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How long does a research degree take

As a postgraduate researcher, you are expected to be aware of your thesis submission deadline and 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 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 should a research degree take?

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

  • Standard period of study: The normal minimum period of registration for your research degree programme. You will see this date in GRAD as the “Expected thesis submission date”.
  • Overtime period: The overtime period is 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 and comes after the end of the overtime period. You will see this date in GRAD as “Maximum time limit for thesis submission”.

You can check both the standard and maximum periods of study in the Programme of Study for your Research Degree. In some specified cases, the standard period of study for a PhD may be 3–4 years. For dual awards, you should check your official offer letter from the University. 

All programmes of study are listed in the Postgraduate research policies and procedures under Ordinance and Regulations and Programmes of Study for Research Degrees. 

Submitting your thesis on time

You 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
  • you are concerned about finishing your project in the required time
  • you feel you aren’t getting the technical or resource support that you need
  • personal or health difficulties 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 Leeds University Union (LUU).

Managing 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.

The overtime period allows all Postgraduate researchers (except Masters by Research and miscellaneous study) to register on a reduced fee after the standard period of study but within the maximum period of study. The overtime fee is updated annually and is non-refundable.

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 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 Director of Postgraduate Research Studies (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 your supervisor has read it in its entirety. Your supervisor must confirm in writing that they have read your thesis and that 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.

For Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Professional Doctorate degrees, 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 normally outlined in the Programme of Study for your Research Degree. If this is not listed in your individual Programme of Study, please get in touch with your Graduate School or Supervisor, who will be able to provide this information for you.

If you changed the mode of study during your candidature, the earliest date you may submit your thesis will be determined by the date you changed the mode of study. In these cases, any requests for early submission will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact your Graduate School for advice and further information.

Masters by Research students

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

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

Scholarship holders and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) on a student visa 

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 should 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 funding your studies yourself, 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, subject to completion of a successful examination. This does not apply to Masters by Research students as a reduction to the standard period of study is not permitted under University regulations.

No refund will be made unless all academic fees have been paid in full for the year/session in which you are submitting, you are successful in your examination, and have appeared on a pass list. 

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. 

Information about the duration of studies (including standard and maximum time periods, as well as information on submitting your thesis early) can be found in your official University offer letter. 

Please email the student fees team at PGFees@leeds.ac.uk for advice on the fee refund arrangements.

Paid work whilst you are studying

You can undertake paid work outside of your studies if you are studying full-time, but there are limits that you should be aware of.

During the standard period of study (i.e. before your overtime period), any paid work you do must not exceed 250 hours per academic session. However, once you have completed the standard period of study, this limit does not apply. If you still receive a stipend from the University and start a full-time paid job, or are likely to exceed 250 hours of work, you must tell your Graduate School.

Most scholarship payments will cease if you move into full-time employment or exceed the 250 hours per year limit. Any over-payment will need to be recovered, so please make sure you discuss any employment with your Graduate School.

We also recommend that you are familiar with the code of practice for postgraduate research students engaged in teaching.

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