Programme of study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy  Programme of study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 2026/27

PGRs may undertake study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in any faculty of the University or accredited institution, or in association with another institution approved as a partner to offer joint or dual degrees with the University, under the supervision of a member of staff who satisfies the eligibility requirements specified by the relevant committee. Supervisors will be appointed at the commencement of the programme of study.
 
All candidates for the degree of PhD are expected to undertake appropriate generic training. PGRs in some faculties may be required to undertake some elements of advanced study and complete written examinations satisfactorily before proceeding to the submission of a thesis.

The requirements for the degree, including periods of study and examination requirements are set out in Ordinance X and its associated regulations.

Programmes of study for structured research degrees are published separately. These include Professional Doctorates, Doctor of Philosophy with structured training programmes or modular components, (normally associated with a research council doctoral training award), Integrated Degree of PhD and Master and Integrated Degree of PhD and Certificate.

Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class (2:1) honours degree. Individual schools or faculties may set higher or additional requirements.

International candidates will normally be required to have achieved at least 6.0 in IELTS (with no component below 5.5) or an equivalent English language qualification. Individual schools or faculties may set higher requirements. Equivalent academic and English Language qualifications can be found on our entry requirements page.

Candidates will normally be expected to start the programme in September, October, February or April.

PGRs may study on a full-time or part-time basis.

Full-time candidatures

Study on 1.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) basis with a standard period of study of three years and a final submission deadline of four years.  

Part-time candidatures

There are two models for part-time study with different FTE attendance:

• Study on 0.5 FTE basis with a standard period of study of six years and a final submission deadline of eight years.
• Study on 0.75 FTE basis with a standard period of study of four years and a final submission deadline of five years.

For PGRs who commenced their studies prior to September 2026, the normal expectation for part-time attendance is 0.6 FTE, with a standard period of study of five years and a final submission deadline of seven years. PGRs whose studies commenced before September 2026 are advised to consult the programme of study applicable to their year of entry for full details of deadlines and milestones.

A list of milestones and deadlines is provided in the ‘Milestones and deadlines’ section of this programme of study.

Other requirements for the degree, including examination requirements are set out later in this programme of study and in Ordinance X and its associated regulations.

Where offered by a school, PGRs may be approved to attend in person, by distance learning, or on a split-site basis.

Distance learning 

Applicants may be accepted for full-time PhD study by Distance Learning in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, the Faculty of Environment, or the Faculty of Medicine. Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class honours degree.

Applicants for PhD study by Distance Learning in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures will be required to have obtained at least 7.0 in IELTS (with no component below 6.5) or an equivalent English language qualification.

Applicants for PhD study by Distance Learning in the Faculty of Environment or the Faculty of Medicine will be required to have obtained at least 6.5 in IELTS (with no component below 6.0) or an equivalent English language qualification.    

There is no minimum requirement for residences at the University of Leeds. Standard periods of study and final submission deadlines are as set out in the ‘Study modes and programme length’ section of this programme of study.

Split-site candidatures 

Three models of split-site PhD study are available: 

Model A involving a strategic partnership with a commercial/industrial organisation or an international academic or research institution. Subject to an agreement being reached between the University and the other organisation, applicants may be accepted for full-time PhD research degree study for a standard period of study of three years. Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class honours degree as well as at least 6.5 in IELTS (with no component below 6.0) or an equivalent English language qualification. Some schools may require higher levels of English language. There is normally a minimum requirement of 18 months full-time study in residence at the University of Leeds but overall the candidate is normally required to spend 50% of the candidature in each organisation.

Model B involving individual PGRs studying mainly on a part-time basis. Subject to a statement of support from the applicant’s employer, which guarantees, with appropriate evidence, that relevant resources and facilities are in place for the research, applicants may be accepted for PhD research degree study. Applicants will normally be expected to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class honours and a Master’s degree as well as at least 6.5 in IELTS (with no component below 6.0) or an equivalent English language qualification. Some schools may require higher levels of English language. The period of study will extend over a standard period of six years and the method of study will be mainly part-time at 0.5FTE, with normally full-time attendance in residence at the University of Leeds for a period of at least 8 months over the course of the programme. The first two months should normally be undertaken at the commencement of the candidature in full-time attendance in residence at Leeds.

Model C involving individual PGRs studying on a full-time basis. Subject to a statement of support from the applicant’s employer, or an agreement being reached between the University and the other organisation, which guarantees, with appropriate evidence, that relevant resources and facilities are in place for the research, applicants may be accepted for full-time PhD research degree study for a standard period of study of three years. Applicants will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class honours degree and a Master’s degree, as well as at least 6.5 in IELTS (with no component below 6.0) or an equivalent English language qualification. Some schools may require higher levels of English language. There is normally a minimum requirement of six months full-time study in residence at the University of Leeds.

