phd by publication university of leeds

• Taught and research student operations
• Programme support-related policies
• Registration, enrolment and attendance
• Timetabling
• Student leavers
• Research degrees
• Research degree-related policies
• Research Degree Programme Development
• Research degree examinations
• Research degree admissions and registration
• Research degree progress and monitoring
• Research degree committees and groups
• Research degree contacts
• Programme and Module Catalogues
• Student Finance
• Funding and awards
• Fees and charges
• Admissions procedures and policies
• Undergraduate (full time) admissions procedures
• Taught Postgraduate Admissions Procedures
• Postgraduate research admissions procedures
• Foundation and pre-masters admissions procedures
• Academic qualifications
• Undergraduate academic requirements
• Taught Postgraduate academic requirements
• English language requirements
• Undergraduate English requirements
• Taught Postgraduate English requirements
• Research Postgraduate English requirements
• UKVI regulations
• Admissions Support Materials and training
• Guides to offer making
• CRM support
• Admissions teams
• Admissions groups
• Student Opportunity
• Student opportunity-related policies
• Study Abroad
• Employability
• Internationalising the campus
• Student Support
• Emotional and mental health support
• Academic processes and study support
• Supporting disabled students
• Dealing with disclosures
• Practical problems faced by students
• Supporting our diverse student community
• Training resources supporting you to support students
• Post training resources
• University support related policies, processes and guidance
• Support and further training for you
• Your wellbeing; helping you connect
• Student support-related policies
• International students
• Assessment and exams
• Assessment-related policies
• Taught student assessment
• Re-assessment
• Managing results
• Processes and training
• Research student assessment
• Quality Assurance
• Quality assurance-related policies
• Programme and module approval
• Student education review
• Collaborative Provision
• Teaching Enhancement Scheme
• Module evaluations
• Bookings, events and forms
• A-Z of policies and key documents
• Forms and templates
• Room bookings
• Bulletin, conference and news
• About the Student Education Service
• Roles and responsibilities
• Training and development
• Knowledge and skills development

PhD by published work

Members of staff have previously been able to apply for the degree of PhD by published work. This arrangement will be withdrawn from session 2014/15.

PhD by published work (PDF) describes the arrangements for staff who have already applied to have their published work considered for the award of a PhD. They must submit for examination by 31 August 2015.

• The Library
• Leeds University Union
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Privacy and cookies
• Freedom of Information

© 2024 University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT

• Faculty of Environment
• School of Earth and Environment
• Research degrees

What to expect from your PhD

To complete a postgraduate research programme, you’ll need to be dedicated and passionate about your area of study. But it’ll be well worth it. Being a doctoral student is challenging, but incredibly rewarding.

A PhD is the most internationally recognised research qualification, and is the most commonly pursued research degree at Leeds.

We offer four types of research degrees:

The Doctor of Philosophy is our main research degree. The PhD is awarded on the basis of a thesis (300 pages or 100,000 words) and examiners must be satisfied that you have discovered, interpreted and communicated new knowledge through original research, worthy of publication in international and national peer reviewed journals, which might reasonably be expected from a competent, hard-working student after three or up to four years of full-time study (five years or up to seven years for part-time or split-site study). Examiners must also be satisfied that you possess good general knowledge in your area of research.

We also offer an alternative style of doctoral thesis known as the ‘PhD by publication’ route, which encourages candidates to publish and to include their publications as, or within, their final submission. This model of thesis can only be submitted where the supervisory team supports this format of submission and is satisfied it is appropriate and meets the protocol in place for that Faculty.

The Master of Philosophy is awarded on the basis of a thesis (200 pages or 60,000 words) and examiners must be satisfied that you have been able to interpret and communicate knowledge through research and/or scholarship of publishable quality which would satisfy peer review, and which might reasonably be expected to be completed after two or up to three years of full-time study (four or up to six years for part-time study). You must also satisfy the examiners that you possess a good general knowledge in your area of research. This degree would be suitable if you have 2 years of sponsorship for your research degree study.

