Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Undertaking a PhD allows you to develop in-depth knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.
With expert guidance from two co-supervisors, you'll carry out an extensive independent research project on a topic of your choice and produce a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On graduating, you'll be very well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.
Structure
When you first join us, you'll complete a series of induction activities that will prepare you for your upcoming research. You'll have access to additional training and resources on academic skills during your degree.
Once you begin your studies, you'll work closely with your supervisors to outline the content and structure of your project, as well as the process and schedule you'll follow. This helps to ensure that your research will be a significant, original contribution to your field that you can realistically complete within the timescale.
Your supervisors will continue to provide support and guidance throughout your time with us, giving feedback and helping to shape your project as your research progresses.
For your first 12 months (18 months part time) you'll be a provisional PhD student. At the end of this period you'll submit work for assessment, and receive feedback on your progress. This process is called your transfer; after you complete this you'll be enrolled as a full PhD student.
Your research will be assessed on the strength of your thesis and an oral examination called a viva voce, enabling you to present your findings in both written and spoken form. You'll submit your thesis for assessment before attending your viva.
In your viva, you'll be asked about your thesis and wider research by a panel of expert examiners. This helps to make sure that your work is original, comprehensive, and clearly situated within your field of study.
Usually, your viva examiners will suggest some minor or major changes that you'll need to make before they'll award your degree. They may also ask you to resubmit it after those changes have been made. This is a great opportunity to refine your thesis based on feedback from experts in your field.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 15
Application Process
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
Graduate schemes
These schemes typically begin recruitment up to a year in advance; rigorous application processes and multiple interview stages are the norm, so be sure to do plenty of research – with our help – before sending off your application form. Generally, the schemes will give a wide period in which to submit your applications. Be aware, however, that the second round of selection could occur within this period, so early application is always preferable to avoid disappointment.
Other graduate jobs
As a graduate, your qualifications are greatly sought after by all sorts of companies – not just those running high-profile graduate recruitment schemes. In fact, the majority of graduates ultimately find work outside of these schemes, so keep your search broad. Small and medium sized businesses (those which employ fewer than 250 people) often hire graduates, and more are recruiting as time goes on. The smaller size of these businesses means that your presence is highly valued: without the large hierarchy of a major corporation constricting your position, you could find yourself working alongside more senior staff. In the UK 99% of businesses are small or medium sized, and opportunities in the sector abound for graduates. Such opportunities are likely to be less widely advertised than the large-scale schemes so you will need to think more creatively in your job-search. Check out the how to search for jobs page for some ideas.
Self-employment
Running your own business may sound daunting, but it is an increasingly popular option for graduates, and we can help you each step of the way. ‘Spark’, our business start-up service, is available to all students whilst at Leeds, and for five years after graduation. If you are feeling entrepreneurial, come to us with your business idea and we can offer expert advice, support, and even preliminary funding.
Internships and other work experience
As the first step on the road to employment, undertaking work experience lets you build experience and relationships with employers. Whilst most posts are temporary, they can often lead to full-time graduate employment. Formal undergraduate internship programmes tend to begin either in September or early summer, with applications opening in the spring or the preceding autumn.
Graduate internships or placements may begin at any time of the year, and you should consider making speculative approaches to companies you are interested in to find your own work experience placement or internship. For more information, see our page on Speculative Enquiries.
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to build skills, experience and industry contacts. Voluntary organisations are always in need of enthusiastic helpers, and require a whole range of jobs from fund-raising to marketing and IT. If you are hoping to pursue a career in the charity sector, then some volunteering experience is often essential. Do not think that it is all give-give-give: volunteering posts at festivals like Leeds and Glastonbury let you enjoy a week of fantastic music in return for a few hours of muddy marshalling.
PSW Opportunity
Two-year post-study work visa to enhance UK work experience
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
1st: First class (65%)
2.1: First class (60%)
2.2: Upper second class (55%)
English language minimum requirement: Standard XII English is accepted at 70-75% depending on state board, IELTS 6.5 overall, GCSE C/4 or an equivalent qualification is required: Acceptable Language Qualifications.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 03 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
88500 GBP
Annual Cost of Living: 9207 GBP
Application Fee: N/A