Postgraduate Research

A robotics student working on a project

Unprecedented times can sometimes be the best times to put your plans into action. Whether you’ve been planning your research for a while, or you’ve found fresh perspectives during the pandemic, the University of Salford is ready to help you start your research journey.

Proudly positioned at the forefront of research and innovation in the sciences and engineering, and across the built and natural environments, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Collaborative. Industry-focused. Friendly and supportive. That’s our approach. Read on and explore how we can help you achieve your research goals.

Find a PhD with Salford

Research at Salford

Our postgraduate research community explores topics across a suite of interdisciplinary research centres. Across built environment, engineering and technology, science and environments and ecology, we can help you to engage with co-created, transformational research.

Better Built Environments

Castlefield,Manchester

The urban built environment is becoming the leading place for living and working. The Centre for Urban Processes, Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Environments (UPRISE) is Salford’s multi-disciplinary research centre that seeks to identify, articulate and address the challenges that cities face.

Our researchers work across a range of subject areas to identify how we might design, deliver and experience cities differently, considering issues that impact at local, national and international levels.

Research highlights include work in BIM, simulation, smart and connected homes and energy, to wider questions of how we create a resilient city in the face of climate change. The centre also works closely with the construction industry to look at new modes of delivery and guide professional development.

Making Scientific Discoveries

Scientific testing

The Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at Salford is an internationally-leading, vibrant, collaborative unit of inter-disciplinary researchers who address diverse problems in biomedical sciences and health, and the growing global focus on healthy ageing.

The centre focuses on three established areas of research – Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention, Cardio-Respiratory Physiology and Pathology and Infectious Diseases. Research on Dementia and Healthy Mind is also a growing areas of research.

Research highlights include identifying cancer stem cell metabolism processes and molecular biomarkers through to understanding the impact of zoonotic and pathogenic microbes on human and animal health.

Innovating the future

Robots

The multi-disciplinary Salford Innovation and Research Centre (SIRC) continue to build on its world class research. The centre provides the know-how and expertise in the advancement of the 21st century technology, with the impact on business success and economic growth.

A dynamic and collaborative unit, the centre comprises six internationally-recognised applied and pure research groups that include physics and materials, robotics, engineering, informatics, acoustics and spray and petroleum technology.

Highlights include our ground-breaking research into new aerosol spray technology which won the THE 2014 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology, and our work developing technology for the food industry and assisting people with dementia.

Protecting precious environments

A jellyfish swimming

The Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre (EERC) brings together an academic and research community with an environmental focus. Research primarily focuses on ‘Sustainable Infrastructure and Environments’ and ‘Healthy Bodies and Minds’, two strategic priorities at the University of Salford.

The Centre has an overarching vision of understanding and analysing the biological, physical, and social dimensions of environmental changes and the resultant impacts on humans, animals and plants through high-quality, high-impact research.

Research highlights include zero hunger, good health and well-being, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, life below water, and life on land.

Find a supervisor

Science student

By pursuing a PhD or other postgraduate research degree at Salford, you’ll become a part of an inclusive community where collaborative and interdisciplinary research flourishes. 

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with some of the most prolific researchers and leaders in research and industry.

Ready to apply?

Student writing in a notebook in front of a laptop

Ready to make a research application? There are a number of things you will need to consider, such as study documentation, your research proposal, entry points and funding.

We've put together a summary to give your application every chance of success.

Meet our researchers

We’re home to researchers from all over the world, from a wide-range of backgrounds, at different life stages.  

Read stories from some of our students who've made the journey.