MA/MSc by Research

The Masters by Research is a completely research focused degree and is awarded on the basis of a thesis (100 pages or 30,000 words). Examiners must be satisfied that all of the research and the thesis was completed within 12 months (24 months part-time). This is a demanding degree and the entry requirement is a UK undergraduate honours degree 2.1 (or equivalent) or higher. It is therefore necessary to have the research question and research project description confirmed and in place before the research commences. The School also offers taught masters degrees which are structured courses with taught elements, providing training for research methods and skills.

Split-site PhD

This is a combination of part-time and full-time study and is intended for highly qualified individuals. The standard period of study is five years, with a maximum time limit for submission of your thesis of seven years. The entry requirement is a relevant degree equivalent to a UK undergraduate honours degree 2.1 (or equivalent) or higher and a masters degree. The English Language requirement is higher than normal and is IELTS 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any skill area (or equivalent).

You would be required to be in full-time residence in Leeds for at least eight months within the five year standard period of study. At least two months must be spent in Leeds in Year 1 so that appropriate training can take place. You must be present in Leeds during Year 2 for the formal assessment for transfer to full PhD registration and then at a later stage for the examination of the thesis.

The supervisors are appointed at the University of Leeds and a “local” advisor must also be appointed. The “local” advisor should be employed by a HEI, Research Institute or Commercial or Industrial Organization with significant research component or reputation and should be readily available for consultation. The “local” adviser must be familiar with the UK system for the award of research degrees, and must be approved by the University of Leeds. You must provide a statement of support confirming that relevant resources and facilities are in place for your research. A clearly planned research project must be in place before the research commences.

PhD by Distance Learning

Our PhD by distance learning programme allows you to benefit from expertise and supervision from an academic in the School of Earth and Environment, while conducting research from a location that suits your circumstances.  

How long does it take to do a PhD?

To do a PhD, you’ll usually need to dedicate 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time , during which you’ll be generating new knowledge and considering that new information in relation to existing information. You’ll carry out a programme of research under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors, have the chance to strengthen your research skills and knowledge, and develop a really wide range of qualities. Whether you want to develop your career in industry or in academia, a PhD programme can help you to get where you want to be.

Choosing your research project

If you’ve already got a research area in mind, you can first explore our research areas  to decide if your area of interest is a good fit with our departments. If you find a match, simply contact the academic for that area to discuss your research idea in more detail. If you don’t have a specific research area in mind, you could browse the PhD opportunities we’re currently offering, and see if you can find a PhD project that interests you.

Undertaking a research degree is both enormously challenging and rewarding which is why you must choose a research topic you are passionate about.

To complete your PhD, you will need to dedicate up to 4 years to research and writing a thesis, during which, you will be generating new knowledge and appraising that new information in terms of the wider body of knowledge. Not only will it provide you with the opportunity to strengthen your research skills and knowledge, it will help you develop a much wider range of attributes, whether you want to develop your career in business and industry or in an academic environment.

Taught courses

Your supervisor or School may require you to attend taught courses as part of your research degrees training plan. These could be either undergraduate or Masters level, or can be more specific to your training needs. You will discuss these requirements with your supervisor and the module leader, and add details of these to your annual training plan.

What a typical full-time PhD looks like

When you apply, you will be assigned a supervisor who will provide guidance and support throughout your PhD. Your supervisor will be an expert in their field and will become your most important contact. They will be on hand to help you from day one - agreeing a research project that is original and feasible and advising you on all aspects of the research and thesis preparation.

Prior to or soon after you register at the University, you will attend a School Induction event to welcome you to the School and to provide an opportunity for you to network with other Postgraduate Researchers in the School. You will be encouraged to undertake online modules introducing you to the support you can expect to receive whilst while doing your research at Leeds. 

Within one month of starting your degree, you will be required to complete a training plan with your supervisor. This training plan will be tailored to reflect the skills that you already possess, the demands of your research degree project, and future employment.

You will be admitted as a ‘Provisional PhD’ in the first instance. Within 12 months of your start date you will need to undergo a transfer assessment to full ‘PhD’; this involves submitting a written report and having a formal oral examination with appointed examiners. Successful completion enables progression into the remaining years.

In your second year of research, you will be expected to consolidate the work undertaken so far and deepen your understanding of your chosen research area. You should be gaining results and outcomes for the thesis you will submit at the end of year 3.

