POSTGRADUATE

RESEARCH
Expectations and Experiences
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 01

CONTENTS FOREWORD
01 Foreword from Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Arthur Our community of over 2,000 postgraduate researchers form a vital
part of Leeds’ vibrant research culture. Their work makes a crucial
02 INTRODUCTION 11 FACULTY PROFILES AND CASE STUDIES contribution to the advancement of knowledge within and across
02 Introduction to Leeds 12 Faculty of Arts disciplines, and often has a wider impact on society – whether they
03 Research profile of the University are part of a major project involving several researchers, and perhaps
14 Faculty of Biological Sciences
spanning different disciplines, or working independently within their own
04 Support for international students 16 Faculty of Business discipline. Accomplished individuals choose to come to Leeds to work
04 Services to sponsors 18 Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law with academics who are leaders in their fields. Driven by a passion for
04 International links 20 Faculty of Engineering their subject, they are contributing to research in a wide variety of areas.
22 Faculty of Environment
06 SUPPORT FOR POSTGRADUATE RESEARCHERS For some of our postgraduate researchers, undertaking a PhD is the start of
24 Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences their academic career, whether pursued at Leeds or elsewhere, whilst others
07 Supervisor expertise take their advanced skills and expertise into industry or the professions
26 Faculty of Medicine and Health
07 Research training or related fields. In the following pages you will read the stories of current
28 Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications
08 Graduate Training and Support Centre and recent postgraduate researchers, how they’ve changed and developed,
and how their work is impacting upon our understanding and knowledge of
08 Graduate Schools 30 FURTHER INFORMATION
issues including sustainable development, exploring faith in modern society,
08 Doctoral Training Centres 30 The range of research degrees available and improving survival rates for cancer patients.
08 Personal support network 31 Funding
32 Entry requirements Postgraduates and the staff they work with are helping Leeds move from
09 CAREER DESTINATIONS strength to strength in research. We have increased our research income in
09 Career pathways a competitive environment – it is set to total £117m in 2010 – and the 2008
Research Assessment Exercise ranked Leeds in the UK’s top ten for research
10 Our graduates power. These successes have only been achieved with the tremendous
10 Careers Centre dedication of all of our researchers, including our postgraduate students.
Our facilities are being boosted by a major £194m investment programme
which started in 2007 and will continue through to 2015. We Wehave
havealready
already
opened new facilities for research and teaching in environment and
performance and cultural industries and these are joined by byinvestments
investments
in a new childcare centre and sports centre which make our campus a
fantastic place to work and study.

I have every confidence that the future of research at Leeds is positive

and that our talented early career researchers will continue to make a
contribution to higher education and innovation around the world.

PROFESSOR MICHAEL ARTHUR

VICE-CHANCELLOR
02 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 03

INTRODUCTION TO LEEDS
With enormous economic, environmental and societal challenges facing Research profile of the University
the world, there has never been a greater need for original, creative It was very important for me to choose a The following tables detail the number of new entrants each year, and the
and innovative research – research that drives highly competitive, registered total of postgraduate research students – full-time and part-time
knowledge-driven economies, and that supports diverse contemporary
university which encouraged interdisciplinarity.
– in each faculty for each year since 2005/6. They show that the number
societies. In rising to this challenge, a UK research degree combines I chose the University of Leeds primarily of new postgraduate research students entering Leeds each year has more
the acquisition of research skills and knowledge with the opportunity to because it met this criterion and offered than doubled in the past five years. The University now has more than 2,000
develop a much wider range of attributes, to prepare for employment postgraduate research students, and numbers continue to grow across each
in the modern commercial or academic environment and to help
expansive library facilities including access to
of the nine faculties. This vibrant intellectual community offers increased
postgraduate students realise personal ambitions, whatever their chosen archives and a host of primary resources. opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary partnerships.
future career path. I have made friends from all over the world
Our ability to combine international excellence in research and sector-
and have access to numerous opportunities
leading career mentoring and development means this really is a great for publication and an intellectually stimulating POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH ENTRANTS
time to be a research student at the University of Leeds. environment that fosters learning. What could Faculty 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10

The aim of a research degree is to build on existing knowledge and

be better? Arts 35 50 83 111 104
enthusiasm for a subject and, through individual exploration and Savi Munjal, PhD student
Biological sciences 61 54 55 77 65
experiment, make an original contribution to the understanding of that School of English
subject through supervised research. Business 21 11 26 26 39

