Research degrees

Overview

Our research activity takes place across many different countries and we have a strong reputation for our pioneering work in developing countries - ranging from the treatment of waste and wastewater in tropical climates and the development of energy centres in India, to the design of low-cost housing in Malaysia and Brazil.

Research is funded by government departments, international and national organisations and industry. We have also championed the development of interdisciplinary research with, for example, the School of Chemistry, the Faculty of Biological Sciences, the School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering, the Institute for Transport Studies (ITS) and the School of Earth
and Environment.

All academic staff are research active and have extensive knowledge and expertise accumulated over time, many of whom are leading experts in their chosen fields of specialisation. There are currently over 60 research students within the School.

We have long established links with industry and other international organisations, both in the UK and overseas. Staff have conducted research in the UK with, for example, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); the Department of Health, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and internationally with the Department for International Development; and for a number of the Directorates of the European Union.

Download a research degrees brochure.

Research degrees

Our international reputation for research makes this an ideal place to pursue a research degree, whether as preparation for a research career in industry or as the start of an academic career.

We offer three types of research degree:

• Masters of Science by Research (MRes) - 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) - 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - 3 years full-time or 5 years part-time

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

In all cases you are expected to carry out a programme of research in a particular area under the supervision of a primary supervisor and one or more co-supervisors. Supervisors are usually staff within the school however co-supervisors may be from another discipline, another institution or even industry depending on the project and funding source.

Once registered specific training needs will be identified and suitable courses recommended. During the later stages of your study you will be expected to give seminars and write papers for scientific journals and conferences.

Entry requirements

We would normally expect applicants for postgraduate research to have achieved one of the following in a subject relevant to the proposed research:

- a first or good upper second class honours degree (or equivalent from an overseas University),
or
- a good performance in a Masters level course.

We also recognise relevant industrial and academic experience and special circumstances in the consideration of applicants.

Candidates whose first language is not English must provide evidence that their English language is sufficient to meet the specific demands of their study. Candidates will normally be expected to have obtained one of the following qualifications: the British Council IELTS with a score of 6.0 (with not less than 5.5 in any component); or the internet based TOEFL (iBT) with 87 overall (with not less than 21 in listening, 22 in reading, 23 in speaking and 21 in writing).

You can get more information about acceptable English language qualifications from Research Student Administration.

Fees

You are classified as either a ‘UK/EU’ or ‘international’ student for the purpose of assessing tuition fees. International students will pay a higher fee than UK students as the fees for UK and EU students are subsidised by the UK government.

Fees for 2012
UK/EU – £3,828
International - £16,200

When to pay
Fees must be paid in full before you can register as a postgraduate student, unless you will be paying for yourself. If you are self-supporting you can pay fees in two instalments, the first payable at registration. If you are supported by your government, employer, or other sponsor, you should provide a letter from them addressed to the University, confirming that the fees will be paid directly. Sponsors cannot pay by instalments. For further information visit the University's website.

How to apply

Formal applications for research degree study should be made on-line via the 'I want to apply' page on the Research Student Administration website.

Please complete the application form as fully as you can ensuring you complete the following sections:

- your expected source of funding
- grade(s) or degree classification(s) for your degree-level qualifications
- your proposed research area
- a brief one-paragraph summary of your research interests or proposed topic

We cannot normally consider your application without this information.

Please also ensure you upload or provide the following documents:

- copies of your degree certificate(s)
- transcripts of marks achieved in degree-level qualifications
- evidence of English language qualifications
- references if available (alternatively, the Faculty will contact your named academic referees directly)

If these documents are not available, please provide them at the earliest opportunity, as we cannot usually make an offer without them.

If possible, please include a CV (this will provide invaluable information as to work experience and publications) and a research proposal unless you are applying for a specific project studentship.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) and Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS)
Non EU/EEA nationals planning to undertake postgraduate study in the UK in certain science, engineering or technology disciplines need to acquire an ATAS certificate and a CAS before they can apply for a Visa, Entry Clearance (EC) or Extension of Stay (EoS). More information is available on the 'I want to apply' page on the Research Student Administration website.

If you require any further information please contact the Graduate School Office, e: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk, t: +44 (0)113 343 8000.