our research fits under six broad themes, ranging from arts and culture to transformative sciences and technology.

Discover our themes
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How to apply

Research of national and international excellence is at the heart of academic life at the University of Central Lancashire. On completion of your research degree you should be in a very strong position for pursuing your chosen career. If you're ready to start your research degree, you'll find details of the application process on the next few pages.

Application guidance
Smiling student

Fees, costs and funding

It is important that you know how you are going to fund your studies for the duration of your research degree, and ensure you have the resources to pay all your fees, costs associated with your research programme and your living expenses. 

Find out more
valuing-research-teaser

Studentships

Most studentship funding is for PhD places. Schemes vary and may provide either full cover or partial funding for tuition fees, and some may also include a maintenance grant. Please check individual awards for eligibility.

Current research students are not eligible to apply for our research studentships.

View our latest studentships

What to expect

Undertaking a research degree is a substantial commitment and before embarking on your studies, you should consider the below requirements:

  • You are expected to attend regularly to study, for supervision, training and research symposia.

  • Your subject area and study mode will determine the amount of time you need to spend studying on campus.

  • Normally you are expected to be resident in the UK and within daily travelling distance of the University.

  • Some programmes will include periods of fieldwork away from the University either in the UK or abroad

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Andrew Sprake talks about the exciting opportunities for postgraduate research

Graduate Research School

Supporting your research journey

Our Graduate Research School supports the postgraduate research environment and culture, delivering training, as well as hosting events and activities.

Postgraduate student profiles

  • EIC

    David Macmillan

    PhD Student: David's research addresses the reduction of energy loss in tilting-pad thrust bearings by active control.

  • EIC engineering workshop

    Esraa Khatab

    PhD Student: Esraa's research concentrates on 'A Novel Intelligent System for Driverless Vehicles Safety using Sensors Data Fusion and Artificial Intelligence Techniques'.

  • tribe member dancing in the desert

    Jacqueline Anderson

    PhD Student: Jacqueline's project is entitled 'Dancing with Ancestors: A comparison of ancient and modern-day trance practices in psychedelic trance'

  • Jianyu Zhao looking at a computer

    Jianyu Zhao

    PhD Student: Jianyu's research project: Deep Models for Objects Real-Time Characterization and Manipulation.

  • 23567-midwifery-lab

    Joanne Cull

    PhD Student: Joanne's research is to co-develop a trauma-informed intervention to address the question: how can maternity services empower pregnant women affected by previous trauma to access support?

  • Scientists have uncovered over 130 hominin specimens

    Keziah Warburton

    PhD Student: Keziah's research focuses on Neolithic human cave burials from the North of England, exploring the taphonomy of commingled, dispersed, and disarticulated remains.

Related news and articles

  • Exterior shot of the School of Medicine

    Two-day conference at the University of Central Lancashire was a valuable opportunity to showcase the impact of postgraduate students' work in a supportive environment.

    Thursday 25 May 2023
  • Udit Tiwari, PhD student

    When Udit Tiwari realised that doing research gave him a sense of joy, he decided to study a PhD in Physics at the University of Central Lancashire.

    Wednesday 23 November 2022
  • Jianyu Zhao looking at a computer

    With an interest in research and a desire to understand the principles behind things, Jianyu Zhao chose to study a PhD in the School of Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire.

    Friday 4 November 2022
  • Ed Sanderson in a computer lab

    Edward Sanderson is working as a Post-Doctoral Researcher after completing his PhD (via MPhil) at the University of Central Lancashire.

    Friday 21 October 2022
  • Elisa Pierella, PhD student

    PhD student, Elisa Pierella, was fascinated by the subject of Microbiology and how bacteria can contribute to health and disease.

    Tuesday 27 September 2022
  • Smiling person

    PhD. graduate, Rona D Linklater, has always had a passion for education.

    Wednesday 17 March 2021
  • Researcher working at computer

    Astrophysics alumni Simon Ebo talks about his experience from studying a Foundation year to becoming a PhD student. Read more.

    Monday 8 April 2019