The University of Leeds is one of the largest centres for research training Education, social sciences & law 31 33 54 76 84
in the UK, and has an outstanding reputation in research as highlighted by Engineering 66 90 146 136 165
our success in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. Our commitment
to training the next generation of excellent researchers is demonstrated The staff at Leeds are always timely and Environment 33 53 51 64 83
by our significant investments in supporting researchers’ personal and helpful with our wide range of requests Mathematics & physical sciences 49 78 95 72 78
professional development. and enquiries. Having worked with various Medicine & health 69 85 92 118 138
We host the Vitae regional ‘Hub’ for the Yorkshire and North East region members of staff throughout the University
Performance, visual arts & communications 25 17 43 50 51
of England. Vitae is a national, UK government research council-funded they all show a genuine care for the wellbeing
organisation working to support researchers’ personal and professional and academic success of our students. Total each year 390 471 645 730 807
development (see www.vitae.ac.uk). The University plays a leading role
nationally in the evaluation of researcher development and contributes Sara Williams
to the further understanding of how to enhance development practice for Careers Adviser POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH STUDENTS
researchers. Aramco Overseas Company UK Limited Faculty 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09 09-10
As one of the largest universities in the UK, our nine research-intensive Arts 195 201 206 236 257
faculties offer an enormous range of subjects from which postgraduates can
choose to study. Whichever subject a postgraduate research student decides Biological sciences 243 235 217 215 223
to study, they can be confident that they will be supervised by exceptional Business 95 82 77 73 90
scholars who are at the forefront of their fields.
Education, social sciences & law 174 177 171 192 203
Engineering 334 329 358 392 415
Environment 142 154 161 177 195
Mathematics & physical sciences 250 284 274 242 232
Medicine & health 305 308 294 319 340
Performance, visual arts & communications 134 128 119 132 135
Total each year 1872 1898 1877 1978 2090
04 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 05

Support for international students

Leeds is already a major destination for international postgraduate research
students, many of whom are funded by home governments and universities, I greatly appreciate the International Office, Staff
and internationalisation is an essential part of the University’s current
and future strategy. With postgraduate research students coming from
and Departmental Development Unit, Joblink
130 different countries and members of staff from 101 countries, Leeds and Career Centre due to their outstanding
welcomes new arrivals into a diverse and thriving research community. help and guidance. Their support enabled me
Our International Student Office provides a comprehensive range of support
to get the UK student visa, to win the top prize
for international students. This includes a welcome service for new arrivals, in our Environment Conference, to increase my
orientation and training courses, immigration advice, support for placing employability through getting part-time work
children in schools and other family services, together with general advice
about living and studying in Leeds.
experience during studies and finally to receive
guidance in full-time job hunting.
Potential postgraduate research students can contact our local offices in Dr Fayyaz Qadir
South Asia (New Delhi), South East Asia (Kuala Lumpur), China, Japan and
Nigeria. We also have a number of local agents who can give advice on the
Institute for Transport Studies
opportunities and funding available for postgraduate research students.
Full information on these can be found at
www.leeds.ac.uk/international/agentscontacts

The University has a world-class Language Centre that supports Working with the International Office truly made
international PhD students who require additional English preparation.
our visit planning and executing our schedule
Programmes and entry points are available throughout the year. More
information can be found at www.leeds.ac.uk/languages/lc_home effortless each time. We are very pleased with
the guidance and marvellous support provided
Services to sponsors to our students.
The University has a comprehensive service for sponsors to ensure students
Sukhdeep Kaur
are placed effectively at Leeds and that progress monitoring and reporting
is coordinated efficiently. A central team within the International Office Manager, Student Supervisory Services
liaises with sponsors, arranges visits and meetings with students, collects Studygroup
progress reports and helps with coordination of fee payments. This service
creates a streamlined response service which is highly valued by our
partners.

If you are a sponsor University or partner seeking advice, or wish to find

out more about establishing such a relationship with the University, please
contact www.leeds.ac.uk/international

International links
Leeds has several significant international partnerships and collaborations,
and is a founder member of the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN) – a
partnership of research-led universities from Europe, North America, South
East Asia and Australia.

