How to apply

Our entry requirements

If your first language is not English then you'll need to meet our English Language requirements which are currently: 

• IELTS score of 6.5, with at least a 6.0 in all components;
• Or an equivalent English language test or qualification.  Further details can be found here: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-applying/doc/entry-requirements 

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of the following pre-sessional courses:

• 6-week: Language for postgraduate researchers
• 10-week: Language for Social Science and Arts: postgraduate researchers

The application process  

Before applying we would encourage you to get in touch with the Director of Postgraduate Research to discuss potential research proposals. 

Applications for postgraduate research courses are made through the application portal.

As part of the application process, you'll need to provide a number of documents, these vary by the type of course you are applying for:

• transcript and certificates from your previous or current degrees
• your CV
• a detailed research proposal on your intended topic (maximum 1,000 words)
• two academic references
• if applicable, evidence of English language proficiency
• the names of supervisors you'd be interested in working with.

Once you submit your application, it'll be sent to our admissions team and Director of Postgraduate Research for consideration. We aim to process your application for a place on a course as soon as possible which is usually within 2-4 weeks of receipt. Please note that you will be asked to take part in an interview as part of the application process.

Deadline and timescales

We have two main start dates for our postgraduate research degree programmes: 1st October and 1st February.

We would recommend starting at these times whenever possible so that you have the benefit of a full induction programme. Deadlines to apply for these start dates are below. Applications submitted after these dates will be automatically considered for the next available start date unless otherwise stated. We may be able to consider other start dates throughout the year at the discretion of the School. If you would like to be considered for a different start date, you should apply at least 3 months (for UK applicants) or 4 months (for international applicants), before your proposed start date.

If you are applying for funding you should ensure you apply for the academic place of study well in advance of any scholarship deadlines. The majority of scholarship deadlines are in January and will stipulate an October start date. 

Scholarships deadlines

If you intend to apply for scholarships these usually have deadlines early in the year and most require you to have already secured your place on a course. We advise you to apply for a place on the PhD at least 6 weeks before a scholarship deadline.