You will have opportunities to attend and present at conferences and research events. This will allow you to meet and network with colleagues and peers, not only from across the University but also from the wider academic community at national and international events. You will have opportunities to hear about the latest research happening in your specialism and to present and share your own research findings.

At the end of year 2, an annual progress review takes place which involves submitting a written piece of work and a time plan for completion of the research degree. You will then hold a meeting with the full supervision panel to review progress. 

At the end of your research you will prepare a thesis (of up to 100,000 words), which describes your research and your original contribution to knowledge; the thesis is assessed by an oral examination (viva voce). During your research, you will be expected to give seminars and write papers for scientific journals and conferences.

We offer an alternative style of doctoral thesis known as the ‘PhD by publication’ route, which encourages candidates to publish and to include their publications as, or within, their final submission. This model of thesis can only be submitted where the supervisory team supports this format of submission and is satisfied it is appropriate and meets the protocol in place for that Faculty.

Throughout your time at Leeds, you will have access to a broad programme of skills training and professional development. This will help you complete your research effectively and to keep you at the leading edge of developments in learning and teaching, innovation, enterprise and knowledge transfer to help you succeed in your future employment.

• 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

Aerospace engineering meets computer science

PhD researcher Xue Sun explains how the two disciplines enter the scope of machine learning

• PhD researcher
• Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• School of Computing

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 be associated with one or more of our  research groups , a small community with whom you’ll interact on a daily basis.

"world-leading" / "internationally excellent"

Submitted research - REF 2021

Centres for Doctoral Training

Fully funded 4 year PhD places in AI for Medical Diagnosis and Care, and Fluid Dynamics

Guidance and support

Our facilities, 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.

Our graduates have secured positions with organisations including, among others: JPMorgan Chase & Co, HSBC, Procter & Gamble and IBM.

Postgraduate life at Leeds

A global community

Careers and professional development

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Law
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification.

Studying for a PhD in Law, Criminology or Criminal Justice will allow you to become an expert in a specialist legal area and gain high-quality research training, which will equip you to undertake further research projects.

PhD in Law, Criminology or Criminal Justice

As a PhD candidate, you will carry out 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 develop a detailed research proposal and write a literature review. 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 a 'transfer' and is an important means of monitoring the progress of your work, assessing, amongst other matters, 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 your 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. 

Explore our research areas to discover the themes and supervisors relating to your field of study: 

• Centre for Business Law and Practice
• Centre for Criminal Justice Studies
• Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education
• Centre for Law and Social Justice

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.

Sean Butcher PhD Law

“My research has developed in fascinating ways that I couldn’t have anticipated. But beyond this, I’ve had a chance to assist with research projects undertaken by other members of staff, complete an exciting programme of research training, engage in teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and present at and host conferences. All of this has been invaluable in shaping my academic skills and profile, which is vital to enhancing my career prospects.”

