Entry to the research degree programme is 1st October, although, in exceptional circumstances, entry may be made at other times at the discretion of the Programme Director.

The Application Process

If you are interested in applying for our PhD or MA by Research programmes, please follow the steps below. However, for the 1+3 programme (where you study for a taught Masters and then a PhD) we need to assess your suitability for both elements at the same time, so you would need to complete the steps below as well as a Masters application.

All completed research applications will first be reviewed by the relevant division in the Business School and then forwarded to potential supervisors. Candidates will only be offered a place on the programme if a suitable supervisory team is agreed. Please note that it is generally easier to find supervisory teams when research proposals fit closely with the research interests of staff (for more information, see step 1 ‘locating your research’).

Step 1: Locating Your Research

Before you apply, it is important that you take the time to review our current research activity to identify where your research interests link to our work and expertise.  If you have not already done so, please read locating your research as this will form part of your application form.

If you have located your research within the Accounting and Finance Division please note that applications for the PhD are now closed for October 2013 entry.  Our next entry for the PhD in the Accounting and Finance Division will be October 2014 and applications will be open from October 2013.

Please note that applications for the 1 year MSc Research in Accounting and Finance + 3 year PhD (1+3 programme) commencing in September 2013 are still open, please see our funding and scholarship page for further information.

Step 2: Gathering Supporting Documentation

To speed up the application process, we would recommend that you have the supporting documents below ready to submit with your application form.

  • Research proposal. This document is essential in identifying potential supervisors. See writing your research proposal for further details. You will be asked to upload an electronic copy of your research proposal.
  • Certified copies of qualification certificates for all your higher education and professional qualifications.
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts for all your higher education qualifications. This is an official university listing of the full set of marks contributing to the overall grade of your qualification.
  • Two sealed references. You should obtain letters of reference from two people that have taught you at Bachelors or, preferably, Masters level and are able to comment on your academic ability and suitability for study at research degree level. We require either a reference form with an official stamp or a letter of reference on official letter headed notepaper.  Please do not include testimonials with your application. Standard reference form for postgraduate research study
  • English Language Certificate. Where applicable, we require evidence that you meet our English language requirements. For further information, please visit our entry requirements page.

Step 3: Apply Online

The first thing you need to do is download and complete the Locating your Research Form

If you have located your research within the Accounting and Finance Division please note that applications for the PhD are now closed for October 2013 entry.  Our next entry for the PhD in the Accounting and Finance Division will be October 2014 and applications will be open from October 2013.

Please note that applications for the 1 year MSc Research in Accounting and Finance + 3 year PhD (1+3 programme) commencing in September 2013 are still open, please see our funding and scholarship page for further information.

You then need to complete the online application form (opens in new window).  The ‘locating your research’ business school form and all supporting documentation can be uploaded to the online application form or emailed to phd@lubs.leeds.ac.uk.

A paper application form is available on request.

For further information on the application process, please email the Business School's Research Office or visit Research Student Administration.