Programme of study for the integrated degree of PhD and MSc Fluid Dynamics (Full-time)  Programme of study for the integrated degree of PhD and MSc Fluid Dynamics (Full-time) — 2026/27

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 the University website. 

This Programme is only available to candidates who have been awarded a studentship through the University of Leeds under the above EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training.  

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

The Standard Period of Study for full-time Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) is 4 years and the Maximum Time Limit is 5 years. The Standard Period of Study for part-time PGRs studying at 0.5FTE is 8 years and the Maximum Time Limit is 10 years.  A table of milestones and deadlines is provided as an annex.   

This programme is not available for study on a Split-site or Distance Learning basis.

PGRs are strongly encouraged to submit their thesis within the Standard Period of Study (4 years FT, 8 years PT), which will usually coincide with the funding period for CDT-funded PGRs.

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 be required successfully to complete a training programme including credit-bearing modules as described.  

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

Year 1

A total of 150 credits in taught modular courses will be taken as well as the research project.  

PGRs will commence research under the direction of their supervisor(s) from Term 3. 

Compulsory training and skills modules:

• SOEE5260M: Professional Development & Skills 1 (15 credits)
• SOEE5261M: Professional Development & Skills 2 (15 credits)

Compulsory specialised subject modules:

• COMP5455M: Data-Driven Fluid Dynamics (15 credits)
• MECH5770M: Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis (15 credits)
• MATH5453M: Foundations of Fluid Dynamics (30 credits)
• MECH5875M: Multidisciplinary Team Project (45 credits)
• MECH5890M: Research Evidence (15 credits)

At the end of the first year, the Fluid Dynamics CDT Management Committee will assess the performance of the PGR based on achievement in the module assessment, required training and other activity.

PGRs will be required to pass at least 135 taught credits including MATH5453M Foundations of Fluid Dynamics to progress on the programme.

Year 2

A total of 30 credits will be taken in taught modular courses, as well as the research project.

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s).

Compulsory training and skills module:

• SOEE5262M Professional Development & Skills 3 (15 credits)

PGRs are required to take one (15 credits) of the following options:

• COMP5930: Scientific Computation (15 credits)
• SOEE5835: Advanced Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 credits)

Other optional modules may be approved. PGRs are advised to discuss this with their supervisors.

PGRs who have been successful in the assessed modules and research components during Year 2 of study, will undergo a Transfer Assessment process at the end of year two.  

PGRs will be required to have passed at least 150 taught credits including MECH5875M Multidisciplinary Team Project and successfully Transfer to full PhD status in order to progress on the programme.

• The First Formal Progress Report will be due by the end of month 16 (January of year two)
• The Transfer Report will be due by the end of month 21 (June of year two):
  • The transfer viva will normally be held during month 22 (July of year two)
  • If minor additions/corrections are required these will normally be completed by the end of month 24 (September of year two), but a longer time scale may be set by the Transfer Panel in accordance with University regulations.

Year 3

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s).

Year 4 

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s).

Year 1

A total of 75 credits in taught modular courses will be taken with time also dedicated over the summer (180 hours) to selecting the research project and undertaking initial reading.  
 
Compulsory training and skills modules:

• SOEE5260M: Professional Development & Skills 1 (15 credits)

Compulsory specialised subject modules:

• MATH5453M: Foundations of Fluid Dynamics (30 credits)
• COMP5455M: Data-Driven Fluid Dynamics (15 credits)
• MECH5890M: Research Evidence (15 credits)

At the end of the first year the Fluid Dynamics CDT Management Committee will assess the performance of the PGR on the basis of achievement in the module assessment, required training and other activity. PGRs will be required to pass at least 60 taught credits including MATH5453M Foundations of Fluid Dynamics in order to progress on the programme.

Year 2

PGRs will continue background research under the direction of their supervisor(s). A total of 75 credits in taught modular courses will be taken as well as work on the research project.

Compulsory training and skills module:

• SOEE5261M: Professional Development & Skills 2 (15 credits)

Compulsory specialist subject module:

• MECH5770M: Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis (15 credits)

Compulsory project module:

• MECH5875M: Multidisciplinary Team Project (45 credits)

At the end of the second year the Fluid Dynamics CDT Management Committee will assess the performance of the PGR on the basis of achievement in the module assessment, required training and other activity. PGRs will be required to have passed at least 120 taught credits including MECH5875M Multidisciplinary Team Project in order to progress on the programme.

Year 3 

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s). A total of 30 credits in taught modular courses will be taken as well as work on the research project.

Compulsory training and skills module:

• SOEE5262M: Professional Development & Skills 3 (15 credits)

PGRs are required to take one (15 credits) of the following options:

• COMP5930: Scientific Computation (15 credits)
• SOEE5835: Advanced Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics (15 credits)

Other semester one optional modules may be approved. PGRs are advised to discuss this with their supervisors.

