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We're recruiting the next generation of researchers who want to change the world – are you one of them?

Building on our reputation for world-leading research, we provide opportunities for aspiring researchers to gain a PhD or MbR across our wide range of subject areas.​

Our research degrees are awarded by the University of Leeds, so you'll get the best of both worlds.

You'll get a world-renowned research qualification and access to one of the most extensive research libraries in the country, along with close personal contact with our own internationally acclaimed researchers. 

Fees and finance 

Details of the annual tuition fee for studying a self-funded PhD or Masters by Research for UK/EU students and for International students can be found here:

• UK / Home Postgraduate tuition fees
• International Tuition Fees

Apply for a research degree

Once you've read the Admissions Policy below and know you've got the necessary qualifications to apply, you'll need to contact a related subject area academic who can agree to be your potential supervisor.

Supporting documents and a potential supervisor are the first steps to applying to a postgraduate research degree.

You need at least two references who should be qualified to comment on your educational background and potential for your chosen programme of study.

Once you've got these, you're ready to apply with the below application form, which you should then return to [email protected] .

Get in touch

Contact our Research team:

• call  0113 283 7100  (extension 121)
• email  [email protected]  

Postgraduate Research Admissions Policy Postgraduate Research Admissions Policy (PDF 233KB)

Postgraduate research application form Postgraduate research application form (Word 126KB)

Research degree handbook

Take a look at our latest Research degree handbook, produced by the Research Office.

Research Degree Handbook 2023-2024 Research Degree Handbook 2023-2024 (PDF 800KB)

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• THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
• Funded PhDs and studentships
• Fees and finance
• Talk to an academic supervisor
• Writing a research proposal
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• Masters by Research (Mres)
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At Leeds Beckett University, we offer a range of postgraduate research degrees that provide research training, enhanced employment opportunities and the chance to develop advanced skills and expertise in a specific area of interest to you.

Academic Schools

Different research degrees

Research Centres and Institutes

Network of Postgraduate Research Supervisors

Masters by Research (MRES)

One year full-time, two years part-time

If you are looking to take your first steps in research, then an MRes programme could be ideal. It is a stepping stone between undergraduate and PhD-level research. It is particularly suitable if you are moving into a new subject area and want to explore different career or academic research options.

More about the Mres programme

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Three years full time, four years part-time

An MPhil research degree is a masters qualification completed to the same academic quality as a PhD. It is ideal for those wanting to complete their degree in a shorter time period than a PhD. You will gain a significant grounding in research methods and skills that will equip you to have a successful career in your field of study or to continue your studies and complete a PhD.

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

three years full-time, six years part-time

A PhD is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a thesis (of up to 100,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination). You will contribute new knowledge to your field and you will disseminate your findings by means of peer-reviewed output and a thesis. Throughout your PhD journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training to enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Practice

three years full-time, five years part-time

A Doctor of Philosophy in Creative Practice (PhD Creative Practice) is awarded to a candidate who has satisfactorily completed, or been exempted from, an approved programme of research training; has investigated or critically studied an appropriate topic resulting in a significant contribution to knowledge; and has presented a satisfactory substantial body of creative work and a contextual thesis. The candidate is required to defend the thesis by oral examination.

PHD by existing published work

One year part-time

This option is available to Leeds Beckett staff and alumni only. There is also an option to submit for a PhD by Existing Published Work. For this award, you will already have a series of original creative works – typically, academic or professional journal papers - that make a significant contribution to knowledge in your area of expertise. You will produce an abridged review that links the works. Together, this review and the existing published work, form the thesis you will defend by oral examination.

Doctor of Professional Studies (DPROF)

Four years part-time

DProfs are specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals. They are an opportunity to investigate or critically study a topic of interest. A DProf is ideal if you are seeking recognition and further development at the highest level, whether professionally or in academia.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)*

Five years part-time

Aimed at business managers and leaders, consultants and other professionals including academics, a DBA offers an opportunity to gain a professional doctorate - the highest level of professional qualification available in business and management. Drawing on the work of international experts in our Leeds Business School, you will learn about the latest management techniques and research methods. The skills and knowledge you gain will equip you to improve your personal effectiveness and the performance of your organisation and those who work in it. Further information on Professional Doctorates

Doctorate in Education (EDD)*

If you are an education professional, the innovative EdD will deepen your knowledge and understanding of contemporary educational issues. It is a qualification that demonstrates skill in applied research and strong professional development. Further information on Professional Doctorates

Doctorate of Engineering (DENG)*

The DEng is a programme of research based on the advanced study of engineering or applied sciences and professional practice in engineering. Further information on Professional Doctorates

Doctorate of Creative Arts (DCA)*

The DCA is a programme of research focused on the creative arts. This exciting new doctoral programme at Leeds Beckett University is aimed at both practicing artists and professionals working in the arts field. Whether you are a painter or a filmmaker, a gallery curator or working in community arts, you can study in a flexible way which suits your working life. Under the supervision of our expert staff you can develop either a practice-based project or a traditional written thesis which build on your professional practice Further information on Professional Doctorates

