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PhD Scholarship and Funding Opportunities

Learn more about our scholarships

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

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, advancing cultural heritage governance for climate change adaptation.

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Leeds Doctoral College

Your community

Supporting your postgraduate research experience

Leeds Doctoral College guides you through your postgraduate research experience. We connect our whole researcher community and put you in touch with the services, support and opportunities you need.

Within the Doctoral College, there are seven  faculty graduate schools . Your graduate school is your main point of contact for any questions about your programme or anything relating to your studies.

The Doctoral College can advise you on a wide range of issues and has close links with the services available to you, including the Library , Leeds University Union , the Careers Service , Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL), Disability Services , and Student Counselling and Wellbeing .  

The Doctoral College also advertises opportunities, training and workshops available for postgraduate researchers through Microsoft Teams.

The Leeds doctorate

What you can expect as a postgraduate researcher at Leeds

Influence your experience

Voice your ideas and influence change through a network of postgraduate researcher representatives.

Please get in touch if you have a query not covered on this website. 

Email Leeds Doctoral College via [email protected] .

If you're an existing Leeds postgraduate researcher, join the Leeds Doctoral College Microsoft Teams space for announcements, courses and resources. Contact your graduate school for more information.

Related links

Research opportunities

Join our thriving community of postgraduate research students in the School of Healthcare.

Refining guidance to help new mums in need

A good practice guide for caring for new and expectant mothers and the people close to them has been produced by Leeds and other university partners.

Strengthening the knowledge-based economy

The University of Leeds is among the top performing higher education institutions in England for generating impact around its research, according to an analysis by Research England.

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Research degrees

Our world-leading research environment is home to PhD students studying a wide variety of subjects across healthcare.

The expertise of our staff and the productive partnerships we maintain with other academic institutions and organisations create a uniquely insightful environment — offering the opportunity to make an impactful contribution to the healthcare landscape.

'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'

Submitted research - REF 2021

World top 50 for nursing and midwifery

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022

World top 100 university

QS World Rankings 2022

Our research environment

Healthcare research at leeds, careers and employability.

Our research student community

We have a thriving community of postgraduate research students at the School of Healthcare. Discover our research and find out more about our projects.

Postgraduate research opportunities

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

University of Leeds researchers discover novel cryptic ectoparasites

These new and undescribed species may have important implications for disease monitoring and bat conservation.

Leeds researchers chosen for prominent funding programme

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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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. 

Research degrees

Phd opportunities.

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

Global research degrees

At Leeds, we’re committed to upholding our sustainable values in all that we do, in line with  the University’s Climate plan .  Our researchers  are shaping a more sustainable future, supporting communities, advancing knowledge and creating solutions to local, national and global challenges. And,  we use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) as a framework to guide our research activity  across all disciplines. 

Through interdisciplinary collaborations, postgraduate researchers at Leeds are equipped with the expertise, skills and qualities to contribute to solutions to global challenges. During your PhD, you'll be supported by a team of academic supervisors whose research interests align with your specialisms. 

Our postgraduate researchers receive specialist career advice, benefit from the support of  Leeds Doctoral College , which is an excellent platform to network with members of our academic community accross the University. Through  Leeds Living Lab , postgraduate researchers, staff and students also have the opportunity to research and test sustainable solutions using the University and our city as a testbed, taking on a role as responsible citizens.

Search phd.leeds.ac.uk  to explore our funding, research areas, projects and supervisors.

Being part of our postgraduate community means you’ll join our friendly, supportive and diverse researchers who come from all around the world. Discover more about on-campus support, and living and working in Leeds.

Apply for a PhD

The easiest way to apply for a PhD is online, which will allow you to track your application at each stage of the process. Follow our step-by-step guidance.

Fully funded PhDs

Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) are funded PhDs that train researchers to address science related problems for the benefit of society. Explore our DTPs.

Guidance and support

From day one, you’ll benefit from a strong support network to guide you through your PhD. Find out more about support offered to postgraduate researchers.

Hear from our postgraduate researchers

Our postgraduate researchers work together across disciplines to tackle challenges in sustainability, health and the environment at the forefront of global agendas. Learn more about what they have to say.

Keiran Suchak is studying for a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme in Data Analytics and Society, alongside  Leeds City Council . He said:

“Many of the PhD projects run by the CDT for Data Analytics and Society are run in conjunction with external partners; in my case, my project is run with Leeds City Council.

