Research and Innovation
Research excellence
The University of Leeds is recognised as a global centre for research in the arts and humanities, achieving 53rd in the world for these subjects (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026) 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 faculties 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
- IDEA: The Ethics 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.
MoreIDEA: The Ethics Centre
Our diverse interests and professional connections enable us to produce research of immediate and global relevance.
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Addressing global challenges through a cultural lens
The University of Leeds is committed to working across disciplines to help tackle global challenges in areas including culture. Find out more about how the Faculty views and addresses global challenges through a cultural lens.
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Cultural Heritage Creativity and Technology Hub
As a major anchor for regional and national innovation, the University of Leeds unites world-class research with cutting-edge facilities to transform how we preserve, interpret, and experience culture. Find out more about our distributed ecosystem of specialist research groups, dynamic innovation labs and state-of-the-art technological infrastructure.
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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.
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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.
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Institute for Medieval Studies
Founded in 1967, we are a major centre for research and teaching in Medieval Studies. We approach Medieval Studies through the connected lenses of interdisciplinarity, medievalism, languages and multiculturalism. Our PhD students are co-supervised by academic experts from a broad range of subject areas across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures.
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IDEA: The Ethics Centre
IDEA: The Ethics Centre is a specialist unit for teaching, research, training, and consultancy in applied ethics. For two decades, our diverse and vibrant community has brought ethics to life, blending in-depth theoretical enquiry with real-world experience to address the most complex ethical issues facing the world today.
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Poetry@Leeds
We foster a unique environment for research, teaching and public engagement and celebrate and facilitate excellence in poetry, within and beyond the University of Leeds.
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Language@Leeds
Language@Leeds is an interdisciplinary network for language research and scholarship encompassing expertise from the arts and humanities, social sciences, biological sciences, computing and engineering. We work to maximise the positive impact of language research on society.
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AHC Research Newsletter
Stay connected with the latest in research from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. Our newsletter showcases groundbreaking projects, researchers' activities and achievements, funding opportunities, cultural highlights, and examples of our talented academics' creative practice. Whether you're looking for inspiration or collaboration, there's something for everyone.