Our PhD programme
The Information School offers a top-ranking programme to our postgraduate research students.
Why do your PhD at Sheffield?
The Information School at The University of Sheffield is one of the leading departments of its type in the UK, with expertise in a range of areas, including information and knowledge management, information systems, information retrieval, libraries and information services, chemoinformatics, health informatics, and digital societies.
How to write a PhD proposal for the Information School
Supervision and support
You will be supported by at least two supervisors who facilitate your progress throughout your PhD. They will help you to shape your research, guide you in professional development, and support you in delivering your findings to a wider audience. You will also have access to a dedicated research degree support team.
Use the Find a Supervisor tool to identify potential supervisors for your PhD.
I chose to stay on in Sheffield having done my master's here because I have experienced excellent supervision and support for my research. I really enjoyed my time here.
Wen-Chin Hsu
PhD student
Vibrant research culture
Our research culture helps to make the University of Sheffield Information School a great place to study. We host regular research seminars with expert speakers from around the world. As a PhD student you will join one of our seven research groups whichmeet regularly to givestudents the chance to discuss their work and ideas with colleagues and academic staff. Our students also run an annual Research Student Conference.
Excellent facilities
You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and be provided with a range of up-to-date software packages, with more specialised software available if required.
Being a University of Sheffield student gives you access to several exceptional quality libraries, including the Information Commons and Western Bank Library. You will have the benefit of a top quality, innovative Careers Service staffed by experts who will listen to and respond to your needs.
Find out more about the University campus facilities, including the award-winning Students' Union.
Comprehensive research training
You will have access to world-class training alongside your study. Our Doctoral Training Programme is designed to exceed current UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) training and development guidelines, and gives all our social science PhD students access to ESRC-funded White Rose Doctoral Training Partnership cohort activities, regardless of your source of funding. Plus, it can be tailored to your individual needs to ensure you have the right skills you need to develop your research.
Our training programme is coordinated by the Sheffield Methods Institute, which specialises in the teaching of social research methods in an interdisciplinary environment.
I would certainly recommend Sheffield to anyone who looks for a high quality university with a friendly environment.
Yazdan Mansourian
PhD student