“Leeds City Council is the local authority for the City of Leeds, and is responsible for the provision of education, social services and much more. The Council’s interest in the project stems from the potential benefits that may be achieved using real-time pedestrian simulation methods.”

Find out more about Keiran's PhD research.

Haruko is conducting her PhD research as part of the  Spatial Modelling and Dynamics research group  at Leeds. Haruko’s research focuses on ‘shared mobility,’ which is the concept of sharing transportation modes for economic benefit, a very hot topic nowadays. She is also very interested in studying how uncertainty can influence a transport system, to tackle potential obstacles.

She said: "I ultimately hope to propose a strategic model that helps to understand the impact of new transport services in the mobility system. I want to contribute to the system to advocate a shift towards a more desirable direction."

Find out more about Haruko's research.

Anya Schlich-Davies focuses on glacier modelling using climate data from the Khumbu region of Nepal for her funded PhD research. She calculates how glaciers and the South Asian monsoon, both vital sources of water among communities, may change in the future as a result of a changing climate. 

She said: "Glaciers in this part of the world act as vital water resources to downstream communities, as does the South Asian monsoon, and so calculating how both of these may change is really important."

Find out more about Anya's research.

Catherine Okafor is studying for a PhD in Food Science and Nutrition as part of the  Functional Biopolymers for Food and Health research group . Her studies are funded by  Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) . Through her PhD research, Catherine aims to minimize food waste by turning banana waste into a novel food product.

She said: “The goal of my research is to minimize banana waste in the producing areas. They are wasted during the ripening process, as many bananas which do not meet market standards are rejected even though they are edible."

Find out more about Catherine's PhD research.

Ashar Aslam is a postgraduate researcher on the  Centre for Satellite Data in Environmental Science (SENSE CDT) . He said:

“As a result of my experiences, I knew I wanted to do a PhD linked to tropical meteorology and/or climate model analyses,” said Ashar. “It was quite difficult to find PhDs on African severe weather, which my Master’s project focused on. However, I found this PhD with focus on Southeast Asia  through academics I contacted at Leeds, and given it still had a basis in tropical weather, I felt it was for me.

“I chose Leeds more specifically as  I knew through the MOAP that there was a hub here  and therefore a strong research group in atmospheric science and meteorology – I guess that’s what brought me here today!”

Find out more about Ashar's PhD research.

Our climate plan

The University’s Climate Plan will see £174 million invested over the next decade, more than £150 million of which will be put towards achieving the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Research impact

Our academic researchers lead and facilitate research that has real-world results. Here are some examples of impactful academic research pioneered by our academic community.

Global sustainable food challenges

Our researchers collaborate with food producers, policymakers and businesses worldwide to develop sustainable food systems in the face of the Earth’s changing climate.

Pioneering climate solutions

Our experts are shaping policy and developing scientific interventions to help humanity adapt and respond to climate change and its pressing global challenges.

Insights into urban communities

Our urban analytics experts work with key decision makers, public bodies and businesses to drive a smarter future for urban life.

Research areas

Studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject and push you to reach your potential. Discover more about postgraduate life and opportunities across our range of subject areas.

Earth and Environment

Food science and nutrition.

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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.”

Research Degrees - Civil

Phd opportunities.

Search our project ideas, funding opportunities, research areas and PhD supervisors

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. 

The structure of a typical PhD, usually takes between 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 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. 

PhDs with real-world impact

Search for projects, supervisors and funding, why do a research degree at leeds.

Study in an active research environment:  We have a track record of delivering high-quality research to solve real-world problems and have particular expertise in architecture; concrete; construction; energy geotechnics; environmental engineering; high-speed rail; infrastructure robotics; project management; public health engineering; safe low carbon buildings; sanitation; structural engineering; and transport infrastructure.

A strong network of support: The  Leeds Doctoral College connects our whole researcher community and put you in touch with the services, guidance and opportunities you need. Not only that, you’ll benefit from a strong support network to guide you through your research degree.

Professional skills development:  We think of the whole picture at Leeds. That’s why we offer a range of workshops and courses that'll enhance your skillset further and transfer into your professional career. 

Close industry links:  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.

