phd in education leeds university

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Education
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification.

Studying for a PhD in Education will allow you to become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training, which will equip you to undertake further educational research projects.

PhD in Education

As a PhD candidate, you will carry out original research work under the guidance of one or more supervisors.

An initial priority for a doctorate degree is refining your research plan and establishing a feasible timescale for the project. During the early part of the PhD programme, you will embark on various research methods modules to support your research activities.

We award the Doctor of Philosophy degree on the basis of a PhD thesis in which you present the rationale, methods and findings from your original study.

A PhD can be taken full-time (three years) or part-time (five years).

Areas of supervision

Postgraduate researchers are at the centre of the School of Education’s work.

We undertake impactful research in key areas of educational policy and practice, placing particular emphasis on the relevance of our work for practitioners and policymakers.

Our PhD supervision offers a wide breadth of research activity across our research centres and groups:

• Collective for Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy
• Digital Education
• Inclusion, Childhood and Youth
• Language Education

Many of our academic staff are also involved in the Leeds Social Science Institute which fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations and provides training for our postgraduate researchers.

Split-site PhD

Our split-site PhD allows international candidates to study for a PhD part-time.

You can find more details and an application form for the split-site PhD via the Student Education Service . 

The difference between a PhD and an EdD

The PhD and EdD are both supervised research degrees involving the submission of a thesis and a viva voce (oral) examination.

The PhD is awarded entirely on the basis of research, leading to a thesis of up to 100,000 words. 

The EdD combines taught modules and research, leading to a thesis of up to 55,000 words, and is also called a professional doctorate.

The taught component of the EdD means that this route is suitable for people without a Masters degree.

The EdD programme forms part of our Continuing Professional Development provision.

Leeds Doctoral College

Your community

Supporting your postgraduate research experience

Leeds Doctoral College guides you through your postgraduate research experience. We connect our whole researcher community and put you in touch with the services, support and opportunities you need.

Within the Doctoral College, there are seven  faculty graduate schools . Your graduate school is your main point of contact for any questions about your programme or anything relating to your studies.

The Doctoral College can advise you on a wide range of issues and has close links with the services available to you, including the Library , Leeds University Union , the Careers Service , Organisational Development and Professional Learning (OD&PL), Disability Services , and Student Counselling and Wellbeing .  

The Doctoral College also advertises opportunities, training and workshops available for postgraduate researchers through Microsoft Teams.

The Leeds doctorate

What you can expect as a postgraduate researcher at Leeds

Influence your experience

Voice your ideas and influence change through a network of postgraduate researcher representatives.

Please get in touch if you have a query not covered on this website. 

Email Leeds Doctoral College via [email protected] .

If you're an existing Leeds postgraduate researcher, join the Leeds Doctoral College Microsoft Teams space for announcements, courses and resources. Contact your graduate school for more information.

Related links

• Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
• School of English
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Undertaking a PhD allows you to develop in-depth knowledge and make a meaningful contribution to your chosen field.

With expert guidance from two co-supervisors, you'll carry out an extensive independent research project on a topic of your choice and produce a thesis of up to 100,000 words.

This degree presents the opportunity to gain expertise in your area of interest while also honing a range of transferable skills. On graduating, you'll be very well prepared for specialist career paths both within academia and beyond.

When you first join us, you'll complete a series of induction activities that will prepare you for your upcoming research. You'll have access to additional training and resources  on academic skills during your degree.

Once you begin your studies, you'll work closely with your supervisors to outline the content and structure of your project, as well as the process and schedule you'll follow. This helps to ensure that your research will be a significant, original contribution to your field that you can realistically complete within the timescale.

Your supervisors will continue to provide support and guidance throughout your time with us, giving feedback and helping to shape your project as your research progresses.

For your first 12 months (18 months part time) you'll be a provisional PhD student. At the end of this period you'll submit work for assessment, and receive feedback on your progress. This process is called your transfer; after you complete this you'll be enrolled as a full PhD student.

Your research will be assessed on the strength of your thesis and an oral examination called a viva voce, enabling you to present your findings in both written and spoken form. You'll submit your thesis for assessment before attending your viva.

