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Wrexham University Granted Research Degree Awarding Powers
A new era for doctoral research, innovation and academic independence
Wrexham University has been awarded Research Degree Awarding Powers (RDAP), enabling the University to award its own research degrees – including PhDs and professional doctorates – for the first time since achieving university status in 2008.
This landmark achievement recognises the strength, maturity and impact of the University’s research environment and marks a major milestone in its continued growth as a modern, civic university.
What Research Degree Awarding Powers Mean
Research Degree Awarding Powers allow Wrexham University to:
- Award its own doctoral degrees, including PhDs and professional doctorates
- Design and deliver doctoral programmes aligned to societal and industry needs
- Strengthen its role in the UK and global knowledge economy
- Support and develop the next generation of researchers
The University’s first cohort of research students to enrol under these powers will do so in 2026, symbolising a new chapter in academic independence and research leadership.
Research Excellence at Wrexham University
Over the past decade, Wrexham University has built internationally recognised research strength across a range of applied and impactful areas, including:
- Health and social care
- Digital innovation
- Sustainability
- Creative industries
This research is underpinned by strong partnerships with businesses, public sector organisations and community groups, ensuring that knowledge creation delivers real-world benefit at local, national and global levels.
“Being granted Research Degree Awarding Powers marks a major milestone in the University’s evolution – and our ambition of being a world-leading, modern civic university that delivers skills and impactful research which will drive economic growth and innovation for the wellbeing of current and future generations. It recognises the quality, impact and integrity of our research environment, and our unwavering commitment to supporting and championing the next generation of researchers.”
Professor Joe Yates
Vice-Chancellor
“This is an incredibly proud moment for our university and research community. It affirms that our processes for supervising and examining doctoral research meet the highest standards, while empowering us to design doctoral programmes aligned with our strategic priorities and the needs of society. We also extend our sincere thanks to colleagues at the University of Chester for their outstanding support over the past decade.”
Professor Richard Day
Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research
Rigorous Assessment and Recognition
The award of RDAP follows more than three years of rigorous assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), beginning on 1 September 2022 – the same day Wrexham officially became a city.
This recognition confirms that Wrexham University meets the highest national standards for doctoral supervision, examination and research governance.
Looking Ahead
With Research Degree Awarding Powers in place, Wrexham University is poised to:
- Expand its doctoral research community
- Deepen collaboration with industry and civic partners
- Deliver research that drives economic growth, innovation and social wellbeing
This achievement represents not only institutional progress, but a lasting contribution to communities in North Wales and beyond.
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