leeds university phd programs

PhD Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

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What the world needs is your perspective

Contribute to the world-leading research taking place within the Business School.

Research and Excellence Framework (REF) 2021

90% of the Business School's submitted research deemed as either 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent' overall

An interdisciplinary academic community

The University of Leeds is committed to working across disciplines to help tackle global challenges

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• Research Degrees
• Interdisciplinary Research
• Leeds University Business School

Research degrees

Postgraduate research at Leeds University Business School gives you a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the world.

By focusing on your specialist subject and advancing knowledge in your chosen field, there's potential for your work to bring wider benefits – to business, to society and to the wider community.

Working alongside our leading academics you'll be encouraged to undertake research training, and we'll provide the support you need to complete your dissertation or thesis and get your findings published. You'll become part of a diverse community, gaining new perspectives, connecting with fellow researchers worldwide and extending your reach internationally.

You will study for your research degree in one of our six departments:

Accounting and Finance

International business, work and employment relations, researching with us.

As a postgraduate researcher you will be an integral part of our research community. You will be supported on your research journey by supervisors, research centres and the Graduate School office.

of our research is judged as ‘world-leading’

or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Excellence Framework 2021

Our research

Research topics, training and development, define your research area, studying with us.

At Leeds, we aim to inspire you with a cutting-edge curriculum, delivered by academic experts who have a wealth of professional and research experience.

among the world's best universities

QS World University Rankings 2024

Entry requirements

How to apply, fees and scholarships, research and innovation blog, podcast: becoming a young radical right activist - an analysis of poland and germany.

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Postgraduate research opportunities

We offer a broad range of PhD projects in world-leading research groups and labs.

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Dr Viktoria Spaiser, Dr Tim Thurston and Dr Rene Frank have today been awarded Future Leaders Fellowships from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

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• Faculty of Biological Sciences
• Research degrees

Research Degrees

Being a postgraduate researcher in the Faculty of Biological Sciences gives you the opportunity to become part of a vibrant research community.

We offer a broad range of PhD projects in world-leading research groups and labs, with access to facilities, training and support, providing you with the best start to a career in research and beyond.

£17 million

Astbury Centre Laboratory Investment

For world-leading biological research

'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' research

Studying with us

Guidance & support, your career and development, how to apply.

International Students

I choose the University of Leeds because it seems to have a much more collaborative atmosphere than many other universities, making it much easier for you to investigate and answer scientific questions. Emma Cawood (Wellcome Trust 4-year PhD Programme)

International postgraduate students are an integral part of Leeds research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. We currently have around 1500 research students studying for the degrees of PhD, MPhil, professional Doctorates and Master's degrees by research. 

• Leeds Doctoral Scholarship

Access PhD funding with a Leeds Doctoral Scolarship

87% of our research activity

has been rated as 'world-leading' or ‘internationally-excellent’ - REF 2021

• A Russell Group University

We're committed to the highest standards of research and innovation

• Research impact

Our researchers are internationally recognised, producing high-quality research with significant real-world impact - overall 87% of our research is rated as world-leading or internationally excellent.

• Our research
• Faculty of Medicine and Health
• School of Psychology

Research degrees

Researching with us, support with your research degree, careers and employability, what is a phd, funding and applying.

Research opportunities

At the School of Psychology,  research degree students are typically recruited to start in October. Opportunities to study for your research degree by becoming attached to an existing project will be listed here later in the year. In the meantime you can contact our admissions tutor Alison Fildes , for more information about opportunities.

Our research groups

Our research and innovation is focused on tackling our five Grand Challenges: behaviour change; health and wellbeing; successful childhood development; successful ageing; the nervous system and its disorders.

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Politics and International Studies
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification.

Studying for a PhD in the School of Politics and International Studies will allow you to become an expert in a specialist area, develop advanced research skills and enhance your professional development. The programme will equip you to embark on professional research careers both within and beyond the university sector.

As a PhD candidate, you will conduct original research under the guidance of two supervisors and produce an original thesis of approximately 100,000 words.

For the first twelve months, or eighteen months if part-time, you will be enrolled as a provisional PhD candidate. In this period, you will undertake our Foundations in Postgraduate Research induction programme and research training tailored to your needs. You will develop a detailed research proposal and write a literature review chapter. This work is then submitted to a panel of examiners who assess it and provide you with feedback and advice on the progress of your research.