Informal and formal international collaborations are encouraged, including

visiting lectureships, student placement, joint seminars, conferences
or symposia, joint publications, virtual resource sharing and other
collaborative outputs which help to connect investigators at Leeds with the
best global research.
06 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 07

Supervisor expertise
Postgraduate research students are essential to the research activity of
the University and are valued for the contributions they make. At Leeds we I applied for a Collaborative Doctoral Award
place great importance on the success and personal development of each
student. To support this, we have developed a set of standards for research
run between the School of Performance and
supervision and support, based on the Quality Assurance Agency’s Code of Cultural Industries (PCI), University of Leeds
Practice, which we believe makes us amongst the UK’s leaders in research and Opera North, and funded by the AHRC.
training.
This project is a rare and fantastic opportunity
SUP We believe that supervisors have a key role to play in the development to immerse myself as a researcher into the
ERV
ISOR of postgraduate research students. As a result, postgraduate students life and practice of a real opera company.
EXP have a least one supervisor to help with studies (many students have
ERT Jenny Daniel, PhD student
ISE two supervisors). Experts in their own areas, supervisors draw on their
knowledge and experience of research management to help postgraduate School of Music/PCI/Opera North
research students plan, investigate and experiment in their chosen field.

SUPPORT FOR
RESEAR They will give encouragement, advice and guidance, all within the high
CH TRA standards of supervision laid down by the University.
INING

POSTGRADUATE
Our supervisors are responsible for various activities including, but not I can only see it (a PhD) as advantageous in
limited to:
getting ahead in your prospective career and

GRADUATE TRAINING AND SUPPORT CENTRE RESEARCHERS (i) conducting a training needs analysis within one month of commencement
of study and ensuring that the student receives the appropriate research
training
broadening opportunities and opening more
doors. If you are lucky enough to be working
The University offers its research students a comprehensive (ii) approving a timetable for the work of the student and seeing that it is with industry, it introduces you to people you
support service from admission until graduation and beyond. followed may never have been able to get close to before.
(iii) advising on all aspects of the research and thesis preparation Louise Manfredi, PhD student
As well as helping students to learn and enhance their (iv) commenting within a reasonable time on written work
OLS academic skills and expertise, we can offer support and advice School of Mechanical Engineering
TE SCHO
(v) making written reports on the student’s progress as required
GRADUA on areas such as accommodation, finance and childcare. (vi) ensuring the student receives written feedback on the assessment of
their progress, and drawing any problems to the attention of the student
(vii) reading and commenting on the draft thesis.
RK
NETWO
T Research training
UPPOR
AL S
We place a great emphasis on the acquisition of generic transferable

ERSON skills within the research environment; postgraduate research students

P are encouraged to manage their own development and to participate in all
types of training. Each student discusses his or her training needs with
their supervisor when they arrive and produces a personal development
plan. Supervisors regularly monitor and review progress against the plan,
and students are prompted to reflect on performance and achievements and
adjust their plan accordingly. Students are encouraged to publish their work
during their PhD, and conference attendance is an integral element of most
PhD studies at Leeds.
08 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 09

