Researching with us

As a postgraduate researcher in the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies (LCS), you will be welcomed into a relaxed and friendly research community where we support and inspire each other throughout your academic journey.
You will benefit from the range of opportunities and services outlined below, which will help support your studies and enhance your career prospects.

Libraries

There are four libraries across campus, and the postgraduate research hub in the Edward Boyle Library has group and social spaces to encourage interdisciplinary discussion and collaboration, as well as plenty of individual study spaces. 
You will also have access to the Library’s researcher support programme, which will show you how to develop skills in searching for literature, how to deal with research data management, how to make your research more visible, and help you understand issues around copyright, open access, and more.

Graduate School

As a postgraduate researcher, you will have access to the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures Graduate School which can assist you with any specific queries you might have about your candidature, from funding payments and extensions to training opportunities and graduation.

Leeds Doctoral College

The Leeds Doctoral College provides additional enhancement opportunities available to you as a postgraduate researcher, including training and development programmes, events and seminars.

Wellbeing

Your wellbeing is very important to us, which is why we have experts on campus who can provide regular assistance to support you through your PhD.

Student community

LCS has a vibrant, diverse and supportive community. We have a total community of around 150 postgraduate researchers, with around 30 new members starting each October and a further 5 or 6 starting in February. Our postgraduate researchers have their own shared work and social spaces, and organise their own events, both social and academic, as well as collaborate with all the LCS research centres and networks. Each year we elect a range of postgraduate researcher representatives so that your collective voice is heard within the School, and we also recruit a number of paid postgraduate researcher interns to help organise research events, produce our newsletter and run the training programme for new postgraduate researchers.

Leeds University Union offers the ideal opportunity for you to meet people from across the University and take a break from your research. There are a variety of clubs and societies. The Union also organises a number of social activities especially for postgraduates, such as pizza and film nights, walks, and even garden therapy.