This procedure is called 'transfer' and is an important means of monitoring the progress of your work, supporting your academic development, and assessing whether your proposal has enough weight to be accurately explored through a PhD research path.

After successfully transferring, you will enrol as a full PhD candidate, complete your research and write a thesis of approximately 100,000 words. 

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of this thesis, and your viva voce, where you present and discuss the rationale, methods and findings of your original study with an examining panel.

A PhD can be taken full-time (three years) or part-time (five years).

Areas of supervision

Our research supervision offers a wide breadth of activity across several key academic teams. 

The School has a thriving research community, supported by more than 50 academic and research staff. Explore our research centres to discover the themes and supervisors relating to your field of study:  

Centre for Democratic Engagement

Centre for Global Development

European Centre for the Responsibility to Protect

Centre for Global Security Challenges

Centre for Contemporary Political Theory

Many of our academic staff are also involved in the  Leeds Social Science Institute  which fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations and provides training for our postgraduate researchers.

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• School of Music
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification. You can study for your PhD on campus or by online learning

Studying for your PhD in the School of Music means that you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research skills, which will equip you to undertake further research projects in addition to pursuing specialist career paths.

As a postgraduate researcher, you will conduct original research work under the guidance of  your supervisors. You’ll have regular meetings to monitor your progress and develop an initial training plan to make sure you are acquiring the appropriate skills for your research.

Your initial priority is refining a research plan and establishing a feasible timescale for your project. During the early part of your PhD, you will undertake various research methods modules to support your research activities.

For the first 12 months (or 18 months if part-time) you will be enrolled as a provisional PhD candidate and you'll develop a detailed research proposal and write a literature review. This work is submitted to a panel of examiners who will assess it and provide you with feedback and advice on the progress of your research.

This is called 'transfer' and is an important means of monitoring the progress of your work and assessing whether your proposal has enough weight to be accurately explored through a PhD research path.

After successful transfer, you'll enrol as a full PhD candidate, complete your research and write a thesis of approximately 100,000 words.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of this thesis, and your viva voce, where you present and discuss the rationale, methods and findings of your original study with an examining panel.

A PhD can be taken full-time (3 years standard) or part-time (5 years standard).

Areas of supervision

Research opportunities are available across the School of Music. Explore our research  to discover more about our academic staff and where your research interests may fit.

Practice-led PhD

If you want to pursue your chosen area of research through practice, we offer supervison for Music practice-led PhD and practice-led MPhil.

You should demonstrate a distinctive practice, an originality of thinking, and an ability to place the practice in an appropriate creative/cultural context. You'll be assigned appropriate supervisors, who will guide your research.

You will produce a body of work (for example, a portfolio of original compositions) demonstrating an original contribution to knowledge and scholarship. The work will comprise of a substantial body of creative practice produced in pursuit of the degree, displaying critical understanding, together with a written submission, which provides an exploration of the research question(s) and indicates the manner in which the research is embodied in the practice.

The written submission for practice-led PhD should be between 15,000 and 50,000 words.

Entry requirements

You should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline, and hold, or expect to obtain, a Masters degree in a related subject.

If English is not your first language, you will also need an English language qualification, for example IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components. 

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of the following pre-sessional courses:

6-week: Language for postgraduate researchers

10-week: Language for Social Science and Arts: postgraduate researchers

The online learning PhD requires IELTS score of 7.0 overall, no less than 6.5 in every component.

Scholarships and fees

A range of scholarships are available for PhD students.

Fees for PhD degrees are set independently and reviewed on an annual basis.

PhD by online learning 

We offer a PhD by online learning which is available to UK, EU and international applicants, allowing you gain an advanced degree from anywhere with internet access. You can study at the time and place that best suits you, and our part time options lets you study alongside work and other commitments.

For further information, please contact  Dr Pammi Sinha ,  Head of the Graduate School. 

• PhD opportunities

Visit phd.leeds.ac.uk to search our project ideas, funding opportunities, research areas and PhD supervisors

Leeds Doctoral College

We connect our whole researcher community and put you in touch with the services, guidance and opportunities you need

Making a difference in the real world

Adele Parry explains how she is tackling real problems and contributing to important knowledge within her area of expertise

• PhD student profile
• Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• School of Physics and Astronomy

Research degrees

Whether you’re looking to begin an academic career or want to develop your skills and expertise for a career in industry, studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential.