Global community: You’ll join a friendly, supportive and diverse community of students and researchers who come from all over the world and have access to wellbeing and support services throughout your degree.

State-of-the-art facilities:  Throughout your time at Leeds, you’ll have access to excellent teaching facilities that will equip you with hands-on experience and give you a solid understanding of how to use industry-recognised equipment.  Take a virtual tour .

Applying for a research degree

How to apply

Whether you're applying to a project or proposing your own, follow this step-by-step guide to completing your application.

Find out our research degree fees. If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary.

Entry requirements

Find out about the academic and English language requirements in the School of Civil Engineering.

Centres for Doctoral Training

Our Doctoral Training Programmes (within CDTs) provide fully-funded structured PhD training which aim to train tomorrow's leading researchers to address science related problems for the benefit of society. You’ll focus on multidisciplinary challenges in modern science working as a group with other doctoral students in a defined scientific field.  

My PhD experience

"Dr Gehan Selim, who has a background in architecture, has enhanced my confidence by encouraging me to be a strong and self-starting researcher."

Diletta Colette Invernizzi

Diletta's PhD was titled ‘Benchmarking nuclear decommissioning,’ for which she investigated project management in the nuclear sector. Her PhD was funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).

Saleh Al Haddad

"The Bioresource Systems research group is very supportive. Being part of this setting has supported me in achieving my research objectives and find new findings toward enhancing our environment."

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The transfer assessment will identify whether you and your project have the potential for research at doctoral level and whether completing the thesis within the standard period of study is a reasonable expectation. 

The transfer process 

All PGRs working towards a doctorate research degree are initially registered as provisional doctoral candidates and are subject to a formal transfer assessment process within a specified timescale. The assessment at the transfer stage is intended to identify: 

whether you and your project have the potential for research at doctoral level; 

whether it is achievable for you to complete your research and write up your thesis within the standard period of study for your programme. 

The University has deadlines for the completion of the transfer assessment, and you can see these on your GRAD record. Some faculties and schools may have earlier deadlines for the submission of the transfer report; if this applies to you, your Graduate School will contact you in advance with more details. 

Your Graduate School will provide you with guidance on the transfer process as there may be specific requirements in your School or Faculty but this will typically include a written report, plan for completion/Gantt chart and your Data management plan .  You will be required to upload this to GRAD and complete a ‘Progress report: transfer stage’ in advance of the transfer review. 

If you are disabled, you may wish to review the Reasonable adjustments policy on the Policies and procedures page of the SES website . 

If you are considering submitting your thesis as an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material, you should familiarise yourself with the guidance and speak to your supervisor.   Candidates approaching the transfer stage should also note that following successful Transfer, it is not possible for PGRs to change to a practice-led research degree. 

Transfer deadlines 

Full time research degrees: .

Postgraduate Research Provisional PhD or MD: Transfer to be held and decision taken within 12 months.  Maximum period after deferral of decision is 18 months from the start of study. 

Provisional DpaedDent DclinPsychol or DclinDent (Doctor of paediatric dentistry, Doctor of clinical psychology, Doctor of clinical dentistry): Transfer to be held and decision taken within 18 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 24 months from the start of study. 

Provisional EdD (Doctor of Education): Transfer to be held and decision taken within 24 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 24 months from the start of study. 

Integrated degree of PhD and Masters: Candidates are accepted for study to the registration category of Postgraduate Research. After completing the first year, the progress of candidates is reviewed and, where it is satisfactory, registration to a Provisional PhD candidature is permitted. If successful in progressing to Provisional PhD status, candidates will be required to undergo assessment by a formal Transfer Assessment Panel for transfer to PhD status before the end of the second year of study.  

Masters by Research cannot normally transfer registration to MPhil or PhD.  

Part time research degrees: 

Postgraduate Research, Provisional PhD: Transfer to be held and decision taken within 24 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 30 months from the start of study. 

Provisional DclinDent, DpaedDent: Transfer to be held and decision taken within 30 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 38 months from the start of study  

Provisional MD: Transfer to be held and decision taken within 18 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 24 months from the start of study. 

Provisional EdD: Transfer to be held and decision taken within 36 months. Maximum period after deferral of decision is 36 months from the start of study.  

