The University of Madras offers research programs in various fields, including:
Ancient history and archaeology, Indian history, Historical studies, Anthropology, Criminology, Psychology.
The university also offers a PhD program in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Microbiology at the ICMR-NIE. The Satya Nilayam Institute of Philosophy and Culture also conducts research leading to a PhD in Philosophy and Sanskrit.
The university also has other research institutions, including:
Madras University Distance Education, Chennai