In your viva, you'll be asked about your thesis and wider research by a panel of expert examiners. This helps to make sure that your work is original, comprehensive, and clearly situated within your field of study.

Usually, your viva examiners will suggest some minor or major changes that you'll need to make before they'll award your degree. They may also ask you to resubmit it after those changes have been made. This is a great opportunity to refine your thesis based on feedback from experts in your field.

If you study full time, you'll usually complete your PhD in three years. You can fit your studies around other commitments by studying part time, in which case your PhD will take five years to complete.

Whether you study full time or part time, you'll have the option to spend an additional year writing up, depending on how your research is progressing.

Areas of supervision

Our research community is diverse and innovative, with expertise in a wide range of specialisms.  Explore our research and view our staff members to find out how we can cater for your interests.

We encourage interdisciplinary research, and work closely with other subject areas across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures . We can also arrange joint supervision by researchers in two different subject areas, to ensure you receive all the guidance you need.

Practice-led research

Our School is home to many active creative practitioners, making it the ideal place to study for a practice-led PhD. We offer expert supervision in both creative writing and performance-based theatre studies.

You'll be assessed on a thesis of between 15,000 and 50,000 words, a viva voce, and a body of creative work such as a collection of poems or a programme of immersive performances.

You'll investigate your central research questions through the development of your creative practice, using your thesis to provide critical commentary and context to your findings.

To learn more contact our research degrees team or a staff member in your area of interest .

PhD by online learning

The School of English also offers a PhD by online learning programme which is available to UK, EU and International applicants. PhD by online learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and with a part time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

The programme is aimed at suitably qualified Postgraduate Researcher candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site. There are a number of reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Leeds whilst undertaking your PhD which include the following:

Your research project requires substantial access to resources and facilities located at a different site

You have employment commitments relevant to your project that prevents you from being based in Leeds

Your PhD has been arranged as part of a specific partnership/sponsorship arrangement

For further information, please contact  Dr Pammi Sinha ,  Head of the Graduate School. 

Entry requirements

To study for a PhD with us you'll need a Masters degree in English literature or a related subject.

If English isn't your first language you'll also need an English language qualification ; in the IELTS, for example, we ask for 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each component.

Pre-sessional English

You can improve your academic English level to the standard needed to study a postgraduate research degree by taking one of the following pre-sessional courses:

• 6-week: Language for postgraduate researchers
• 10-week: Language for Social Science and Arts: postgraduate researchers

We accept a range of alternative qualifications for both academic and English language qualifications.  Contact us   for more information.

You'll also need a very well-defined plan for your research project, as you'll submit a detailed research proposal with your application.

Sara Brio PhD English

I began pursuing my MA and, subsequently, my PhD at Leeds so that I could further develop my own academic skills and, in so doing, learn how to better educate others. I had never been to Leeds and knew nothing about the city or the University apart from the fact that it had an excellent reputation in English literature and the staff seemed incredible. Thankfully, that has only been proven more and more true the longer I have been here.

Research opportunities

Phd studentship in planetary/interstellar chemistry.

The School of Chemistry is offering a PhD studentship, funded by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), in the general areas of planetary and interstellar chemistry. The studentship is for 3.5 years, with a start date of 1 October 2024. The primary supervisor will be either Professor Dwayne Heard or Professor John Plane, and the project can be a blend of experimental laboratory work and atmospheric modelling. Co-supervisors may include staff from the Schools of Chemistry, Physics & Astronomy, and Earth & Environment at Leeds. Current areas of research in the School include: cold interstellar chemistry; dust formation in the circumstellar envelopes of evolved stars; the chemistry of metals which ablate from cosmic dust, and the formation of ice clouds, in the atmospheres of Mars and Venus; and the atmospheric composition, chemistry and habitability of rocky exoplanets. Applications are encouraged in any of these general areas. Enquires are welcome to Dwayne Heard ([email protected]) and John Plane ([email protected]). Applicants should have a degree in chemistry, physics, astronomy or related subjects. Note that this studentship is open to both UK and international students.

