Postgraduate Research

Learn more about Abertay University's postgraduate research opportunities.

Join Abertay University's vibrant research community and study for a Postgraduate Research degree.

Abertay is a compact and focused university with a reputation for working effectively across traditional research boundaries.

We're committed to research that delivers real impact for society. Our researchers are solving complex real-world problems, looking at areas including: 

  • Environmental research into sustainable businesses

  • Using technology to improve cancer drug discovery and to secure our identities online

  • Understanding the psychology behind the witness testimony of crime victims

  • Using computer games as investigative tools

Work alongside experts from a range of disciplines

Postgraduate Research students at Abertay work alongside experts from a range of discipline areas, posing new questions and finding creative solutions to the problems facing society. Our research students are central to our research community.

The University prides itself on its:

  • Excellent research environment and researcher training opportunities

  • Close links with industry, the public and third sectors

  • Welcoming student support

  • Pan-University Graduate School, which encourages interdisciplinary working in our next generation of researchers.

Discover a unique postgraduate experience

Abertay offers a unique postgraduate experience within an environment of discovery and innovation. We offer PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research opportunities supported by expert supervision within a vibrant and multidisciplinary Graduate School and research environment.

There are a number of routes into studying for a Doctorate or Research Masters at Abertay, including:

Postgraduate Research Degree students undertake an independent research project supported by a team of expert research supervisors, and follow a programme of researcher training and professional development, which is tailored to individual needs and aspirations.

A Postgraduate Research degree is a platform for further research study, an academic, research or professional career, and allows you to develop and demonstrate high-level skills and advanced subject expertise.

See below for available research opportunities.

Postgraduate Open Evening

Join us on campus for our Postgraduate Open Evening, on Thursday 4 May, 2023, 5.30pm-7.30pm

If you are thinking about further study in order to advance your career, enter a new field completely, or to enter the world of research, come along and find out what we can offer.

  • Hear from the academics who will guide your learning
  • Check out the facilities and get a feel for the campus
  • Find out about finance and support

... plus much more!

All you have to do is register and you're in! 

Register for the Postgraduate Open Evening

Find a research opportunity

Research degrees range from Master's degrees with a research element to doctoral work – the most advanced form of postgraduate study. 

Search A-Z of research opportunities

Eye tracking study at Abertay

Research Opportunities

Join our vibrant research community and study for a Postgraduate Research Degree. Please click on the appropriate link for further information and details on how to apply.

Male and female chatting and drinking coffee

Funded Research Projects

Learn more about the funded PhD and Research Masters projects available.

Find out more

Male sitting in front of a Desktop computer

Postgraduate Research Applications

Learn more about research opportunities, entry requirements, submitting a research proposal, English language requirements, and applying for a visa.

Find out more

Graduate School

Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility providing support, training and professional development opportunities to a vibrant postgraduate community

Find out more

Lab environment - two males carrying out an experiment

Researcher Development

The University is committed to all seven principles of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers.

Find out more

More to Explore

Learn more about postgraduate funding, find an Abertay academic or explore Our Research.

Research Strategy and Structure

Find out how our researchers explore and innovate within and across discipline boundaries.

Find out more

Staff Search

Find staff and their areas of expertise by using the searchable directory.

Find out more

REF 2021

Find out about our inclusive approach to the REF assessment.

Find out more

icon of research

Research Explorer

Search our research publications, outputs and open data as well as profiles of researchers at Abertay University.

Find out more

ABERTAY NEWS27/03/2023

Crickets fed healthy diets to unlock sustainable food income

Research with partners in Zimbabwe improves nutritional value of insects

Find out more

Dance for parkinsons
ABERTAY NEWS15/02/2023

Abertay research shows benefits of dance classes to people with Parkinson’s

Participating in dance classes significantly improves the motor control of pe...

Find out more

A profile of Marc Kydd
ABERTAY NEWS14/02/2023

Abertay University project combats growing threat of romance fraud

An Abertay project is tackling one of the most devastating and costly forms o...

Find out more

Hannah Rankin Laughing
ABERTAY NEWS09/02/2023

Hannah Rankin supports boxing safety and training research project

Pop-up research lab installed at Abertay as part of unique data collection pr...

Find out more

A group of people standing together, facing the camera
ABERTAY NEWS15/12/2022

Abertay cyberQuarter announces founding partners

The 12 initial partners include cybersecurity companies, public sector organi...

Find out more

Members of Abertay staff at the Scottish Cyber Awards
ABERTAY NEWS25/11/2022

Abertay cyberQuarter celebrates success at Scottish Cyber Awards

New cybersecurity centre scoops prize as alumni, staff and partners honoured

Find out more

Dr Boon-Seang Chu at the W&J Knox Ltd base
ABERTAY NEWS21/11/2022

Sustainability project aims to reuse seaweed from decommissioned oil rigs

Research from Abertay University investigates how marine waste can be used as...

Find out more

Students on a field trip to Rottal River
ABERTAY NEWS20/10/2022

Climate Beacon projects celebrate first year of success

New report highlights the success of cultural and scientific activities led b...

Find out more

The Longest Walk
ABERTAY NEWS12/10/2022

Abertay video game project set on Tay Road Bridge nominated for Scottish BAFTA

Real-life experiences and voice of researcher’s father used to raise awarenes...

Find out more

The image shows two hands showing two game pads. One of the hands has painted nails.
ABERTAY NEWS04/10/2022

RNIB and Abertay University to hold accessibility in gaming event

Sight loss charity Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Aberta...

Find out more

Venice Four
ABERTAY NEWS03/10/2022

Abertay University student’s artwork to represent Egypt at Venice Biennale

Abertay University PhD Student Ahmed El-Shaer is to have his work exhibited w...

Find out more

Dr Mhairi Thurston
ABERTAY NEWS16/09/2022

Academic creates new mental health resource for those affected by sight loss

The new online resource will support the mental wellbeing of blind and partia...

Find out more

Pause carousel

Play carousel