Doctor of Professional practice in Sport (DPROF. Sport)*

The title of Doctor of Professional Practice in Sport (DProf. Sport) is reserved for programmes of research focused on professional practice in sport-related subjects including Sport Coaching, Sport and Exercise Science, Sport and Exercise Physiology, Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, Sport and Exercise Nutrition, Sport and Exercise Psychology, Sport Development, Sport Business, Sport Marketing, Physical Education, and Physical Activity and Health. Further information on Professional Doctorates

*The DBA, DProf. Sport, EdD, DEng and DCA are designed for professionals working in their relevant fields. These programmes of study supplement the practical experience developed in the workplace with an advanced understanding of your subject area and significant research expertise.

Professional Doctorates in the School of Built environment, engineering and computing

The School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing offer a range of professional doctorates aimed at practising professionals in the built environment and engineering fields. Our professional doctorates will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate and develop advanced knowledge and skills necessary to undertake and complete a practical research and development project. Visit the School of Built Environment, Engineering and Computing for more details. Further information on Professional Doctorates

Contact The Graduate School

• 0113 812 5375
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Funded Phds and studentships

Did you know? You can actually get paid to study your area of interest.

Funded PhD opportunities across our academic schools give you the chance to work on a specific research project and have your fees funded by our university and/or an external partner organisation. They may also include a bursary.

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Learn to Lead Through Crisis

You are here.

Leadership coaching aimed at empathy, transparency and steady vision can help executives build crisis communications confidence.

Key factors to effectively lead through crisis

Cunningham notes a few key traits leaders should exhibit in times of crisis:

• Transparency 
Stakeholders have the right to information and explanation about what leaders do and don’t know about an ongoing situation.
• Empathy Unfortunately, empathy tends to take a back seat during stressful times. There is a big need to bring in empathy and connect emotionally and elevate the human connection with other stakeholders. Empathy can show up in a lot of ways. Simple messages such as “I am scared too” can go a long way toward acknowledging the stress and anxiety people may feel.
• Clarity Sometimes leaders feel responsible and need to answer questions. This leads to guesses and assumptions that don’t benefit anyone. Saying “I don’t know” increases credibility as opposed to lying. Minimizing or shifting blame is never the right way to handle a crisis situation.   
• Frequency In a crisis, there is a “golden hour” within the first hour of a crisis where there needs to be an expectation to provide information to help navigate all the uncertainty. With changes in technologies, rapid response is expected to control the flow of information.
• Steady Vision Another aspect of leadership is to hold a vision. A leader must be able to see the big picture and create the right messaging related to empathy and reputation. Reassurance and long-term vision can help ease some of the difficulties during a crisis.

When crisis inevitably comes, good leaders must know how to navigate in the moment – during the most critical moments. Teams of people and healthy organizations depend on it.

During crisis, yes, leaders are concerned about organizational reputation and lasting impacts, but the physical safety of stakeholders and an intentional focus on their emotional wellbeing should always come first.

Dr. Cory Cunningham , a faculty member at Leeds who teaches the crisis leadership module in the LEED: Executive Leadership program , knows that leaders who are prepared to stay steady during workplace situations like active shooters, fires, natural disasters and rogue employee escalations, can effectively manage teams through crisis.

Cunningham earned her PhD in organizational communication and crisis communications from the University of Oklahoma in 2009, during the time of the Virginia Tech shooting. Her focus came from an interest in exploring the communications aspects in heighted situations to prepare and respond effectively in those times of immediate crisis.

“A crisis is an opportunity for a leader to emerge,” Cunningham says. “People can rise to the surface during this time. Those with high levels of emotional intelligence and those leaders naturally skilled in persuasion and influence can rise to prominence if given the opportunity during a crisis.”

Crisis leadership vs. crisis management

Cunningham says there is always the need for leaders to be inspiring and acknowledge the human aspect of business, but especially so during times of crisis when emotions are high, and people tend to be more reactive. During a crisis, the best leaders are capable of self-regulating and remaining calm and cool.

Crisis leadership is reactive and focuses on real-time reaction to an unplanned or unexpected crisis when it hits and how to navigate it. Crisis management, alternatively, focuses on pre-crisis steps for planned situations that can include crisis preparation, due diligence and risk assessment.

Ready to be a better leader during times of crisis? Leeds will offer our Executive Leadership program on campus in May with a class focused on crisis communications and leadership. The module will look at the crisis model: pre-crisis, crisis and pro-crisis. You will drill down into the pre-crisis aspect and focus on strategies and best practices for leaders/organizations to be doing on an ongoing basis. You will take away key skills related to proactive thinking and inquiry to help you be more proactive in a variety of high-stress situations. Learn more and register for this executive leadership opportunity .

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