• Academic life
• Registration
• Module Enrolment
• Discovery Modules
• Creating Sustainable Futures
• Enterprise and Innovation
• Ethics, Religion and Law
• Exploring the Sciences
• Languages and Intercultural understanding
• Media, Culture and Creativity
• Mind and Body
• Personal and Professional Development
• Power and Conflict
• Technology and its Impacts
• Making changes
• Attendance and Absences
• Academic Dates and Deadlines
• Study Support
• Leeds for Life
• Plus Programme
• Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
• School of Medicine
• Lifelong learning centre
• Online learning support
• Navigating online learning systems
• Key dates and locations
• Preparing for your assessments
• Online assessments
• On-campus assessments
• I need help during the assessment period
• What happens after the assessment period?
• Classification
• Academic Integrity
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Postgraduate research
• Starting your research
• During your research
• Thesis Submission and the Viva
• Postgraduate researcher policies and procedures
• Funding for postgraduate researchers
• The Doctoral College
• Research practice
• If your research is disrupted
• Prepare for your graduation ceremony
• Leaving the university
• Official documentation and regulations
• Feedback and complaints
• Responding to your feedback
• Research student policies and procedures
• Taught student policies and procedures
• Paying fees and charges
• University scholarships and funds
• Leeds Bursary
• University Financial Assistance Fund
• External funding
• Student loans
• American and Canadian student funding
• Funding for medics and dentists
• NHS Learning Support Fund
• Study abroad and work placements
• Finding work
• Opportunities
• Languages for All
• The Turing Scheme
• Leadership programmes
• Support and wellbeing
• Counselling and wellbeing
• Groups and workshops
• Togetherall, resources and self help
• Your emotional wellbeing
• Healthy relationships with yourself and others
• Dealing with academic challenges and life stress
• Academic stress and challenges
• Life stress and challenges
• Support for our diverse students
• Disabled student support
• Who we support
• Setting up your support
• Funding for disabled students
• Support for disabled students
• Your safety
• Fraud, phishing, scams; don't lose your money
• Safety at home
• Your personal safety
• Bereavement
• Medical services and what to do if you're ill
• Harassment and misconduct
• Sexual Violence
• Your campus experience and life in Leeds
• Study abroad
• Where can I go?
• Prepare to apply
• Get ready to go
• Study Abroad funding and costs
• During your Study Abroad year
• Returning to Leeds
• Summer abroad
• International students
• Prepare for Leeds
• Your first weeks at Leeds
• International orientation
• Complete start-up processes
• Opening a bank account
• Settle into life at Leeds
• Global Community
• Intercultural work and volunteering
• Intercultural experiences
• Explore Languages and Cultures
• Living in the UK
• International families
• Work volunteering and your visa
• Student Life
• Your time in Leeds
• Finding Your Way Around
• Children and Family
• Staying Safe
• Health and wellbeing
• The Leeds Partnership
• Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme
• Undergraduate research opportunities
• Applications and interviews
• Career options
• Starting your own business (SPARK)
• Jobs and work experience
• Discover your future
• Final year support
• Leadership programme

Submitting your thesis for examination

When you are preparing to submit your thesis for examination, take some time to familiarise yourself with the deadlines involved as well as the required format for submission.

Please see the Guide to the thesis submission process on  the Research student guidance page of the For Students website  for more information on the processes.   

To complete the thesis submission, you should upload a PDF copy of your thesis to GRAD. You are also able to upload a Covid-19 impact statement, which discusses any impacts of Covid-19 on your research plans, and the choices made to respond to this. Please use the template provided on the Research degree assessment page of the For Students website  and upload to GRAD alongside your thesis submission.

Thesis format regulations

The Guide to the thesis examination process includes information on: 

• entering for examination and completing the relevant examination entry workflow in GRAD. 
• the content and layout of your thesis (including font size, margins, pagination, referencing styles, illustrative materials, abbreviations) 
• the presentation of the title page and the statements which must be included in your thesis
• thesis length requirements, and what to do if you think you might exceed them 
• including work from any jointly-authored publication (please see the Guidelines on the Use of Solely or Jointly-Authored Publications within a Thesis Submission on the Policies and Procedures page of the SES website )
• advice on what to expect before, during and after the viva 
• advice on eThesis preparation and presentation 
• including supplementary material (please see the Policy on Inclusion of supplementary material within a thesis submission for examination on the the Research student guidance page of the For Students website ) 
• submission of a thesis in a language other than English (applies only to candidates registered in the School of Languages, Cultures & Societies, please see the policy on the the Research student guidance page of the For Students website ) 

Alternative format thesis, including published material

This model of submission is currently only available to PGRs registered in the in the Faculties of Environment, EPS (Engineering Schools only), Biological Sciences, Medicine and Health or Arts, Humanities and Cultures.

PGRs in these faculties who wish to consider this route to submission must first discuss this with their supervisory team. This model of thesis can only be submitted where the supervisory team supports this format of submission and is satisfied it is appropriate and meets the protocol in place for that faculty. Please see the Faculty Protocols for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material on the the Research student guidance page of the For Students website .  