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are pplying for <em><strong>PHD Chemistry FT</strong></em>&nbsp;and in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:107%"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">PhD Studentship in Planetary/Interstellar Chemistry</span></span></span></strong></em> as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4175/professor-dwayne-heard-">Professor Dwayne Heard</a> or <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/4195/professor-john-plane-frs">Professor John Plane</a> as your proposed supervisor.&nbsp; Please state in the Finance section that the funding you are applying for is&nbsp;<em><strong>STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date for applications. &nbsp;Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. &nbsp;We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 8 May 2024:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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 chemistry, physics, astronomy or related subjects. 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.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive Science &amp; Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship offering the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant of &pound;19,237 per year for 3.5&nbsp;years. Training and support will also be provided.<br /> <br /> This opportunity is open to all applicants. All candidates will be placed into the STFC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.<br /> <br /> <em><strong>Important:</strong></em>&nbsp; Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <em><strong>not</strong></em> covered under this studentship.</p> <p>Please refer to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a>&nbsp;website for&nbsp;information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">For further information about your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Dwayne Heard by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>&nbsp;or Professor John Plane by email to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>

Sustainability

Student Spotlight: Beckie Lait presents her research at sustainability conferences

Read about Beckie Lait's experience presenting her research at two sustainability conferences in Leeds and London.

Beckie Lait, who is currently undertaking a PhD in Management at the University of York, recently presented her research at the annual Student Sustainability Research Conference (SSRC24) in Leeds.

Beckie’s excellent abstract submission was ranked in the top three presentations out of over 100 applications and, as a result, she was also given the opportunity to present at the London Student Sustainability Research Conference (LSSRC) at Imperial College London, which took place earlier in February.

We asked Beckie to tell us more about her research and experience presenting at these conferences. Read below to find out what she said:

Tell us a bit about your research.

After graduating with an undergraduate and master’s degree in Theoretical Physics from the University of Manchester, I am now undertaking a PhD with the University of York and the TUKFS’s FixOurFood programme to apply my physics education to researching the impact of the food system on the climate crisis and other pressing social and environmental issues. 

With animal agriculture using 83% of farmland globally, while supplying only 18% of calories, significant climate change mitigations can be achieved through livestock and meat reduction strategies. Despite an urgent need to address this, existing research has reported cases of decision-making proceedings being overly shaped by influential participants. By bridging a gap between these causes of climate change and some of the barriers that hinder transformational change in the food system, my PhD research aims to investigate the power dynamics in the UK meat and livestock system in order to enable more positive transformations to occur. 

By mapping out key interconnected relationships, perspectives and flows of resources, and analysing contestations around meat and livestock reduction strategies, my research will aim to identify key leverage points in the system that can accelerate the understanding of the actions that would contribute to a more sustainable, fair and healthy food system.

Tell us about your experience presenting at the conferences in London and Leeds.

In February and March, I had a really wonderful experience presenting at the London and Leeds sustainability conferences. They were inspiring events, full of rich discussions, engaging presentations and inspiring key notes. Receiving feedback on my work from a range of students, stakeholders, researchers and more, each of whose own topics delve into all things sustainability, was refreshing and invaluable. 

What have you learned from these experiences?

From presenting posters and giving presentations at these conferences, I feel that I have learned how to more effectively engage with others. By learning from others and engaging in a range of discussions, I feel as though I have learned how to better convey my research and tailor my explanations to suit a range of academics, fellow students, stakeholders and more. 

Given that the audience for each presentation consisted of individuals whose perspectives varied greatly in some ways and were very aligned in others, it was valuable to learn about how to find common ground and use this to continually learn from each other and also to develop the depth and nuance of my own work.

What do you hope to do in the future after you have completed your PhD?

I hope to utilise my research and the knowledge I am developing about the way that the food system works, its drivers, its barriers and its complexities to accelerate change to a more fair, healthy and sustainable system. While I am not yet sure of the specific role that I want to be in in order to achieve this, my aim will be that it can make a real and significant impact on the world around us.

A huge thank you to Beckie for sharing her sustainability PhD project and conference experience with us!

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