PGRs will in the first instance be accepted as provisional candidates for the degree of PhD. After the initial period of provisional registration, PGRs are subject to the process whereby they are formally assessed and, if successful in the assessment, are transferred to the specific degree category of PhD or MPhil.  

Full-time PGRs must undergo assessment by no later than 12 months of study, part-time 0.5 FTE PGRs must undergo assessment by no later than 24 months of study, and part-time 0.75 FTE PGRs must undergo assessment by no later than 18 months of study.

The decision to transfer will be based on the submission of appropriate material for assessment and all Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) must undergo an oral examination by an assessment panel which must include at least two independent individuals who have not been involved in the supervisory support of the candidate. The PGR will be interviewed by the assessment panel in the form of a viva voce examination.

A case for an extension to the period of provisional registration would have to be made on academic grounds to the relevant committee. In such cases any period of extension will be no more than six months.

In addition to the transfer process, there must be formal reports on progress as follows:

• First formal progress review (FFPR) at the mid-point of the first year (six months for full-time PGRs, 12 months for PGRs studying at 0.5 FTE and nine months for PGRs studying at 0.75 FTE).
• Annual progress reports (APR) each year following transfer.  

The arrangements for formal reports on progress by the supervisor(s) are described in the University Code of Practice for Research Degree Candidatures which is published on the postgraduate research policies and procedures page.

In exceptional circumstances, candidates for the degree of PhD may request to be considered for transfer to registration for the degree of MPhil, subject to approval by the parent school and the relevant committee. 

In exceptional circumstances, PGRs may request to be considered for transfer to registration for the degree of Masters by Research, subject to approval by the parent school and the relevant committee.

PGRs must present a thesis (100,000 words maximum), or alternative method of submission where stipulated in the Regulations for Ordinance X, on the subject of their research and satisfy the examiners as specified in Ordinance X and its associated regulations.

For faculties where a format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material is permitted, specific regulations for the presentation of the work are published on the thesis submission and the viva pages.

For candidates undertaking a PhD by an alternative form of thesis for practice-led research in specified schools in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, a Protocol for practice-led research degree candidatures is published.
 
Except with the special permission of the relevant committee, every candidate is required to submit their thesis for examination for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by no later than:

• the end of the fourth year after their entry upon the approved course of full-time study and research which includes Models A and C of the split-site arrangements
• the end of the eighth year after their entry upon the approved course of part-time study and research at 0.5FTE including Model B of the split-site arrangements where the standard period of study is six years
• the end of the fifth year after their entry upon the approved course of part-time study and research at 0.75 FTE where the standard period of study is four years.

As permitted in Ordinance X (Article 8), when the progress and quality of the candidate’s research justify it, the relevant committee is empowered to reduce the required minimum period of study provided that no candidate shall submit for examination of the thesis before the completion of: 

• a total of two calendar years of full-time study
• a total of 30 calendar months of part-time study at 0.75 FTE where the standard period of study is four years
• a total of four calendar years of part-time study at 0.5 FTE where the standard period of study is six years
• a total of three calendar years for PGRs studying under Models A, B and C of the split-site arrangements.

Following the oral examination, the examiners will be asked to make one of the following recommendations: 

• a) Pass.
• b) Pass subject to the correction of ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor amendments’): these corrections must be made within six weeks or six months respectively from the date of the oral examination. The internal examiner is responsible for ensuring that ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor amendments’ are corrected by the PGR. The degree will not be awarded until confirmation that the corrections have been completed is received. 
• c) Referral (the ‘referral recommendations’ section that follows explains this in more detail).
• d) Recommend award of MPhil: for those candidates who fail to achieve the standard for the award of a PhD but who nevertheless satisfy the criteria for the award of the degree of MPhil. In these circumstances, the degree of MPhil may not be awarded with distinction.
• e) Recommend award of MPhil (subject to the correction of ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor amendments’): these corrections must be made within six weeks or six months respectively from the date of the oral examination. The internal examiner is responsible for ensuring that ‘editorial and presentational corrections’ or ‘minor amendments’ are corrected by the PGR. The degree will not be awarded until confirmation that the corrections have been completed is received. In these circumstances, the degree of MPhil may not be awarded with distinction.
• f) Referral for MPhil (the ‘referral recommendations’ section that follows explains this in more detail). In these circumstances the degree of MPhil may not be awarded with distinction.
• g) Fail: the PGR has no further opportunity for submission.

Referral recommendations

If the thesis is not considered to be of sufficiently high standard to recommend the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy but there is evidence of the potential of a successful PhD or MPhil submission, then on the recommendation of the examiners either:

• the candidate will be granted permission to resubmit the work in a revised form for the degree of PhD within a period of 18 months, on one occasion only and on payment of an additional fee.
• the candidate will be granted permission to resubmit the work in a revised form for the degree of MPhil within a period of 12 months, on one occasion only and on payment of an additional fee.

