PhD@Work - Research that works for you
Earn a PhD without stepping away from your career.
PhD@Work offers a unique pathway to earn your doctorate while staying active in your career.
Designed for professionals, this programme blends academic rigor with industry relevance, enabling you to tackle real-world challenges through original, impactful research while you work.
About the programme
This unique opportunity empowers professionals to tackle real-world challenges through original, impactful research while continuing to contribute within their organisations. Each project is co-designed by you, your employer, and CMAC’s academic experts, blending academic rigor with industry relevance to deliver solutions that make a difference.
With flexible study options, access to world-class facilities and training, you’ll further your expertise while driving innovation within your organisation. It’s research with purpose, shaping the future, one breakthrough at a time.
Benefits to the employee
Earn a PhD without leaving your job - Continue your professional role while achieving a prestigious academic qualification.
Advance your expertise - Gain knowledge in cutting-edge pharma manufacturing and related fields.
Drive real-world impact - Work on research that solves practical challenges within your organisation.
Flexible learning - Study options designed to fit around your work commitments.
Access expert resources - Benefit from access to CMAC’s advanced facilities, training programmes and academic mentorship.
Boost Career Prospects - Enhance your professional profile and open doors to leadership roles.
Expand Your Network - Connect with leading academics, industry experts, and global partners.
Benefits to the company
Retain top talent - Employees can pursue a PhD without leaving their role
Solve your business challenges - Research projects are co-designed to address your organisation’s priorities, delivering practical, innovative solutions.
Access to academic expertise - Collaborate with CMAC’s research community and facilities, gaining insights that strengthen your competitive edge.
Boost capability - Embed cutting-edge knowledge and advanced skills within your workforce to drive future growth.
Strengthen industry-academia Links - Build strategic partnerships that open doors to new technologies, networks, and funding opportunities.
Flexible integration - The programme is designed to fit around business needs, minimising disruption while maximising impact.
Your PhD@Work journey
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Define your project
Contact our team to connect with the right academic and begin the application process. You’ll start to co-design your project with your employer and our experts.
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Start your research
Whilst most of your research will be done at your company, you’ll also gain access to CMAC’s facilities, training and mentorship opportunities.
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Deliver impact
Apply findings to real-world challenges with the support from your industrial supervisor. Take part in training and events to further your knowledge.
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Earn your PhD
Complete your research and graduate with a doctorate qualification from CMAC at the University of Strathclyde.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply?
Start by contacting our industry team for an initial conversation. They’ll connect you with a relevant academic to shape your project. Once the project is agreed, you’ll complete your application through the University of Strathclyde system.
What about our company IP and data?
All intellectual property and data generated during your PhD@Work project remain with you and your organisation. This ensures your research delivers value directly to your business while safeguarding your competitive advantage.
When can a PhD@Work project start?
TBC
How much will it cost?
Costs vary depending on your location and company. Our industry team will provide a tailored cost guide to help you plan.
Is there eligibility criteria?
TBC
Is there a policy on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity?
CMAC is located within the University of Strathclyde and is a socially progressive institution committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. For further information on the University’s policies and initiatives, please see here.
How long will it take to complete?
Because you’ll be conducting research alongside your professional role, the PhD@Work programme runs at around 50% of the pace of a traditional PhD. Most participants complete their doctorate in approximately six years, balancing academic progress with career commitments.
Who awards the PhD?
The PhD is awarded by the University of Strathclyde.
Is there a graduation type thing etc.?
“CMAC has a unique way of working that’s been really successful. They listen to what industry needs and aligns itself with industrial strategies. It very much feels like a partnership.”
— Jon-Paul Sherlock, AstraZeneca