Dual award PhDs

If you are registered on a dual award PhD, there may be particular expectations for your thesis and/or viva, depending on your programme of study: 

Dual Award Guidance - General Guidance for all awards

University of Leeds – University of Copenhagen   University of Leeds – University of Coimbra   University of Leeds – University of Ljubljana   University of Leeds – Lulea Technical University  

Guidance to follow:

University of Leeds – Nanjing University  University of Leeds – Beijing Jiaotong University  University of Leeds – Petroleum University of China (QingDao Campus) (UPC)  University of Leeds – Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU)

Deadline for submission

You should aim to submit your thesis within the standard period of study of your research degree programme. However, you must submit your thesis for examination by the maximum time limit for your programme. Your standard period of study and maximum time limit dates are visible on your GRAD record. If difficulties arise you must talk to your Graduate School as soon as possible for advice. See the Examination process overview page of the For Students website for more information on the submission timings on your deadline date.

Submitting your thesis early

In some cases you may be able to submit your thesis early, before the end of your standard period of study. Your DPGRS must submit a recommendation to the Graduate Board’s Programmes and Examinations Group for a reduction to your period of study. Early submission of the thesis can only be made where it is supported by your supervisor and your DPGRS, the thesis is complete and ready for submission and it has been read by your supervisor in its entirety. 

Please see further information on the How long does a research degree take? page of the For Students website . 

Uploading a PDF to GRAD

You must upload a PDF copy of your thesis to GRAD using the Thesis Submission workflow. Please see the Guide to the thesis examination process for further advice. Please contact your Graduate School in advance of your thesis submission if there are any concerns with this, for example, if there are confidentiality or commercially sensitive issues with your research. 

Practice-led research degrees

Please make sure you are fully aware of the submission requirements for your degree. You can find more information by checking the practice-led policy for your faculty or school on the the Research student guidance page of the For Students website . 

After submission

Your thesis will be sent out to your examiners normally within ten working days of submission, providing that it meets the University's requirements and your examination entry workflow has been approved by the Examinations Group. A GRAD email notification (to your University account) will be sent to confirm that your thesis has been sent out to your examiners, and will include advice about the next stages in the process. If Doctoral College Operations has only recently received your examination entry workflow (or your workflow has not yet been completed), if there are any issues with the length or formatting of the thesis, or if your thesis has been submitted after the maximum time limit there may be a delay in sending your thesis out for examination.  

• The Library
• Leeds University Union
• Terms & Conditions
• Accessibility
• Privacy and cookies
• Freedom of Information

© 2024 University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT

Research opportunities

Expertise of research area 18th century literature; American literature; creative writing and performance; drama and theatre studies; English language; environmental literature; Medieval and Early Modern; new humanities; postcolonial literature; Romantic Literature; Victorian literature

Undertaking a PhD gives you the opportunity to explore in depth a topic that interests you, while also making a valuable contribution to your chosen field.<br /> <br /> With expert guidance, you'll conduct an extensive independent research project and use your findings to produce an original piece of research.

