University of York

Postgraduate research at the University of York 

About University of York

Global reputation and research excellence

• The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group university with a global reputation for inspirational and life-changing research

• 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 17th overall in The Complete University Guide (2025) with 14 subjects ranked in the top 10.

• We hold 21 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

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

• Our university library offers dedicated postgraduate study spaces and facilities. The library is usually open until midnight, or 24/7 during exam time.

• The Creativity Lab can help bring your personal or University projects to life. The Lab offers kit you can borrow and instruction on how to use it. You can record a podcast, scan and 3D print something, or attend a workshop to expand your creative skills.

• The city of York is regularly named one of the safest and friendliest places to live in the UK

• 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. The average journey time by train to London is just over 2 hours, with numerous trains per day

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 have accommodation options on and off campus, or you can rent through the private sector.

• Postgraduate students can become members of the postgraduate-only Wentworth College, a hub for postgraduate activity. We’re one of only a few UK universities to have a college system.

• 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.

Study at York

• We are home to a large number of world-renowned research institutes, centres and facilities, which act as a focus for interdisciplinary research.

• You will study with leading academics carrying out pioneering research, who’ll help mentor you and progress your own research skills.

• Our York Graduate Research School supports a community of more than 2,000 research students, working across departments, ensuring high-quality supervision and training.

• Our research students are supported by the Building Research and Innovation Capacity (BRIC) team, providing a range of courses and workshops to develop skills and support your career planning

Your career

• 95.2% of our postgraduate research students were in employment within 15 months after graduating (HESA, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020/21, UK/EU graduates).

• Our Careers and Placements team provides training and support to help you get a head start on your career plans and helps ensure you hit the ground running when you join the job market

• Whether you’re planning on going into academia or industry, the Graduate Research School can help prepare you for job applications and interviews

Culture

We provide a range of opportunities for you 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

• We have 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

• Our campus is full of interesting places for shopping, eating and drinking. There is a range of cafes and supermarkets on campus, where you can eat, socialise, buy groceries or even university merchandise. 

Graduate life

• Our network of support services, such as the Student Hub, provide easy access to help and support

• Our students' union offers professional, confidential and specialist advice to all students, including postgraduates. They also run regular social and sporting events, a comprehensive postgraduate welcome week and a number of postgraduate networks

• Find out more about life at York from our research student bloggers

• Graduation is not the end though. It’s only the next step. As a York alum you are able to access benefits for life such as further support or events. 

Fees and funding

• There are a range of funding opportunities for postgraduate research students at York

• We offer scholarships supported through generous donations from Alumni as well as several departmental scholarships

Applying

• Applying for a research degree at York is easy, and admissions decisions are made quickly. We don’t charge application fees, so there’s no harm in putting an application in and making your final decision later.

• If you are an international student, our International Pathway College offers a route to certain undergraduate Bachelors and postgraduate Masters degrees.

Meet us

• Thinking of studying at York? We have a number of opportunities to meet up either online or in person
  
  Meet us