
Prospective postgraduate researchers
More than a PhD
Whether you’re considering starting a doctoral programme to further your knowledge, change direction, or start an academic career, here at Surrey, our supportive research environment will allow you to grow and make a difference in your area of interest.
The Surrey experience
Career development
You can launch your research career in our forward-thinking and supportive environment.
Doctoral College
Our vibrant interdisciplinary community ensures our leading research continues to grow.
Inspiring community
We offer a collaborative and nurturing community to support the Surrey research ambition.
Research excellence
33rd for overall research quality
We have increased our overall research quality ranking by 12 places to 33rd in the UK.
Top 20 for research outputs
We are ranked in the top 20 for the quality of our research outputs.
41% of research rated world leading
41 per cent of our submitted research was rated as world-leading.
University rankings from the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
Applying for a doctoral programme

PhD webinars and events
Our PhD webinars and events provide you with an opportunity to find out about Surrey, hear from our friendly academics, chat with students and explore all aspects of postgraduate doctoral life.
Why choose Surrey?
Surrey is a great place for you to launch and develop your research career.
A considerate community
Our postgraduate research community looks out for one another and we help each other become the best that we can be.
Research career support
We have a dedicated careers and employability team for postgraduate researchers.
Find out more
Postgraduate research updates
Support for postgraduate research students
At Surrey, our focus is on providing the best help that we can so you can get the most from a community and environment that could genuinely transform your life.