<p>You’ll gain advanced knowledge of your chosen subject and develop a range of skills that’ll prepare you for specialist career paths both inside and outside of academia.</p> <p>As a postgraduate researcher with us, you’ll join a diverse and welcoming community that participates fully in the intellectual and social life of the wider University through events, research groups and other activities.</p> <p>You’ll have access to numerous funding, training, and development opportunities that’ll both support your studies and prepare you for life after graduation.</p> <p>You’ll also benefit from our partnerships with organisations such as Leeds Playhouse, Opera North, and Ilkley Literature Festival, as well as our links with universities around the world.</p> <h3>Areas of supervision</h3> <p>We offer expert supervision in a wide range of specialisms, and also participate in joint supervision with other subject areas to support interdisciplinary research.</p> <p>You can <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/info/125026/research">explore our research</a> and <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/people/20040/school_of_english/">view our staff list</a> to see the breadth of expertise available. We have particular strengths in:</p> <ul> <li> <p>American literature and culture</p> </li> <li> <p>Critical and cultural theory</p> </li> <li> <p>Drama and theatre studies</p> </li> <li> <p>Eighteenth-century and Romantic literature</p> </li> <li> <p>English language (corpus, forensic and ethnographic linguistics, stylistics)</p> </li> <li> <p>Medieval and Early Modern</p> </li> <li> <p>Modern and contemporary (British and Irish)</p> </li> <li> <p>New humanities (medical, environmental, digital, digital editing)</p> </li> <li> <p>Postcolonial literature and culture</p> </li> <li> <p>Victorian literature</p> </li> </ul> <p>You may also be looking for:</p> <ul> <li> <p>English language learning and education in the <a href="http://essl.leeds.ac.uk/education">School of Education</a></p> </li> <li> <p>Linguistics and phonetics in the <a href="http://ahc.leeds.ac.uk/languages">School of Languages, Cultures and Societies</a></p> </li> </ul> <h3>Practice-led research</h3> <p>Our School is home to many creative practitioners, and we offer expert supervision in creative writing and performance-based theatre studies. You’ll conduct your research through both a body of creative work and a thesis providing context and critical commentary.</p> <h3>Part time study</h3> <p>You can study for a PhD with us part time, allowing you to fit your degree around work and other commitments. </p> <h3>PhD by Distance Learning</h3> <p>It is possible to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, for further information contact <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=PhD%20by%20Distance%20Learning">Dr Pammi Sinha</a>, Head of the Graduate School.</p> <h3>Facilities and resources</h3> <p>Leeds University Library is one of the UK’s major academic research libraries, and has extensive holdings to support your studies including <a href="http://library.leeds.ac.uk/info/1500/special_collections">Special Collections</a> offering a huge range of rare books, manuscripts and art.</p> <p>You’ll also have access to our theatre spaces, which between them offer multiple configurations, a wardrobe department, a technical suite, and a set construction workshop.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made <a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/130206/applying/91/applying_for_research_degrees">online</a>. Please state clearly the research area you are interested in.</p> <p>Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures<br /> The minimum English language requirements for Schools in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.</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 School of English.<br /> e: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>

• Faculty of Medicine and Health
• School of Medicine
• Groups and institutes
• Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's

International PhD Academy: Medical Research

Our medical phd programme.

Our bespoke four year medical PhD programme is tailored to train and equip you with the necessary knowledge and research skills to embark on your PhD project.

The programme is especially suitable for candidates who have limited research experience and for students wishing to update their skills or change research area.

At the Leeds Institute of Medical Research (LIMR) at St. James's , our vision is to impact biomedical and clinical research on local, national and global scales, with a primary emphasis on health outcomes. We bring together scientists and clinicians to focus collaboratively on biomedical research and its translation to the benefit of patients. We train the next generation of scientists through state-of-the-art research-led teaching.

Programme structure

We offer a dual PhD structure of 3 or 4 years:

•  3-year PhD programme

For applicants with suitable research experience, or with a Masters degree featuring research modules in a relevant field, we offer a 3-year PhD through our programme. This doesn’t include the foundation year, and students will start their PhD project straight away, supported by our expert staff and world-recognised academics.

• 4-year PhD programme

The design of the 4 year PhD programme allows the creation of a personalised programme for each student with complementary modules chosen to meet your specific development needs relevant not only to your PhD, but your future career and employability.

Foundation year

You will spend 12-week intervals working on two different research projects during which you will learn research skill relevant to your main PhD project. Bespoke training will be delivered in a complementary manner to the taught component. Your individualised training plan will be agreed within the first month of the course as the outcome of the discussion with your supervisory team and the programme manager. More detailed information about the foundation year course structure and module information can be found here ( foundation year structure ).

In years 2 and 3 you will focus exclusively on your main PhD project with ongoing training and support as required. Year 4 will be a progression of years 2 and 3, during which you will commence the writing up of your thesis, ready for submission.

Available projects

A range of projects are available in the following research areas:

• Cancer biology
• Diagnostics and Pathology
• Gastroenterology
• Haematology
• Molecular Medicine
• Translational medicine

View a list of current PhD opportunities within the International PhD Academy: Medical Research at St James’s University Hospital.

What our programme offers

• a rich multi-disciplinary environment giving you the opportunity to develop a wealth of new skills and knowledge
• diverse training and experience from year 1 ensuring a solid foundation for your main 3-year project
• high impact research projects to ensure our students have a wealth of career opportunities open to them
• bespoke academic, personal and professional development of students

Applications with government scholarships or other sources are welcome at any time through the Academy has one intake per year in mid-September with 5 places available for the 4-year programme. Self-funded applicants must be able to provide overseas rate University Tuition Fees plus laboratory consumable costs for years 2-4. This is in addition to the provision of personal living expenses.