What to expect 

You can access training on the transfer process via the ‘Your academic experience’ and ‘Your professional development’ pages of the Doctoral College Induction programme .  This provides information about the transfer process, academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism, copyright, ethical review, and data management. 

You should use the GRAD workflow to complete your pre-transfer progress report form and submit the work required for the transfer assessment.  

Your supervisor will complete their pre-transfer progress report. You and your project are then assessed by a transfer assessment panel. Their decision is based upon an assessment of academic written material that you have submitted and an oral examination or viva. The panel comprises at least two individuals who must be independent of your supervisory team. Your supervisor will normally attend but will not be involved in any decision-making. 

For PGRs who started from Sept 2023, you are expected to review your PGR-Supervisor agreement with your supervisors as part of the transfer process.  If you make any changes, please upload an updated copy of the agreement to GRAD.  

It is good practice to revisit the academic and research integrity guidance before you submit your transfer report for assessment, and you may find it helpful to revisit the PGR Academic Integrity Tutorial. You are required to complete a statement of academic integrity in GRAD when you submit your transfer for assessment. This statement confirms that the transfer report is your own work, that you have not presented anyone else’s work as your own; that you have read and understood the University’s published rules on plagiarism; and consent for screening of the transfer report to verify the absence of plagiarised material.

All transfer reports will be submitted to Turnitin, a plagiarism detection programme and database. The Turnitin report will be provided to your transfer panel with your transfer report. You will receive a copy of the Turnitin report at the end of the transfer process (after the viva and once the outcome has been confirmed) as an additional training/learning tool, allowing the report to be discussed with your supervisors and any advice or training around academic writing considered. This will be uploaded to the Project Files area in your GRAD record. Please allow three weeks from the outcome of transfer notification for the report to be uploaded.     

Preparing for Your Transfer Viva  

Guidance on the viva, including video streamed vivas, is available in the Viva collection section in LinkedIn Learning. Simply use your usual University details to log in.  

You can experience a short mock viva by participating in a Your Viva workshop. Information about the workshop and how to book is available via ODPL’s Postgraduate Research Professional Development opportunities web page .  

If you are unable to attend the workshop, or you particularly want to experience answering viva questions in a video streamed environment, you can request a mock viva by emailing [email protected] . Please indicate in your email that you would like a mock viva and why you are requesting it.  You are also entitled to ask your supervisor to do a mock viva with you; support from OD&PL is offered in addition to any support from your supervisor. 

Recommendation following transfer 

The panel will normally inform you of their recommendation at the end of the meeting. The panel will submit a report which will be reviewed by your DPGRS and submitted to the University. You will receive notification of the outcome with access to the report in GRAD at the end of the process.  

The panel will recommend one of the following: 

For provisional candidatures for doctoral degrees (including PhD), transfer to doctoral registration 

For provisional candidatures for the degree of PhD only, transfer to MPhil registration  

On the first occasion only, deferral of a decision about the transfer for a limited period so your work can be revised and then reassessed; more information below. 

A decision that the candidate withdraw from the research degree candidature 

Please note that you will be unable to transfer to Masters by Research. 

If a school is unable to recommend that you should proceed to either doctoral or MPhil study within the time limit allowed, then you will be asked to withdraw. 

If you are on a Student visa and receive an outcome of transfer to MPhil or withdrawal this may have an impact on your visa and you are strongly encouraged to contact the Student Visa Advice team . You must also contact the Student Visa Advice team if you are on a visa and your project has changed or will change significantly. 

Transfer to Doctoral registration 

If the panel recommend that you transfer to Doctoral registration you will receive email notification from GRAD after the report has been approved by the Progression and Examination Group. The report of the panel will also be available to you, in GRAD, at that point. 

Deferral of the transfer decision 

The transfer assessment panel may recommend a deferral of the transfer decision for academic reasons. The final decision on transfer must be taken within the maximum period permitted for your programme of study as outlined above .  

If your transfer is deferred, the joint report of the transfer assessment panel, completed by the panel after the first transfer viva, will be available for you to view in GRAD. This report will outline the reasons for the recommendation to defer the transfer decision and the further work required. 

Your resubmitted transfer submission should be uploaded to the GRAD system as before. You will now have a task in the GRAD for this, and you can upload your revised report when it is ready.  If you have any queries with the process for resubmission please contact your Graduate School .  

