University of York

Postgraduate research at the University of York 

Looking to take the next step in your academic career? A research degree from the University of York can help you achieve your ambitions.

Become part of our vibrant community of creative and critical thinkers at one of the world’s premier institutions for inspirational and life-changing research.

Explore our research degrees

Global reputation

The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group university with a global reputation for world-leading research.

• We are ranked in the world top 50 for Arts and Humanities and the top 150 for social sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023)
• We are ranked joint 10th in the UK for the quality of our research in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). In addition, four of our academic departments were ranked in the top five for their subject while a further eight were in the top ten in terms of research impact*
• We are joint 17th overall in The Complete University Guide (2024) with 13 subjects ranked in the top 10
• We hold 22 Athena Swan awards for our commitment to gender equality, including three Gold awards for our Biology, Chemistry and Psychology departments

*Times Higher Education 2021 – excluding specialist institutions which submitted fewer than four units of assessment

Research Excellence

• We are home to a large number of world-renowned research institutions, centres and facilities including the Research Centre for Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre and the York Biomedical Research Institute
• We are continuously investing in new research facilities to maintain our world-class standard, such as our £35m flagship Institute for Safe Autonomy
• We have also achieved a ‘University of Sanctuary’ award in recognition of our sector-leading e
• fforts to expand access for refugee and asylum seekers.

View our full list of research centres and institutes

Study at York

• We offer postgraduate research degrees across sciences, arts and humanities, and social sciences.
• You will work alongside leading academics carrying out pioneering research on projects like BioYorkshire  and SEnSOR
• The University Library offers dedicated postgraduate researcher facilities such as the Research Study and Study Room for researchers
• You’ll also be able to access the British Library at Boston Spa, the York Minster Library  and the City of York Libraries and Archives

The York Graduate Research School supports our community of research students, ensuring high-quality supervision and training.

Your career

• You’ll be supported by the Building Research and Innovation Capacity (BRIC) Team, who provide a range of courses and workshops to develop skills and support your career planning.
• 95.2% of York postgraduate research students enter work or further study within fifteen months of completing their course (HESA, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, UK/EU graduates)

Our campus

• Our beautiful, green, self-contained campus is located just outside York city centre and offers world-class teaching and research spaces and an excellent environment to live and learn. You can explore the stunning campus and city for yourself using the self-guided Visit UoY tour app
• The city of York is regularly named one of the best places to live and visit in the UK and is also ranked as the second-safest city in England and Wales
• The university is a great base from which you can explore the UK, starting with the stunning scenery of Yorkshire including the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, Moors and the Jurassic East Yorkshire coast
• We also have great rail and transport networks which mean other major cities including Leeds, Manchester, London and Edinburgh are easily accessible by train.

Accommodation

• As a campus-based university, you’ll get the best of both worlds. You can explore the cultural offerings of a thriving city while being part of an exciting student community on campus
• We are one of only a few UK universities to have a college system. Postgraduate students can become members of the postgraduate-only Wentworth College, a hub for postgraduate activity
• Colleges are more than just on-campus accommodation. They’ll provide you with a welcoming and supportive environment in which to meet new people and make professional connections.

Culture

• York provides a range of opportunities for postgraduate students to meet, collaborate and share ideas and interests. For example, the Humanities Research Centre is a thriving inspirational hub for interdisciplinary research and postgraduate life in the arts and humanities
• There are more than 200 student societies to get involved in and over 65 sports clubs for hobbyists and sports enthusiasts of all abilities
• You’ll feel at home in our inclusive campus with a diverse international community of over 20,000 students from more than 150 countries
• Our sports centre and Sports Village feature a range of modern sports facilities
• The campus is full of interesting places for shopping, eating and drinking. There is a range of cafes and supermarkets on campus, where students can get groceries and university merchandise
• The city of York is full of culture and renowned for its rich history and heritage
• As a University of York alum not only do you get great benefits and discounts from businesses in York, such as hotel discounts and visitor passes, you also get University discounts like free access to JSTOR, the academic publication and resources library.

Graduate life

• Our network of support services, such as the Student Hub, provide easy access to help and support including mental health and childcare support, financial advice, and more
• The student union offers professional, confidential and specialist advice to all students, including postgraduates. They also run regular social and sporting events, the largest postgraduate welcome week in the UK and a number of postgraduate networks
• Hear from our research student bloggers and learn about their experiences and top tips.

Fees & funding

• There is a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate research at York
• There are also scholarships supported through generous donations from Alumni and departmental scholarships are also available.

Applying

• University application processes can seem quite daunting but York’s step-by-step application guide will help you through the process
• The International Pathway College provides a route for international students to certain postgraduate degrees

Download a prospectus for more detail about courses.

Thinking of studying at York? We have a number of opportunities to meet up either 

online or in person

Meet us