You’ll join a friendly, supportive and diverse community of postgraduate researchers who come from all over the world.

As well as a lead supervisor who’ll provide guidance and support on your project, you’ll also be associated with one of our research groups , being part of a small community with whom you’ll interact on a daily basis.

"world-leading" or "internationally excellent"

Submitted research - REF 2021

Centres for Doctoral Training

Fully funded 4 year PhD places

Guidance and support

Funding and fees.

Links with industry

You’ll benefit from our close working relationships with a large number of key companies and academic institutions in the UK and overseas. You’ll have the opportunity to attend  industry talks, seminars and conferences  where you’ll meet and network with colleagues from industry and academia.

Postgraduate life at Leeds

A global community

Careers and professional development

Masters Study and Funding online event

Join us online on Wednesday 5 June to receive expert advice on how to make your Masters a reality with funding.

Watch our recorded subject talks

Sign up to gain access to our subject talks and discover how you can become the expert with a Masters.

Masters courses

We have more than 300 Masters degrees. More than 160 courses can be offered part-time and a number are available online.

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Register for information on scholarships, important deadlines and subject information.

Whether you’re continuing from undergraduate study, returning to education or changing direction, a Masters degree at Leeds will help you take the next step and enhance your employability.

You can learn from experts and industry leaders. Our academics' globally recognised research will feed into your course. You'll be part of a pioneering research community , taking creative strides to build a better world.

We’ll challenge you to explore, question and discover. You can become a specialist in your subject.

We have more than 300 Masters degrees. More than 160 courses can be offered part-time and a number are available online. Find the course for you .

Explore Masters information

Funding your studies.

Find out about the different ways you can fund your postgraduate studies.

Industry links

You can enhance your employability with our industry links and careers guidance.

A step-by-step guide to applying.

Masters fees

Information about tuition fees and how to pay.

Accommodation

Find out your accommodation options for living in Leeds.

Chat to our students

Want to find out more about life as a Masters student? Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Invest in your career

Alongside expert subject knowledge, you can build professional experience and valuable transferable skills that employers look for, like critical thinking and project management

You will benefit from our strong partnerships with leading companies and careers support , plus opportunities to take part in work placements, live projects and fieldwork. Many of our academic team are consultants and practitioners outside of the university, providing an industry-focused education.

27th in the UK The Guardian University Guide 2024

75th in the world QS World University Rankings 2024

Student stories

Libby chilton, ma fashion, enterprise and society.

I was keen to develop my business mindset and get back into an industry that interested me.

Beth Peacock, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development

I chose to study a Masters because I realised employers were looking for more experience than I had. It has already helped my progression.

Ishan Lee, MA Advertising and Marketing

Leeds has been a fantastic place for me – it’s given me a perfect balance of academic learning and work experience.

Related links

Research opportunities

Linguistics.

Expertise of research area bi/multilingualism; discourse analysis; language acquisition; language contact and change; morpho-syntax; pragmatics; psycholinguistics; sociolinguistics; speech processing

We offer research supervision in major areas within the language sciences.

<p>Linguistics at the University of Leeds is part of the <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/languages-research-degrees">School of Languages, Cultures and Societies</a>.</p> <p>We offer research supervision in major areas within the language sciences, with particular strengths in bi/multilingualism, language acquisition, speech processing, psycholinguistics, discourse analysis, sociolinguistics, language contact and change, morpho-syntax and pragmatics.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more information, please refer to the individual staff research pages to see if your proposed topic aligns with our individual expertise. The admissions officer will be able to decide on the suitability of the research project and the availability of supervision only after the applicant has produced a research proposal.</p> <p>Please note Linguistics &amp; Phonetics staff cannot support projects focusing on the pedagogical aspects of language learning and teaching.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made <a href="https://studentservices.leeds.ac.uk/pls/banprod/bwskalog_uol.P_DispLoginNon">online</a>. Please state clearly that the research area you are interested in.</p> <p>See the <a href="https://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/languages-research-degrees/doc/apply-16">School website for more details on how to apply</a>.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<p>For further information please contact the Graduate School Office<br /> e:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">[email protected]</a>&nbsp;</p>