Any candidate whose thesis has been referred for the degree of PhD may, subject to approval by the relevant Head of School, exercise the option of resubmitting a revised thesis for consideration for the award of the degree of Master of Philosophy.

The recommendation of the examiners is subject to confirmation by the Graduate Board’s Examinations Group which will consider the examiners’ report. In the case of joint awards with another institution the recommendation of the examiners is also subject to confirmation by the other institution.

On completion of the research programme PGRs should have shown evidence of being able to:

• discover, interpret and communicate new knowledge through original research and/or scholarship of publishable quality which satisfies peer review
• present and defend original research outcomes which extend the forefront of a discipline or relevant area of professional/clinical practice
• demonstrate systematic and extensive knowledge of the subject area and expertise in generic and subject/professional skills
• take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others where appropriate
• independently and proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to design, develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these
• critically and creatively evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline
• demonstrate systematic knowledge of and be able to critically assess, analyse and engage with the ethical and legal context of their research and any ethical and legal implications of their research.

PGRs will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities through the research training and research specified for the programme:

• the skills necessary for a career as a researcher and/or for employment in a senior and leading capacity in a relevant area of professional/clinical practice or industry
• evaluating their own achievement and that of others
• self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations
• independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development.

This will include the critical analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable professional and/or clinical situations. 

The structure of the programme will provide research and/or professional training, breadth and depth of study and opportunities for drawing upon appropriate resources and techniques. 

Opportunities will be provided for PGRs to:

• develop to a high level interests and informed opinions
• develop to a high level their design and management of their learning activities
• develop to a high level their communication of their conclusions
• make an original contribution to the field.

PGRs will be expected to engage in the exercise of autonomous initiative in their study and work in professional environments.

Achievement will be assessed by the examination of the candidate’s thesis (or alternative form of thesis) and performance under oral examination. Assessment will involve the achievement of the candidate in:

• evidencing an ability to conduct original and independent broad and in-depth enquiry within the discipline or within different aspects of the area of professional/clinical practice normally leading to published work
• drawing on and/or developing a range of research techniques and methodologies appropriate to enquiries into the discipline/area of professional practice
• demonstrating independent critical ability in the application of breadth and depth of knowledge to complex issues within the discipline or specialist area of professional/clinical practice
• drawing on a range of perspectives on the area of study
• evaluating and criticising received opinion
• making reasoned and well-informed judgements on complex issues within the specialism whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data
• the written style and overall presentation of the thesis.

Full-time (FT, 1.0)

• Standard period of study: 36 months
• Overtime period: 12 months
• Maximum time limit: 48 months
• Earliest submission: 24 months
• Reduction for earliest submission: 12 months
• Training plan required: three months
• First formal progress report: six months
• Transfer deadline: 12 months
• Maximum transfer after deferral: 18 months (six months after transfer)
• Annual progress review: annual post transfer
• Supervision meetings: 10 meetings per year
• Meeting gaps: no more than eight weeks
• Commitment to research activity: 37 hours per week
• Annual leave allocation: 26 days per year
• Maximum suspension/extension: 24 months
• Maximum resubmission deadline following referral: 18 months.

Part-time (PT, 0.5)

• Standard period of study: 72 months
• Overtime period: 24 months
• Maximum time limit: 96 months
• Earliest submission: 48 months
• Reduction for earliest submission: 24 months
• Training plan required: three months
• First formal progress report: 12 months
• Transfer deadline: 24 months
• Maximum transfer after deferral: 30 months (six months after transfer). The assessment panel could, where a lot of additional work was required for resubmission, make a case to the relevant committee (currently PGR Progression and Examinations Group) for an extension of up to 12 months (to the end of month 36).
• Annual progress review: annual post transfer
• Supervision meetings: five meetings per year
• Meeting gaps: no more than 12 weeks
• Commitment to research activity: 19 hours per week
• o  Annual leave allocation: 13 days per year
• Maximum suspension/extension: 36 months
• Maximum resubmission deadline following referral: 18 months.

Part-time (PT, 0.75)

• Standard period of study: 48 months
• Overtime period: 12 months 
• Maximum time limit: 60 months
• Earliest submission: 30 months 
• Reduction for earliest submission:18 months 
• Training plan required: three months
• First formal progress report: nine months
• Transfer deadline:18 months 
• Maximum transfer after deferral: 24 months (six months after transfer)
• Annual progress review: annual post transfer
• Supervision meetings: eight meetings per year 
• Meeting gaps of no more than:10 weeks
• Commitment to research activity: 28 hours a week
• Annual leave allocation: 19.5 days a year
• Maximum suspension/extension: 36 month
• Maximum resubmission deadline for PhD following referral: 18 months.