How to apply

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. This process is known as defining your research. You do not need to identify a supervisor in advance of applying; if successful you will be allocated a supervision team. 

To speed up the application process, we would recommend that you have the supporting documents below ready to submit with your application form. We may not be able to progress your application without receiving a research proposal, defining your research area form; or copies of qualifications or academic transcripts. 

• Research proposal. This document is essential in identifying potential supervisors. See writing your research proposal for further details. 
• Defining your Research form. Once you have finished Step 1 you will be able to complete the ‘Defining your research area’ form, which should be submitted with your application.
• 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.
• English Language Certificate. If English is not your first language we will require evidence that you meet our English language requirements. You do not need English language evidence at the point when you submit your application, however some scholarships do require that you meet the English language requirements at the point of applications, so please check the scholarship requirements carefully. 
• Two References: You should obtain and submit academic letters of reference from two people who have taught you at Masters (or Bachelors) level who are able to comment on your academic ability and suitability to study on the programme to which you are applying. You do not need references at the point when you submit your application, however some scholarships do require references at point of application so please check scholarship requirements carefully. 
  References must be written on headed paper or bear the institution’s stamp / logo, or typed and stamped on the University of Leeds Referee’s Report. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we do not generally contact referees on behalf of applicants, and we would ask that you request your own references. Your referee can send your references directly to us by email to PhD@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Once you have completed steps one and two you will need to complete the online application form. Your supporting documentation can be uploaded to the online application form or emailed to phd@lubs.leeds.ac.uk. Please indicate your preferred start date on your application form. 

Please note that once an application has been completed (with all supporting documents submitted) plagiarism detection software will be used in the academic review process.