1. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
  2. School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
  3. Research degrees
  4. Integrated Degree of PhD and Master in Languages and Cultures

Integrated Degree of PhD and Master in Languages and Cultures

The Integrated PhD and MA (IPhD) in Languages and Cultures is a unique four-year full-time doctoral programme designed to bridge the gap between taught postgraduate education and independent doctoral research. The programme is available in three pathways: Applied Linguistics and Language Education, Intercultural Studies, and Contemporary Translation Studies. It combines advanced postgraduate study with independent doctoral research, providing a structured and supportive route into a Leeds PhD.

The programme

  • Award: Integrated Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master in Advanced Studies in Languages and Cultures
  • School: Languages, Cultures and Societies
  • Attendance: Full-time
  • Duration: 4 years, with an optional fifth year for writing up
  • Start date: October 2027
  • Programme lead: Professor Clare Wright
  • Pathways:
    • Applied Linguistics and Language Education
    • Intercultural Studies
    • Translation Studies

Why study this programme?

  • Structured transition from postgraduate study into doctoral research.
  • Opportunity to strengthen a research proposal before transfer.
  • Cohort-based doctoral training and support.
  • Access to interdisciplinary expertise across the University.
  • Training in innovative methodologies and digital research methods.
  • Suitable for applicants returning from professional practice as well as recent graduates.

Structure

Year 1

During Year 1 you complete 120 credits of taught master's-level study selected from existing programmes in Linguistics, Linguistics for English Language Teaching, Professional Language and Intercultural Studies, and Translation, Interpreting and Localisation. You also begin a 60-credit Advanced Studies research project and participate in cohort-based doctoral induction and training. A supervisory team is appointed at the start of Semester 2.

Year 2 

During Year 2 you complete the 60-credit Advanced Studies research project, continue doctoral project development, undertake ethics and data management training, and prepare for transfer. Transfer must be completed by the end of Year 2.

Years 3 and 4

Following successful transfer, students continue on the standard University of Leeds PhD route, including annual progress reviews and completion of an original doctoral thesis.

Admissions

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally have:

  • A relevant MA or equivalent qualification.
  • A research proposal.
  • A statement of research intentions of approximately 1,000 words including:
    • description of a research issue;
    • brief literature review;
    • methodological approach.

English language

  • IELTS 6.5 overall.
  • No component below 6.0.

Interview

  • Applicants should expect an interview, following the current PhD admissions process.

Pathways

Applied Linguistics and Language Education

Research and training focused on applied linguistics, language learning, language teaching, discourse, multilingualism and related areas. 

Intercultural Studies

Research and training focused on intercultural communication, professional language and intercultural practice. 

Translation Studies

Research and training focused on translation, localisation, interpreting and language technologies.