Governance

Health, vulnerability and inequality

  • E-health
  • Health policy
  • Rural issues and community
  • Social and public policy
  • Wellbeing and poverty

Environment, culture and society

  • Crime and bad behaviour
  • Environment, development and governance
  • Food and culture
  • Media and climate change
  • Marine and coastal policy

Global instability and justice

  • EU regional policy and international environmental agreements
  • Global governance and north–south relations
  • Governance and crime
  • Populism and nationalism
  • Security and development in international affairs
  • Urban and regional planning
  • Urban living and the regulation of public space

Methodological innovations

  • Ethnography
  • Qualitative research methodologies
  • Quantitative research methodologies

Coastal Communities coastal definition, the Hoe, seafront, waves, Plymouth sound

Our research community

We are a group of researchers who undertake internationally leading interdisciplinary research tackling some of the most pressing societal challenges facing the globe including health inequalities; climate change communication; nationalism and political unrest; and development aid. In the most recent assessment of research excellence (REF2021) 86% of our research was judged to be ‘world class’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and we are ranked 8th in the country for research impact.
Discover more about our research and researchers in sociology, anthropology, international relations and politics.

Postgraduate Research Coordinators

If you are thinking about becoming a postgraduate researcher at the University of Plymouth, you are welcome to contact the Postgraduate Research Coordinators in your field of interest. 

They will discuss potential supervisors with you and answer any questions you might have about embarking on a research degree in their research area.

Find out who to contact and how they can help you
Psychology PhD student and supervisor

How to apply for a research degree

Do you need more information about admissions requirements? 

We offer a wide variety of degrees, including ResM research degrees, Professional Doctorates and MPhil and PhD doctorate opportunities.

Find more information and how to apply
Qian Chen