How to apply

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 following:

The Graduate School Office
e: phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk
t: +44 (0)113 343 8000

Research proposal

Although it is not a formal requirement, we encourage candidates to submit a research proposal unless they are applying for a pre-defined project studentship or a Doctoral Training Centre / Centre for Doctoral Training programme. The proposal does not necessarily commit you to a precise project, however it gives a good indication of your research interests and gives academic staff an opportunity to see a sample of your writing. Projects can be further negotiated during the admissions process.

How do I write a research proposal?

We would recommend that a research proposal is structured broadly as follows

• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem - this should provide a conceptual framework for the reader and demonstrate that the researcher is aware of the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and the potential impact/societal benefit of the research.

Please ensure that all content is properly attributed. We would suggest that the maximum length of a proposal is 4 sides of A4.

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.

Language Centre
The University of Leeds Language Centre provides the Academic English for Postgraduate Studies pre-sessional course which is designed to help international students develop the necessary language and academic study skills required for successful study on a research degree programme at the University of Leeds. Courses are offered throughout the year with starting dates in September, January, April, July or August.

For further information, please visit the Language Centre’s website or contact the Language Centre via e-mail: langc@leeds.ac.uk.