Postgraduate research degrees

Our research-based programmes - PhD and MSc by Research - allow you to make a significant contribution to knowledge in, and understanding of, your chosen field.

The University of Edinburgh was ranked first in Scotland for research power in Education and Sport (REF 2021, Times Higher Education) and we offer the largest concentration of researchers in education in a Scottish university, meaning you'll be supported by and collaborate with leaders in the field. Our research activities cover all aspects of education and learning - from pre-school to higher education and lifelong learning - and a wide range of aspects relating to sport, physical education and health sciences.

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A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is expected to take three years full-time or six years part-time.

The MSc by Research aims to provide a thorough training in research in a particular area within either Education or Sport. It is a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) degree.

Find guidance on how to write your PhD research proposal and a template form for you to use to submit your research proposal.

Find guidance on how to write your MScR research proposal and a template form for you to use to submit your research proposal.

Looking for a supervisor? Learn more about our supervisors' areas of expertise and current availability.

We are keen to recruit the very best talent from all over the world. Find details of tuition fees and opportunities for scholarships and financial support for our Postgraduate Research students.

Join a vibrant research community with over 150 research students. Hear some of our students and graduates speak about their experiences, and find out more about their research in this comprehensive list.

Questions about your application or how to apply? Contact the Postgraduate Admissions team or the Director of Postgraduate Research who look forward to hearing from you.

How to apply to do a full-time or part-time PhD or MSc by Research at Moray House School of Education and Sport.

Visiting research student

If you are a doctoral researcher and you would like to come to Moray House for a brief period of time, consider coming as a visiting research student.

Information about becoming a visiting research student

Incoming visiting research students

If your application to be a visiting research student at the Moray House School of Education and Sport has been approved, please get in touch with MHSES-Ethics@ed.ac.uk to discuss whether your project will need ethical review in our School, or whether your ethics approval from another institution is sufficient. If ethical review is required, we recommend allowing 6-8 weeks for this process when planning your visit.

Email MHSES-Ethics@ed.ac.uk 

Information for students with disabilities

For those with disabilities, or those who believe they may have a disability, we offer various types of help and support, starting pre-application and continuing throughout your time with us. 

Learn more about the support available

Related links

Chat to a current student

Virtual Visit to the University of Edinburgh

Contact the postgraduate study team

Postgraduate Admissions Office (Education)

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (CAHSS)

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Looking for details of someone else in the School? 

Key Contacts in the School

Campus reception

The Holyrood campus reception is located in Old Moray House Nursery School. The Reception Office Opening times for in-person visits are Monday - Thursday 08:30-17:00 (19:00 during term time); Friday - 08:30-17:00

Contact details