Eligibility

To be considered for a place in the International Academy, you must meet the eligibility criteria below:

• Self-funded PhD students only (e.g. personal funding, sponsorship from government or employer)
• English language requirements: British Council IELTS - score of 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.5      
• Students will have or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 (Hons) degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject

How to apply

Applications can be made at any time. To apply for this project applicants should complete an online application form and submit this alongside a full academic CV, degree transcripts (or marks so far if still studying) and degree certificates. Please make it clear in the research information section that you are applying for the International PhD Academy: Medical Research, as well as the title of the project you wish to be considered for.

We also require 2 academic references to support your application. Please ask your referees to send these references on your behalf, directly to [email protected]

Please ensure to complete your chosen 2 projects in rank order and identify each project with the title and supervisor name (Please note is it possible to change these preferences later)

Enquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School .

Informal enquires about regarding the bespoke taught first year of the PhD programme can be made by contacting [email protected] .

Links to useful sites

International Office - Provides welcome and orientation support and immigration advice and the opportunity to be part of a Global Community.

Doctoral College - Provides support and enhances opportunities available to you as a PhD student.

Feeling at Home in Leeds - The University offers face to face support and online tools to help students feel at home and make the most of University life. 

Faculty of Medicine and Health Graduate School  - As a researcher at Leeds, you will be part of a vibrant and welcoming research community both within the Faculty and the wider University.

Other PhD opportunities within the School of Medicine

International PhD Academy Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine

Celebrating 20 years of Access to Leeds

Since 2003, our Access to Leeds contextual admissions scheme has enabled over 10,000 UK undergraduates to register at the University of Leeds. This scheme is part of our commitment to widening participation, supporting access, and improving outcomes for students from less-represented backgrounds. 

In its first year, Access to Leeds received 92 applications and registered 25 students. By 2023, nearly 8,000 applicants to Leeds were eligible for the scheme, and over 1,000 students were accepted onto degree programmes, constituting 18% of the undergraduate cohort.   “The main benefit was the reduced grade,” says Meegan, a 4th year undergraduate student. “It took the pressure off a little bit. And by introducing you to things at university before you start, you can be thinking about it, and then when you hear about it at university, you're not that scared of it.”   Lizzie, now a postgraduate student at Leeds, agrees. “It was really valuable to have a university style assignment marked,” she adds. “The comments were about the style of the essay in relation to academic style, so it was helpful to know how that differed.”

The Access to Leeds module

The support offered by Access to Leeds starts before students arrive at Leeds and before they even take their A levels, BTECs or other equivalent Level 3 qualification, with the Access to Leeds module, which eligible applicants follow during their Year 13 summer term at school or college. The module is a remote programme that is completed on our virtual learning platform. It comprises study skill workshops designed to strengthen students’ writing, referencing and critical reading abilities, putting them on a level footing with others more likely to have developed these skills at school.   Meegan explains why she found the module beneficial: “I hadn't done some study skills like academic integrity in my college courses at all. I didn't really know the concept of plagiarism. It was all new stuff, but after you read through the module materials it seemed much more straightforward.”   The module culminates in a subject-specific task with guidance from a university tutor who marks the work and provides feedback, familiarising students with university-style assessments prior to starting their degree.    Lizzie found the subject-assignment feedback especially useful: “It was really helpful to get an example of what we were going to get when we started: a lot of the marking and the comments were about the academic style of the essay - it was useful to know how they wanted you to write an essay and how that differed from A-level work.”   The module provides an insight into what to expect as a Leeds student.   Some students may already be familiar with the concept of university life via parents or carers who have been to university before them, or they may attend schools that prioritise entrance to Russell Group universities or universities with higher entry requirements.   However, many students have not had this experience, and the module aims to help them feel they belong at the University of Leeds.    There’s evidence that participation in Access to Leeds leads to higher continuation rates and improved graduate outcomes for several groups of underrepresented students. Over the past five years, 86% of students from areas of low participation in higher education (LPN) who completed Access to Leeds achieved 2:1 or higher in contrast to 81% of students who were also from an LPN area but did not complete Access to Leeds. 