It is important that you resubmit your work for assessment on or before this deadline. If you do not resubmit by this deadline you may not be able to continue with your studies and may be required to withdraw. If you experience any difficulties it is important that you speak to your supervisor, DPGRS or your Graduate School. Please see the advice and support section below. 

Once you have resubmitted your transfer report, a notification will be sent to your panel members. The panel may hold a second transfer viva if they feel this is needed (the panel cannot recommend transfer to MPhil or withdrawal without holding a second viva).  

You should review the panel’s report and discuss it with your supervisor. Your supervisor will continue to support you during this period and provide feedback on your work. You should continue to attend supervision meetings in accordance with the PGR Attendance and Engagement Monitoring Policy during the deferral period. Records of all supervision meetings should continue to be recorded in GRAD. If the length of time allocated for the deferral period takes you beyond the first year of your candidature and into the next academic year, it is important that you still follow the registration process and register as normal at the start of the new year.  During the deferral period you will be registered as a PGR at the UoL. As a deferral does not constitute as an extension or suspension of the normal time limit for your programme, you should continue to have access to facilities normally available, as appropriate, to your research area: 

access to IT facilities  

access to the Library  

access to other University facilities as normal  

supervision must continue as normal during this period  

you should only proceed to further data collection following careful consideration by your supervisors and DPGRS. 

A period of deferral may impact your stipend payments. For more information you should speak to your Graduate School. 

If you experience any difficulties, it is important that you speak to your supervisor, DPGRS or your Graduate School. If you require an authorised absence, suspension or extension, you can read about the process on the Taking time out from your research page on the For Students website , and your Graduate School will be able to advise on the process. 

You can also find further information about the different support services, together with information about how to get in touch on the Postgraduate support and wellbeing page on the For Students website . 

Transfer to MPhil registration 

You will receive email notification from GRAD after the report has been approved by the Progression and Examinations Group. The report of the panel will also be available to you, in GRAD, at that point. At this stage the appeal process will be open to you, if you wish to take this route (please see below). 

It is expected that you will receive formal confirmation of the outcome of the assessment within 10 working days of the submission of the report by the Director of PGR Studies. If for any reason it will not be possible to meet this timescale, DCO will write to you to keep you informed.   If you are on a Student visa and a recommendation to transfer to MPhil registration is made by the panel, this may have an impact on your visa and you are strongly encouraged to contact the Student Visa Advice team .   

If you initially registered for provisional PhD and it is recommended that you proceed to an MPhil and you hold funding such as a scholarship or sponsorship, you must let your funders know so that they can make the necessary adjustment in funding. 

You should review the panel’s report and discuss it with your supervisor. Your supervisor will continue to support you during this period and provide feedback on your work. Regular supervision meetings must be held and recorded in GRAD. If you experience any difficulties, it is important that you speak to your supervisor, DPGRS or your Graduate School. If you require an authorised absence, suspension or extension, you can read about the process on the Taking time out from your research page on the For Students website , and your Graduate School will be able to advise on the process. 

Withdrawal from study 

You will receive a formal letter from Doctoral College Operations after the report has been approved by the Progression and Examinations Group. The report of the transfer panel will also be visible in GRAD at that point. At this stage the appeal process will be open to you, if you wish to take this route (please see below). 

It is expected that you will receive formal confirmation of the outcome of the assessment within 10 working days from submission of the report by the Director of PGR Studies. If for any reason it will not be possible to meet this timescale, DCO will write to you to keep you informed.     If you are on a Student visa and a recommendation for withdrawal from study is made by the panel, this will have an impact on your visa and you are strongly encouraged to contact the Student Visa Advice team .   

After Transfer 

Once you have completed the transfer process, you should start thinking about the route through to thesis submission.  

Appealing the decision 

You can appeal against an adverse academic decision using the University’s appeals procedure, available from the Student Cases website . You must submit your appeal to the University within 20 working days of the date of the formal outcome notification from DCO.  If you are considering an appeal against this outcome, we would strongly encourage you to seek independent advice and support from the LUU Help and Support Team . 

Unfortunately, your Graduate School team cannot answer any questions that you have relating to your appeal, including its progress, however they are still here to help support you with other matters related to your research candidature. 

