The Leeds University Business School PhD
The PhD degree is awarded to students that successfully complete a programme of research training and a piece of original research in the form of a 300-page or 100,000 word thesis. Study for the degree usually takes three years full-time, or five years part-time. A split-site option is available for international students. Applications are considered on a case by case basis.
The PhD Process
As a research student, you will start your studies in October, working full or part-time. If you choose to work full-time, you will have a progress review at the end of your first year. After this review, you will either transfer to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme for a further year, or the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme for two years. Part-time research students have a progress review after two years and transfer for a further two years or three years respectively.
Your supervisors will guide you in the production of a piece of original research. The School's practice is for students to be supervised by two academics. Your supervisors advise on the preparation of your thesis proposal, which is presented to a Business School committee.
If your proposal is approved, your supervisors will then authorise a timetable of work, arrange regular meetings, and provide feedback and advice on the research and preparation of your final thesis. You then submit this thesis at the end of the programme to be judged by a panel of internal and external examiners, appointed by the Business School, at an oral examination or 'viva'.
The Leeds University Business School MPhil
The MPhil degree is awarded to students who successfully complete their research training and a piece of original research in the form of a 200 page or 60,000 word thesis. Study for the MPhil degree usually takes two years full-time, or four years part-time.
All our students follow a programme of formal research training and original research leading to the submission of their thesis.
The MPhil Process
As a research student, you will start your studies in October, working full or part-time. If you choose to work full-time, you will have a progress review at the end of your first year. If successful, you will transfer to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) programme for a further year. Part-time research students have a progress review after two years and transfer for a further two years.
Your supervisors will guide you in the production of a piece of original research. The School's practice is for students to be supervised by two academics. Your supervisors advise on the preparation of your thesis proposal, which is presented to a Business School committee.
If your proposal is approved, your supervisors will then authorise a timetable of work, arrange regular meetings, and provide feedback and advice on the research and preparation of your final thesis. You then submit this thesis at the end of the programme to be judged by a panel of internal and external examiners, appointed by the Business School, at an oral examination or 'viva'.
The Leeds University Business School MA by Research Process
The MA by Research degree is awarded to students that successfully complete a piece of original research in the form of a 100-page or 30,000 word thesis. Study for the degree usually takes one year full-time, or two years part-time. We expect candidates for Masterships by Research to be of a high quality. Due to the nature of the degree, it is important that you have a clear focus and adopt a disciplined approach to your research project.
It is vital to clearly define and plan your research project before you commence study. You need to complete and submit your research work and thesis within 12 months of full-time study, or 24 months of part-time study. Therefore, regular meetings with your supervisor are important; you only have a short period in which to complete.
To qualify for the award of a Master’s degree by Research you must meet the required learning outcomes and satisfy the examiners that your achievement is of sufficient merit. You will do this through presenting a publishable thesis on the subject of your research, and defending your thesis at an oral examination, or 'viva voce'. We require you to complete and submit your Master's thesis before you commence study for an MPhil or PhD degree.