Increased skills and confidence

“My first-year personal tutees completing the Access to Leeds module have a better grasp of study skills, particularly around referencing,” said Stacey Mottershaw, Associate Professor at LUBS. “Having pre-entry materials to help students get to grips with study skills is particularly useful in easing the transition into university.”   “It helped me understand how independent you have to be in university,” said one student. Another commented that, “The skills it gave me and the reassurance and pressure it alleviated was extremely valuable to me. I had a greater understanding of how I could avoid any penalties before I even started my studies.”

Access to Leeds advocates

Within various professions, thousands of Access to Leeds entrants serve as advocates. Among them are Liv Powell and Kieran Launder, who currently work with Access to Leeds entrants who have advanced to the Plus Programme.

Liv Powell completed her BA in International History and Politics, followed by an MA in Modern History, after applying through Access to Leeds. She now draws on her personal experiences to support students, saying, “I love having full-circle moments when I can advise students who’ve come through Access to Leeds based on my first-hand experience.”

The Access to Leeds team collaborates closely with the Plus Programme to develop and refine programme content, providing tailored transition support. This ensures participants are better prepared to begin higher education, fostering a sense of belonging from the point of application.

The attainment of students eligible for Access to Leeds is comparable to the overall undergraduate cohort, with 90% achieving a first or 2:1 in 2022.

Despite his prior lack of confidence in pursuing higher education, Kieran Launder graduated with First-Class Honours in English Literature and went on to study an MA in Writing for Performance and Publication. He said, “I was a high achiever but didn’t think I was the kind of person who would belong in a university setting.” Finding Access to Leeds reassured him, and he added, “The scheme showed me I was capable of coming to the University.”

In his current role, Kieran says: “My own experience means I’m acutely aware of the pressures different groups of students' face. This feeds into the work I’m doing as I try to be the most approachable, friendly and empathetic person I can be in my role.”

To find out more about the support underrepresented students can receive before and during university through the Access to Leeds programme, email the Student Success Team: [email protected] .

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

University of Leeds Poets to star at 2024 Ilkley Literature Festival

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures news Wednesday 28 August 2024

T he 2024 Ilkley Literature Festival will feature poets from the University of Leeds Poetry Centre, showcasing their contributions to the literary world

The 2024 Ilkley Literature Festival will feature poets from the University of Leeds Poetry Centre , showcasing their vital contributions to the literary world.

This year's festival, running from 4-20 October , continues the longstanding relationship between the University and Ilkley, highlighting a shared commitment to promoting contemporary poetry and fostering a love for literature in all its forms.

A highlight of this year’s program is the University of Leeds Poetry Centre showcase , which will feature readings by exceptional poets such as Dr Jess Richards , Professor John Whale , J R Carpenter , and Kayo Chingonyi . This event underscores the University of Leeds' pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant community of poets who are pushing the boundaries of the art form . The showcase provides a platform for poets to share their work, engage with audiences, and inspire new generations of readers and writers.

Reflecting its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, the festival offers a limited number of bursary tickets for those who might otherwise be unable to afford them, ensuring that the joy of poetry and literature can be shared with all. Attendees can apply for bursary tickets here .

For over 50 years, the Ilkley Literature Festival has been a gathering place for the finest writers of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, bringing together a community of over 14,000 readers and more than 100 writers each autumn. The festival is renowned for its ability to spark meaningful conversations, address challenging topics, and promote a spirit of exploration through literature. The University of Leeds’ involvement enriches this tradition, drawing on its strong ties with the festival since its inception and its reputation as a hub for literary talent.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact University of Leeds Press Officer Mia Saunders at [email protected].

Tickets for the festival are on sale now .

Related News

See all Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures news

11-year Hercules research project bows out with publication of final volume titled Hercules Performed

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures - Wednesday 28 August 2024

Fragments of medieval records held in Brotherton Library reveal secrets of Ripon Cathedral

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures - Friday 23 August 2024

New book by School of Music professor celebrates Yorkshire Post music critic and Special Collections

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures - Tuesday 20 August 2024