How long does a research degree take

As a postgraduate researcher, you are expected to be aware of your thesis submission deadline and to manage your time accordingly.

Managing your time

You are expected to work on your research project for an average of at least 37 hours per week, the same as a full-time academic post. This does not include paid work.

If you are a part-time student, the usual expected workload is at least 20 hours work per week on your project.

Your workload will vary throughout the year and should be agreed with your supervisor. Additional hours may be necessary when you’re approaching a specific deadline, such as the submission of a transfer report or thesis.

How long a research degree should take

You will come across different terms about how long a research degree should take: 

• Standard period of study: This is the normal minimum period of registration period for your research degree programme. You will see this date in GRAD as the “Expected thesis submission date” 
• Overtime period: The period between the end of your standard period of study and the final time limit for submission. You will normally have finished your research and be writing up your thesis during this period. 
• Maximum period of study: This is the final deadline to submit your thesis, after the end of the overtime period. You will see this date in GRAD as “Maximum time limit for thesis submission” 

Submitting your thesis on time

Your are expected to submit your thesis within the maximum time limit for your programme. Keep in regular contact with your supervisor and let them know:

• if your project seems to be developing serious academic deficiencies
• if you are concerned about finishing your project in the required time
• if you feel you aren’t getting the technical or resources support that you need
• Any personal or health difficulties which may have affected your progress

If you are concerned about the support you are receiving, you can discuss your concerns with your Director of Postgraduate Research Studies (DPGRS), your Graduate School or LUU.

Overtime

Overtime is the period between the end of your standard period of study and the final time limit for submission.

It is also referred to as ‘writing up’, as the expectation is that you are solely working on the thesis in this period and are not conducting any research. Masters by Research and visiting researchers are not eligible for overtime. 

During the overtime period you can register at a reduced fee rate. The fee amount is updated annually and is non-refundable, regardless of when you submit in the period. 

For more information about the overtime fee please see the Postgraduate fees page.

If you submit before the end of the standard period of study, or up to one month after the start of the overtime period, you will not be required to register during the overtime period.

Submitting your thesis early

Your thesis would be considered ‘early’ if you are ready to submit this before the end of the standard period of study for your research degree programme. 

You can submit your thesis up to six weeks before the end of your standard period of study, without the need for a special request.  

If you wish to submit earlier than this, you must first discuss this with your supervisors, as it is not possible for all programmes. If your supervisors and your DPGRS support the request, your DPGRS will submit a recommendation to the Graduate Board’s Progression and Examinations Group. 

A DPGRS can only recommend early submission if the thesis is complete and ready for submission, and it has been read by your supervisor in its entirety. Your supervisor must confirm in writing that they have read your thesis and they believe it is ready to be examined. 

You are ultimately responsible for the work that you submit. The Graduate Board is clear that even if the supervisor has agreed to early submission of the thesis, this does not mean that the award of a degree is guaranteed.  

There are limits to the length of the reduction that can be approved. With an approved reduction the earliest dates you can submit your thesis are:

• At the end of two calendar years of full time study for PhD, EdD, DPaedDent full time programmes.
• At the end of three calendar years of part time study for PhD, EdD, DPaedDent, DClinEd part time programmes.
• At the end of three calendar years of study under split-site arrangements for PhD split-site programmes.
• At the end of three calendar years of full-time study for Integrated PhD
• PGRs may submit their thesis in the May of year three of their studies (if they are in a position to do so) without the need for a formal request to be made for DClinPsychol
• At the end of one calendar year of full-time study for full time MD, MPhil programmes
• At the end of two calendar years of part-time study for part time MD, MPhil programmes

No reduction of the period of study is permitted for the Masters by Research degree under the University’s regulations.

Masters by Research PGRs may still submit their thesis six weeks before the end of the standard period of study, using the grace period noted above.

If you are receiving a stipend as part of a scholarship, payment will stop once you have submitted, even if it is before the end of the scholarship duration. You will also be liable to pay council tax once you have submitted.

PGRs on a student visa are advised to email the Student Visa Advice service at studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk for immigration advice on the implications of early submission to their visa status.

Fee Refund

If you are paying your own fees, you may be eligible for a partial refund of fees if you have an approved reduction to the standard period of study and you finish early and pass your viva. Information about the duration of studies can be found in your official University offer letter. 

Please email Student Fees team at PGFees@leeds.ac.uk for further advice on the fee refund arrangements.

The fee refund applies only to those submitting within the standard period of study. The Overtime period fee is a special concession that allows you to register for a reduced rate and is non-refundable, irrespective of the month of submission. 

Paid work whilst you are studying

If you are studying full-time, there are limits to the amount of paid work you can do outside of your studies. 

If you are studying in the UK on a student visa there will be certain limits on working which you must follow to comply with the terms of your visa. For further information see the Student Visa advice Team pages or email the Student Visa Advice Service at studentvisaadvice@leeds.ac.uk. 

Under the University’s Code of practice for postgraduate research students engaged in teaching, during the standard period of study (ie before overtime period) you cannot be employed and paid by the University for more than 250 hours per academic session.  

After the standard period of study this limit does not apply (subject to any visa restrictions). However, if you still receive a stipend from the University and start a full-time paid job, or are likely to exceed 250 hours work, let your Graduate School know. 

Most scholarship payments will stop if you start a full-time job or exceed the 250 hours per year limit. Over-payments must be repaid, so discuss any employment with your Graduate School.