Specialist Training and Employability 

Our postgraduate research degrees (MRes and PhD) provide specialist training by developing expert disciplinary knowledge and advanced research capabilities. At the same time, they prepare students for employment by fostering transferable skills such as critical thinking, project management, communication, leadership, and innovation, enabling graduates to succeed in a diverse range of careers both within and beyond academia.

During the course of their studies, PGR students are supported through Durham’s award-winning Researcher Development Programme and Careers and Enterprise Centre.

Our postgraduate research graduates are well prepared for careers in:

• Higher education and academic research
• Research and development (R&D) in industry and charity sector
• Government and public policy
• Elite sport performance
• Healthcare and clinical research
• Non-profit and international organisations
• Data analysis and technology sectors

Our Alumni

We have an outstanding track record of supporting our students’ progression into their chosen careers. Our PhD programme has enabled students to graduate into positions in Universities, industries and elite sport. Our Masters by research programme has provided a springboard for students to secure PhD scholarships, employment within sport management and public health.

Additional examples of positions held by our research postgraduates:

Senior Lecturer in Sport and Rehabilitation, University of Sunderland

International Programmes Manager, Kings Trust International

Head of Community, Inclusion & Growth, Durham Cricket Foundation.

Senior Research Officer, Office for National Statistics

Faculty member (Lecturer), Fujian Medical University, China

Head of Disability & Inclusion, International Golf Federation

Lecturer in Behavioural Sciences, Newcastle University