Value creation through projects

Key facts

Projects are a key vehicle to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering infrastructure developments across the world. The creation of value through projects is particularly difficult when there are diverse stakeholders that represent different interests and expertise, and there is a need to reconcile economic, social and environmental outcomes. We are interested in focusing on aspects of research that might address these issues.

The project management group is a vibrant group that undertakes cutting-edge research initiatives at the intersections with other disciplines. We are interested in improving the development and delivery of projects with a particular focus on complex infrastructure and megaprojects. The researchers in our group come from an interdisciplinary background and have directly interact with industry professionals and policymakers. Our group delivers a very successful suite of MSc programmes and works with a group of PhDs who contribute to enhancing our research activity.

Examples of our recent research projects

Leading community projects for sustainable innovation

Leadership: Responding to complexity

Building resilience in construction

Industry collaborations

Outputs from our work have been used by organisations such as the National Audit Office, the Nuclear Decommissioning Agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Investment Bank, the World Economic Forum and the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. We have strong links with professional project management organisations such as the Association for Project Management (APM), Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Major Project Association (MPA) and have a presence on a number of their committees and advisory groups.

To apply for this project you will need to make a formal application for research degree study through the University website. You will need to create a login ID with a username and PIN.

• For Application type please select Research Degrees – Research Postgraduate.

• The admission year for this project is 2027/28 Academic Year.

• You will need to select your Planned Course of Study from a drop-down menu. For this project, scroll down and select PHP Civil Engineering Full Time.

• The project start date for this project is 1 October 2027, please use this as your Proposed Start Date of Research.

• Please state clearly in the Research Information Section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Value creation through projects as well as Dr Dicle Kortantamer as your proposed supervisor.

Please state clearly in the Finance section, the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.

More information on how to apply is available on our website here. You will be required to provide a personal statement which outlines your interest in the project you are applying for, why you have chosen it and how your skills map onto the requirements of the project.

We will assess applications continuously as we receive them. We welcome and strongly encourage any potential applicants to contact the supervisor(s) for an informal discussion, prior to applying, and recommend submitting your application early.

If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:

Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme

Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).

As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

This is a non funded PhD project. Applicants are expected to be self funded or to secure external funding.

You can find out more about our Funding Opportunities on our Postgraduate Research Opportunities website.

Important: Please note that all costs associated with your arrival at Leeds (visa, Immigration Health Surcharge, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source.

For further information about your application, including how to apply, please contact PGR Admissions by email to epspgradmissions@leeds.ac.uk

For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dicle Kortantamer by email to d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk

• Type of research degree: PhD
• Application deadline: Monday 31 May 2027
• Project start date: Friday 1 October 2027
• Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
• Funding: Non-funded
• Supervisors: Dr Dicle Kortantamer
• Schools: School of Civil Engineering

Research areas