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

PGRs may undertake study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy through the TARGET programme in the School of Earth and Environment of 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. 

This programme is delivered as part of the NERC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) Training and Research Group for Energy Transition Mineral Resources (TARGET), and is delivered in partnership with the University of Leicester (lead partner), and the Universities of Southampton, Liverpool, St Andrews, UCL, Brighton, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Exeter.

Candidates will normally be required to have obtained a relevant degree at least equivalent to a UK upper second class (2:1) honours degree. 

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. 

Equivalent academic and English language qualifications can be found on our entry requirements page.

This programme is only available to candidates who have been awarded a studentship through the University of Leeds under the NERC CDT.

Candidates will normally be expected to start the programme in October.

The standard period of study for full-time (FT) PGRs is three years six months and the maximum time limit is four years. The standard period of study for part-time PGRs studying at 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) is seven years and the maximum time limit is eight years.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their thesis within the standard period of study (3.5 years full time, seven years part time), which will usually coincide with the funding period for CDT-funded candidates.

Where an overtime period is required to complete the writing up of the thesis, the thesis submission deadline is the end of month 48 of full-time study or month 96 of part-time study.

This programme is not available for study by split-site or distance learning modes.

All candidates for the degree of PhD are expected to undertake appropriate generic training. In addition, PGRs will undertake a programme of specialist training as described in this programme of study. 

Other requirements for the degree, including examination requirements, are set out in Ordinance X and its associated regulations.

Candidates will be based at the University of Leeds throughout, and will participate in a minimum of 40 days training over the 3.5 years of study composed of:

• an annual one-week workshop dedicated to their year group, and tailored to that cohort’s needs in terms of skills development – for the first three years of their study
• an annual all-TARGET workshop with cross-year interactions, advanced training and opportunities to specialise in particular areas – all years of study
• a number of one-day workshops
• additional online events and in-person workshops attached to relevant conferences.

Each TARGET PGR will have the opportunity to take up a work placement with an industry partner which contributes to the final thesis.

In addition, candidates will complete activities as follows.

Year 1

• Commencement of PhD research.
• First formal progress report: (full-time candidates) six months.
• Transfer: full-time candidates must submit their transfer report and undergo assessment by no later than 12 months from the start of the candidature.

Year 2

• Continuation of PhD research.
• Annual progress review.

Year 3

• Continuation of PhD research.
• Annual progress review.

Year 4

• Continuation of PhD research to month 42.
• Overtime period if required.
• Submission of thesis.

All PGRs will have the option to undertake a placement as part of this degree. This will be a research placement.

Successful completion of the placement is not a requirement for progression or award of the PhD.

Research placements will be related to the PhD research. The work from the placement will contribute to the research degree project, and will be assessed as part of the thesis examination process as set out in the ‘examination and assessment’ section.

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 PGRs must undergo assessment by no later than 24 months of study.

The decision to transfer will be based on the submission of appropriate material for assessment and all 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 PGR. 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 and 12 months for part-time PGRs studying at 0.5 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 published on the postgraduate research policies and procedures page.

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.

Except with the special permission of the relevant committee, every PGR 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 
• the end of the eighth year after their entry upon the approved course of part-time study and research at 0.5 FTE.

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

• a total of 30 months of full-time study 
• a total of 60 months of part-time study at 0.5 FTE.

Following 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:

• a) The PGR 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.
• b) The PGR 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 PGR whose thesis has been referred for the degree of PhD may, subject to approval by the Head of their 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.

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 PGR’s thesis, or alternative form of thesis, and performance under oral examination. Assessment will involve the achievement of the PGR 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

• Standard period of study: 42 months
• Overtime period: six months
• Maximum time limit: 48 months
• Earliest submission: 30 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 (0.5 FTE)

• Standard period of study: 84 months
• Overtime period: 12 months
• Maximum time limit: 96 months
• Earliest submission: 60 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
• Annual leave allocation: 13 days per year
• Maximum suspension/extension: 36 months
• Maximum resubmission deadline following referral: 18 months.