Research and Innovation
Research excellence
Leeds is recognised as a global centre for research in the arts and humanities, achieving 44th in the world for Arts and Humanities (QS World Rankings by Subject 2023) and with a consistent record of performing exceptionally in UK measures of quality, excellence and impact. As one of the largest and most diverse arts and humanities faculty in the UK, our research projects range widely by period, geography and theme but are united by their focus on innovation, academic rigour and global reach.
- School of Design
- School of English
- School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
- School of History
- School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
- School of Media and Communication
- School of Music
- School of Performance and Cultural Industries
- School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
- Institute for Medieval Studies
- Inter-discplinary Ethics Applied Centre
School of Design
We are committed to interdisciplinary research across all areas of Design from investigating the latest trends to developing new design ideas to benefit society.
MoreSchool of English
Our research interests span centuries, cross continents, and bridge disciplines. We blend theory with practice, and work closely with both subject areas across the University and cultural organisations nationwide.
MoreSchool of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
Our research brings together the studies and practice of fine art, art history, cultural studies, and museums, galleries and heritage.
MoreSchool of History
As a large and diverse School, our research span is broad. Our research covers a wide range of historical periods, geographies and themes.
MoreSchool of Languages, Cultures and Societies
We conduct world-leading research into human languages, cultures, and societies past and present.
MoreSchool of Media and Communication
We're a leading centre for media and communications research, collaborating with academic institutions, the public sector and media industries, both in the UK and across the globe.
MoreSchool of Music
We bring together scholars, performers, and composers. Our research clusters provide a creative academic context for PhD student supervision, collaborative research and impact building, and they also identify key themes within our research: Music as Culture; Music and Science and Making Music.
MoreSchool of Performance and Cultural Industries
Our research takes a critical and applied approach to exploring the role that performance and the arts play in the creative, cultural and social aspects of society.
MoreSchool of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
Our researchers form a strong and diverse community and work with a wide range of organisations from global organisations to community groups.
MoreInstitute for Medieval Studies
We undertake a wide range of interdisciplinary research spanning the middle ages and encompassing a variety of key themes.
MoreInter-discplinary Ethics Applied Centre
Our diverse interests and professional connections enable us to produce research of immediate and global relevance.
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Working across disciplines
Arts and humanities research at Leeds is truly exceptional: our world-class research community is highly collaborative, socially engaged, and at the forefront of our disciplines. Our research reaches across boundaries, working with partners in policy, business, healthcare, charities and the arts, to generate innovative insights and to help address the challenges that shape our world.
Culture Theme
Leeds is committed to working across disciplines to help tackle global challenges in areas including culture. Find out more about how the Faculty views global challenges through a cultural lens.
Leeds Arts and Humanities Research Institute
The Institute initiates and incubates the development of interdisciplinary research across and beyond the arts and humanities. The Institute creates opportunities for collaborative and inclusive working for researchers at every career stage by running training programmes, sharing opportunities, and supporting funding bid development.
Cultural Institute
The Cultural Institute has three main aims: to increase pioneering research collaborations with creative sector partners, to widen cultural engagement and participation and to build the skills of our students.
We thrive on ideas from the creative and cultural sector and nurture partnership between arts professionals, researchers and students from all disciplines.