Types of research degree

About the project

We offer a range of postgraduate research degrees which provide training in research, enhanced employment opportunities and the chance to develop advanced skills and expertise.

For more information about supervisory expertise and research projects available, contact the postgraduate research admissions teams directly.

Doctorates

A doctorate is one of the highest degrees awarded by universities in the UK. You will be required to submit a thesis consisting of evidence of originality and independent critical ability, which is considered suitable for publication. You will also be required to defend your thesis before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the University.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a final thesis (of up to 100,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination). The standard period of study for a full-time PhD is three years, and for part-time five years.

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

The Doctor of Medicine is for fully qualified medical doctors. It is similar to a PhD, but often contains a component of clinical research and can sometimes be completed more quickly. This degree normally takes two years full time or three years part time.

Professional Doctorates

Professional Doctorates are specifically designed to meet the needs of practising professionals. Although they involve a significant number of advanced courses, a major part of the programmes involves undertaking a thesis in a similar way to the more traditional PhD. The normal duration is three years full-time and five years part-time except for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology programme which is full-time only.

• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol) apply via the Clearing House
• Doctor of Paediatric Dentistry (DPaedDent)

The Integrated Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy and Master

The integrated degree of PhD and Master combines specialist advanced courses, training and skills courses and research study. This integrated approach gives you a learning environment in which to broaden and deepen your subject knowledge while providing the opportunity for inter-disciplinary study to extend your expertise in new directions.

Integrated degrees normally take four years full time. Several are part of an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded Centre for Doctoral Training. Find out more about Centres for Doctoral Training at Leeds.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a final thesis (of up to 60,000 words) and a viva voce (an oral examination). The standard period of study for a full-time MPhil is two years and for part-time four years.

You will be required to submit a thesis consisting of evidence of an independent contribution to knowledge and scholarship, and sufficient material which is considered suitable for publication. You will also be required to defend your thesis before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the University. This is referred to as a viva.

Masters degrees by research

If you’re intending to pursue a career that requires an understanding of research, then this could be the degree for you. It gives you the opportunity to experience research within one year full time, (or two years part time) and to present a thesis.

The following Masters degrees by research are available:

The Masters by Research is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a final thesis (up to 30,000 words) and a viva voce (oral examination).

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Science (Engineering) (MSc Eng)

Split-site PhD programmes

Candidates of exceptionally high quality are able to apply to study for a split-site PhD, spending some periods of study in Leeds and other periods of study in a research institute or commercial or industrial organisation.

The fees for split-site programmes are set as a percentage of the home/EU or international fees .

In the first instance you must contact your postgraduate research admissions team to find out whether they offer split-site degrees and for full details of their requirements.

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Postgraduate accommodation

We offer accommodation opportunities specifically for postgraduate students.

Research areas