Research degrees

Overview

With an international reputation for the quality of its research activities,
the School of Computing is ranked in the top 10 computing departments in the UK.

This is based on the quality of our research according to the latest Government Research Assessment Exercise with an impressive 80% of our research activity rated as internationally excellent or world-leading. Not only does this confirm its status as one of the foremost IT research centres in the UK, it also means you will be supervised by world-class academics at the cutting edge of their discipline who will challenge, encourage and support you.

Research in the School is funded to the level of several million pounds per annum, with funding from a wide variety of sources including UK Research Councils, the European Union, the Technology Strategy Board and other industrial sources.

As well as conducting research in the foundations of computer science, we also undertake research in a variety of applied and multidisciplinary settings. We have excellent connections with many other disciplines including Biology, Engineering, Mathematics, Earth Sciences and Modern Languages, as well as links with industry (for example, Shell, British Telecom and Rolls-Royce).

Postgraduate research flyer: Download
School research brochure: Download

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.

English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English. You will need to meet our minimum requirements for one of the following recognised English language tests: the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

- IELTS: 6.0 with not less than 5.5 in listening, reading, speaking and writing.
- TOEFL (Internet based test): 87 overall with at least 20 in listening and reading, 22 in speaking and 21 in writing.

More information about English language qualifications is available 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 2012/13
UK/EU – £3,828
International - £16,200

Fees for 2013/14
UK/EU – £3,950
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.