The First Formal Progress Report will be due by the end of month 32 (May of year three)

PGRs will be required to have passed at least 150 taught credits in order to progress on the programme.

Year 4 

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s). 

PGRs who have been successful in the assessed modules and research components during Years 1-3 of study, will undergo a Transfer Assessment process.  

The Transfer Report will be due by the end of month 42 (March of year four):

• The transfer viva will normally be held during month 43 (April of year four)
• If minor additions/corrections are required these will normally be completed by the end of month 47 (August of year four) but a longer time scale may be set by the Transfer Panel (in accordance with University regulations)

PGRs will be required to successfully Transfer to full PhD status in order to progress on the programme

Year 5 onwards 

PGRs will continue research under the direction of their supervisor(s)

• An Annual Progress Report will be submitted by the end of month 9 (June) of years five, six and seven (and also years eight and nine if thesis submission is not completed or imminent).

All PGRs are initially registered as provisional candidates for the degree of PhD. Following the initial period of provisional registration, PGRs are required to undergo the formal transfer assessment. Successful completion of this assessment is required for progression to full PhD registration and continuation on the doctoral training programme. 

PGRs who do not meet the required standard for transfer to PhD may, where recommended by the Transfer Panel, transfer to the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil). Transfer to MPhil registration would be to the School’s standard MPhil programme which is independent of the doctoral training programme through which the PGR originally enrolled. PGRs who are unsuccessful in the Transfer Assessment for either PhD or MPhil will be required to withdraw from their programme.

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 set out in the year by year descriptors and in Annex: Milestones and deadlines.

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 our 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. In Schools where an alternative form of submission is permitted, specific regulations for the presentation of the work are published.

Except with the special permission of the relevant committee, every candidate is required to submit their thesis for examination for the Integrated degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science by no later than the deadlines stated in this Programme of Study. 

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 the minimum period of study stated in this Programme of Study. 

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

1. Pass 
2. 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 candidate. The degree will not be awarded until confirmation that the corrections have been completed is received. 
3. Referral (see following section for more information). 
4. Recommend award of MPhil for those PGRs 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.
5. 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 candidate. 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.
6. Referral for MPhil (see following section for more information).  In these circumstances the degree of MPhil may not be awarded with distinction. 
7. Fail: the candidate has no further opportunity for submission. 

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: 

1. 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. 
2. 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 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 programme PGRs should have shown evidence of being able:

• to demonstrate in-depth, but also broad-based and interdisciplinary, specialist knowledge and mastery of techniques relevant to Fluid Dynamics: to demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of concepts, information and techniques at the forefront of the discipline;
• to exhibit mastery in the exercise of generic and subject-specific intellectual abilities including fundamental theory, mathematical modelling, numerical methods and experimental techniques;
• to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship;
• to take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others;
• proactively to formulate ideas and hypotheses and to develop, implement and execute plans by which to evaluate these;
• critically and creatively to evaluate current issues, research and advanced scholarship in the discipline.
• undertake a team research project and be able to plan, research, execute and analyse the results from an appropriate programme of work.

PGRs will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

• the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
• 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;
• critically to engage in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms;
• work effectively in an external environment e.g. industry, overseas laboratory.
   

For Masters (Taught) PGRs the learning context will include the analysis of, and decision making in, complex and unpredictable situations.

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

Opportunities will be provided for PGRs to develop: 

• 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 for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the PGRs in:

• evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
• demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
• drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
• evaluating and criticising received opinion;
• making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data;
• presenting work in a variety of ways e.g. oral presentation to academic groups, lay public; examination, viva, coursework;
• handling the written style and overall presentation of the thesis.

• Standard period of study 48 months
• Overtime period: 12 months
• Maximum time limit: 60 months
• Earliest submission: 36 months
• Reduction for earliest submission: 12 months
• Training plan required: 3 months
• First formal progress report: 16 months
• Transfer deadline: 21 months
• Maximum transfer after deferral: 27 months (6 months after transfer)
• Annual progress review: annual post transfer
• Supervision meetings: 10 meetings per year
• Meeting gaps: no more than 8 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
   

• Standard period of study: 96 months
• Overtime period: 24 months
• Maximum time limit: 120 months
• Earliest submission: 72 months
• Reduction for earliest submission: 24 months
• Training plan required: 6 months
• First formal progress report: 32 months
• Transfer deadline: 42 months
• Maximum transfer after deferral: 48 months (6 months after transfer)*
• Annual progress review: annual post transfer
• Supervision meetings: 5 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

*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 (ie to the end of month 36).