 If you are a postgraduate researcher and you submit an appeal against a decision to refer your thesis at the final examination stage or to transfer your registration to MPhil status your studies will normally be suspended by the University pending the outcome of your appeal. This will ensure that you do not lose any study time whilst your appeal is under consideration.  

If you submit an appeal to the University against an adverse academic decision due to a recommendation of withdrawal from study you may request continued access to your university email during the period the appeal is under consideration, by contacting [email protected] .  

Supervision meetings 

Your supervisors will continue to support you by offering you advice and guidance on your research during your regular supervision meetings.   

Annual progress review 

You will be required to complete an Annual progress review on the anniversary of your start date. Your Graduate School will provide you with guidance nearer the time on the material you are expected to submit through GRAD, but this is likely to include a reflection on your progress, a timetable for completion of your thesis (eg Gantt chart) and some form of written work. The review is intended to be supportive and to help planning for the completion of your research and submission of your thesis.  

Registration 

You will be required to re-register on an annual basis on the anniversary of your start date. Your Graduate School will notify you when online registration is available. You must re-register within four weeks of the anniversary of your start date or you risk being withdrawn from study. 

Learning outcomes and criteria for award 

Success at the transfer stage has no direct bearing on whether you will be successful at final examination, it simply confirms that the transfer assessment panel is satisfied that the project has the potential for success.  

If you have not already done so, you should make yourself aware of the criteria for award and learning outcome s for the programme for which you are registered. This is the criteria that will be used by the examiners when examining the thesis. 

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POstgraduate research fees and finance

Studying for a postgraduate research degree at leeds beckett university is a rewarding experience which will require dedication as well as financial investment..

The fees you will pay during your studies will cover costs associated with teaching, examinations and assessment. To help you understand postgraduate research fees as easily as possible and enable you to begin your journey into postgraduate research, this page will break down related costs and funding sources.

Research degree fees at Leeds Beckett University for the academic year 2024/25 are:

Home (UK) applicants

• Full-time (PhD, MRes, MPhil) - £4,786
• Part-time (PhD, MRes, MPhil and PhD by existing Published work) - £2,392
• Writing-up fee (optional for Professional Doctorate, PhDs and MPhil) - £500
• Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) - To be confirmed
• Doctor of Education (EdD) - To be confirmed
• Doctor of Professional Practice in Built Environment (DProf Built Environment) -  To be confirmed
• Doctor of Professional Practice in Construction Law (DProf Construction Law) -  To be confirmed
• Doctor of Professional Practice in Planning and Housing Studies (DProf Planning and Housing) -  To be confirmed
• Doctor of Professional Practice in Sport (DProf Sport) - To be confirmed

International Applicants

• Full-time (PhD, MRes, MPhil) - £15,500
• Part-time (PhD, MRes, MPhil and PhD by existing Published work) - £7,750
• Writing-up fee (optional for PhDs and MPhil) - £500

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

If you are starting a research degree in the 2024/25 academic year, you may be entitled to a government-backed loan of up to £25,000.

For more information, please contact our student money team .

Please note that the loan amount requested will be divided evenly over the duration of your course. For example, if you are entitled to £18,000 for a six-year course, you will receive £3,000 per year, broken down into three instalments of £1,000 each term.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan explained Find out about what help you can get if you’re applying for a Postgraduate Doctoral Course

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Your fee includes access to supervision and academic specialists as well as 24/7 access to academic resources. You will also be able to make use of a comprehensive range of training designed to support you with your research, ensuring you progress successfully through your studies and are equipped for your future career.

Payment is annual and paid in advance. The fees above apply for one year from enrolment. Fees for subsequent years are charged at the current rate (Fees may increase and the university reserves the right to alter the level of fee).

For details on the flexible payment options available to you, please visit our tuition fees page , email our Incomes team at [email protected] or call +44(0)113 81 25950 for further information.

Contact The Graduate School

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Funded Phds and studentships

Did you know? You can actually get paid to study your area of interest.

Funded PhD opportunities across our academic schools give you the chance to work on a specific research project and have your fees funded by our university and/or an external partner organisation. They may also include a bursary.

The graduate school

Realise your research ambitions and influence the future for everyone.

At The Graduate School, our specialist team aim to foster an environment for a high quality postgraduate study experience. Facilitating collaboration and innovation, our staff support scholars and researchers in the delivery of research excellence and real world impact.

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