Research student guidance
As a research postgraduate researcher, you need to be aware of certain administrative guidelines, procedures and codes of practice during your time at Leeds.
Detailed information and guidance on all aspects of research degrees can be found in the Doctoral College Handbook. Please go to the Regulations, codes, policies and procedures for postgraduate researchers webpage to find a copy of the Doctoral College Handbok or contact your Graduate School.
PGR handbook
The current Doctoral College handbooks (also known as the PGR handbook) for each Faculty/School can be found on the SES webpage Regulations, codes, policies and procedures for postgraduate research. For copies of Doctoral College handbooks for previous academic years, please get in touch with doctoralcollege@leeds.ac.uk.
Registration, fees and student records
All students need to register at the start of each year of study. As part of the registration process you are expected to confirm your agreement to abide by the rules, regulations, procedures and codes governing your studies, learning and conduct at the University and use of the services provided by the University as given in the Student Contract.
Student Cards - new and replacement
Financial implications of leaving early
Progress, assessment and monitoring
In order to support you, identify any training needs and to ensure you are on track your progress will be monitored and evaluated throughout your studies. Should you encounter any academic or personal difficulties there are a number of ways that the University can support you.
Graduate Record of Achievement and Development (GRAD)
Examination (Research Degree Assessment)
Absences, suspensions and extensions of your research
Progress support procedure (PSP) (PDF)
Thesis submission and examination
- The Guide to the thesis examination process for students (which includes the thesis format requirements)
- Guide for candidates referred for resubmission
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Environment)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Biological Sciences)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Medicine and Health)
- Guidelines on the Use of Solely or Jointly-Authored Publications within a Thesis Submission
- Submission of a thesis in a language other than English (applies only to candidates registered in the School of Languages, Cultures & Societies)
- Inclusion of supplementary material within a thesis submission for examination
- Criteria for the appointment of examiners and independent chairs
- Diploma Supplement and Statement: Guidance and Information
Formal Regulations and Codes of Practice
- Code of Practice for Research Degree Candidatures
- Ordinances and Regulations and Programmes of Study for research degrees and higher doctorates
- Intellectual property rights
- Student contract
- University General Academic Regulations
- University Code of Practice on Data Protection
- Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students Engaged in Teaching
- Regulations for Use of Library
- Equality and Diversity Policies
- Policy on dignity and mutual respect
- Code of Practice on Whistleblowing
- Students with Criminal Records: Policy Statement
- Code of Practice on Student Health and Conduct
Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Matters
- General University Disciplinary Regulations
- Student complaints procedure
- Procedure Governing the Consideration of Appeals submitted by Postgraduate Research Students following Adverse Academic Decisions
- Procedures for investigating plagiarism in research degree work prior to and within the submission for a research degree
- Cheating, Plagiarism, Fraudulent or Fabricated Coursework, and Malpractice in university examinations and assessments (for those programmes with a taught element)
Engaging in research
- National Researcher Development Framework
- Protocol for investigating and resolving allegations of misconduct in academic research
- Exploitation and Intellectual Property Rights
- Policy on Safeguarding Data
- Information Protection Policy
- Research Ethics – policy, good practice and advice, ethical review forms, training
- Research Ethics - training and support from ODPL
- Code of Practice on Data Protection
- Guidelines for Retention of Personal Data
- Request Form for Access to Personal Data
- Policy on Publication
For a comprehensive list of policies relating to research see the Research Support website
Ordinance and Regulations and Programmes of Study for Research Degrees
Ordinances define the qualifications the University awards and the associated regulations. They form part of the University Constitution. The full set of ordinances is held on the Secretariat website. Ordinance X relates directly to postgraduate researchers and provides details of the general University regulations regarding entry requirements, assessment of progress, time limits for examination and the criteria that must be met before a research degree can be awarded.
Information on Programmes of Study for the current academic year (which includes information on learning outcomes) is available on the Ordinances page. For Information on Programmes of Study for previous academic years, please get in touch with doctoralcollege@leeds.ac.uk.