The Faculty of Science provides several opportunities for doctoral training of the highest calibre, both in terms of research excellence, as well as high quality pastoral care. We thus welcome motivated, excellent PGR candidates from all over the world to join our vibrant, diverse community.
As a member of our PGR community, you will be performing excellent research under the direct supervision of first-class researchers, supported by an excellent research scaffolding, in an inclusive, EDI-value driven, supportive environment. Your training research path will be personalised to your background, needs and interests in a dynamic manner throughout your journey.
The Faculty of Science is based across 8 academic departments, 7 research institutes and 28 research centres. As a research student, you will be based in one (or more) department(s). Find out more below about the research areas covered by our departments, to select the best department fit for you, as well as the best topic in the department, and finally, your (main) supervisor (see Postgraduate Skills Training and Student Support).
Tip: the number of departments, institutes and research centres may seem overwhelming, but all you need to do is find if the research area you wish to conduct your research in is represented in the areas in each department. Click on the most related themes/research degrees/research groups and find more topics that are researched there, to hone into your favourite one.
Tip: each area lists also the people working on it, who you can contact directly (via email) for supervision. Make sure to send them all relevant information about yourself when approaching potential supervisors, and make sure to explain in your email why you wish to research under their supervision in their area (avoid sending generic emails, they are less likely to be taken seriously).
Tip: you can also find topics our Durham supervisors propose (with or without funding) at Durham University PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships.
The Department of Biosciences is ranked top 5 in the UK, with a 100% internationally recognised research environment, researching fundamentally important questions facing humankind; from food security to sustainability in industrial processes, mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and the impact of climate change on life on earth. This is done through 4 research groups:
To apply for a research degree in Biosciences, visit Research Degrees: Bioscience.
The Chemistry Department is a world top 100 department with an extensive research base. Its is also a top 10 UK department, with 96% of the research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021), is leading research via 4 research sections:
To apply for a research degree in Chemistry, visit Research Degrees: Engineering.
The Department of Computer Science is top 10 in the UK, has 97% of its research outputs, 100% of the impact case studies, and 100% of the research environment classified as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). Research in the department is organised into five research groups, to which incoming PhD students automatically belong to:
To apply for a research degree in Computer Science, visit: Research Degrees: Computer Science.
The Department of Earth Sciences is World Top 50 in the QS University Rankings by Subject (2023) and offers various research degrees in Geology, Geophysics or Geological Sciences. Research in the department is organised into three broad themes:
To apply for a research degree in Earth Science, visit Research Degrees: Earth Sciences.
The Department of Engineering, recognised as one of the leading centres of research in Engineering in the world, is top 5 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2024), and performs research via 3 research challenges:
Which are further organised into 8 research nodes:
To apply for a research degree in Engineering, visit Research Degrees: Engineering.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences is top 10 in the UK, joint first for internationally excellent world-leading research impact (REF 2021), with 96% of its research outputs world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
The Department has 8 active research groups, all offering Research Degrees:
To apply for a research degree in Mathematical Sciences, visit Research Degrees: Mathematical Sciences.
The Department of Physics is top 3 in the UK and boasts 96% of its research outputs as world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021). A research-led department, it incorporates the Ogden Centre for Fundamental Physics, is home to the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology and the Institute for Computational Cosmology. Its Research Degrees span:
To apply for a research degree in Physics, visit: Research Degrees: Physics.
The Department os Psychology is ranked 74th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, and top 15 in the UK. It performs world-leading psychological science research, with impacts in health, welfare and sustainability at the individual and societal level, via 3 research groups:
To apply for a research degree in Psychology, visit Research Degrees: Psychology.
A range of Fellowships, Studentships, Scholarships and Awards are available to potential research students to help with funding a research degree at Durham University.
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