47 PhD programmes offered by the university

The Anthropological Studies programme at Queen's University Belfast examines human behaviour and relationships through advanced research training, supported by interdisciplinary expertise across topics including migration, human rights, environmentalism, ethnomusicology, political movements, and material culture.

The Medicine programme offered by Queen's University Belfast develops advanced expertise in biomedical discovery, clinical investigation, population health, and translational research, preparing researchers to address major healthcare challenges and improve patient outcomes through scientific innovation.

The Music programme offered by Queen's University Belfast develops advanced expertise in sound, music, performance, and creative practice, preparing researchers to investigate musical cultures, technologies, and artistic processes through scholarly, practice-based, or interdisciplinary approaches.

The Architecture (Practice-based) programme at Queen's University Belfast investigates architecture and urbanism through venturous design practice, examining sustainability, climate change, identity, heritage, craft and form, while exploring the motivations, potentials and methodologies that shape contemporary architectural work.

The Mechanical Engineering programme offered by Queen's University Belfast develops advanced research expertise in engineering design, materials, manufacturing, and energy technologies, enabling students to address global technological challenges through original research and innovation.

The Philosophy programme offered by Queen's University Belfast enables doctoral researchers to become fully-fledged independent researchers within a vibrant postgraduate research culture. Research is focused on areas including Applied Ethics, 19th Century European Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Epistemology, Political Philosophy, and the Philosophy of Religion.

The Chemical Engineering programme offered by Queen's University Belfast develops advanced research expertise in sustainable processes, energy technologies, materials innovation, and healthcare-related applications, enabling students to create solutions that address global environmental and societal challenges through chemical engineering research.