CAREER DESTINATIONS
Development opportunities are offered by schools, faculties and services Graduate Schools We like to keep up to date with our research students after they have Researchers Nec*
working closely together to provide the most appropriate, targeted provision Faculty graduate schools provide support and guidance for postgraduates graduated to find out how they are progressing. Of the postgraduate
possible. On arriving at the University, each student will discuss and agree and academic staff; this is in addition to that given by schools and central research students in 2007 who gave us feedback, 97.8% were either Higher Education Teaching Professionals
with their supervisor an initial training plan tailored specifically to support services. For instance, they provide research training, organise conferences, working or in further education six months after they graduated. This
their development needs. statistic rises to 100% of UK and EU students in the Faculties of Medical Practitioners
seminars and social events.
Biological Sciences, Engineering and Education, Social Sciences and Law.
Psychologists
Training and development opportunities open to postgraduate research
students include:
Doctoral Training Centres Of the postgraduate research cohort for 2007:
Leeds also has two grant-funded Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) in Further Education Teaching Professionals
• nearly half were employed in the education sector
specialist areas:
• Comprehensive support and guidance in every aspect of the research • over a third were in research roles across all sectors Biological Scientists and Biochemists
degree process, from induction and project management through first year • 27% were working as research staff in the higher education sector
• Low Carbon Technologies – its aim is to develop innovative technologies
report, to thesis preparation and viva. • 11% were in lecturing posts in higher education Chemists
for a low carbon future, based around key interlinking themes in Low
• Integrated development opportunities in essential research practice, • 15% were education and teaching professionals.
Carbon Technologies, Transport and Energy, Carbon Storage, and Climate Clergy
including participating and presenting at conferences, submitting work for
Change and Energy Systems Research.
publication, learning from those academics who have been successful in The majority of our non-EU international research students return to their
www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/speme/dtc/research Engineering Professionals Nec*
obtaining funding for their research. sponsoring institutions to take up academic posts. These students often
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine – the White Rose
• Developing their research profile and disseminating their research to maintain professional links with Leeds throughout their careers, and the
Universities of Leeds, Sheffield and York support this DTC, which brings Housing and Welfare Officers
audiences within and beyond the academic community. good working relationships developed at Leeds with staff and other students
together a cohort of postgraduate research students and their supervisors
• Application of the outcomes of their research, eg, developing a business. form a base for future collaborations. Students who are not committed
to develop effective clinical therapies for the treatment of human diseases Scientific Researchers
• Obtaining a qualification in teaching in higher education. to returning home on degree completion frequently gain post-doctoral
and disabilities. www.dtcterm.leeds.ac.uk
• Development that opens up exciting employment opportunities in research positions in Leeds and other UK universities. Business and Related Associate Professionals Nec*
and other sectors.
• Local, national and international development opportunities through Personal support network Career pathways Laboratory Technicians
collaborative research and partnerships with leading higher education We recognise that our research students may also need support in other
Once they have completed their doctorates, student researchers follow a
institutions and external organisations. non-academic areas, and our support network offers a wide range of Mechanical Engineers
variety of career pathways, some directly linked to their subject area, others
services, including a comprehensive housing service, childcare facilities,
use the broader, more generic skills acquired during their study period.
advice and equipment for students with a disability, a medical practice, a Social Science Researchers
Graduate Training and Support Centre counselling service and a chaplaincy centre.
The University’s Graduate Training and Support Centre is a dedicated facility The skills developed by many research students during their doctorates give Physicists, Geologists and Meteorologists
offering a wide-ranging skills training programme open to all researchers. them the confidence and strength of character to pursue their chosen career
The Centre also works closely with faculties to provide bespoke provison path. Others
specifically tailored to subject area needs. It aims to enhance the research
performance and employability of research students. *(Nec) Not elsewhere covered

Training programmes are provided by a dedicated team of staff who bring

together an impressive combination of experienced published researchers,
training and development practitioners, and professional expertise in
subject areas.
10 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 11

FACULTY PROFILES AND CASE STUDIES

Our graduates Faculty of Arts
We have a reputation for producing postgraduates at the forefront of their Faculty of Biological Sciences
fields, and a PhD from Leeds can often provide an excellent route into a Capita Symonds recruits PhD graduates from Faculty of Business
career in academia or the business world. Postgraduate students from a range of disciplines. Aside from the obvious
Leeds are highly employable and in demand. Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law
benefits of targeted research for industrial Faculty of Engineering
Postgraduate research students study with experts at the cutting edge of application, individuals who partake in a Faculty of Environment
their subjects. Research students are expected to contribute to the discovery research degree also develop a plethora of Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences
of new knowledge and acquire a thorough understanding of their subject Faculty of Medicine and Health
specialism. In addition, they have training to develop the personal skills and transferable skills that are highly desirable in
Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications
abilities which are invaluable in the workplace and in demand by employers. industry.
These include the skills of team working, decision making, self-awareness,
leadership and communications.
PhD graduates typically develop evolved oral
At Leeds there are many opportunities to acquire these skills, through a and written ability, structured reasoning and
combination of academic study, training workshops, co-curricular activity debating skills, timekeeping and financial
and by getting fully involved in university life.
awareness, and can work both independently
It is increasingly clear from industry and business feedback that there is and in teams whilst taking ownership and
an employment premium for research students. In the sciences, companies responsibility for their work.
want people well-trained in a research intensive environment and other
organisations, too, such as law and accountancy, seek research students
for their capacity for critical thinking, well-developed project management As a Leeds graduate, I have first-hand
skills, a high degree of self-reliance, and the ability to articulate ideas. knowledge of the diversity of the academic and
Through our wide range of training and support, we help postgraduate social opportunities offered by the University.
research students to market themselves to employers by showing their skills This leads to an environment that encourages
and personal qualities in their best light. postgraduates to become well-rounded
individuals prepared for the workplace.
Careers Centre
Our career consultants know the needs of postgraduates and can give Dr Matthew Roberts
individual advice and guidance to students at all stages of their studies. Associate, Flood Risk and Water Management
The Centre also provides a workshop for postgraduates which covers career Capita Symonds
planning, skills recognition and articulation, CVs and application forms,
interviews, psychometric testing practise and feedback, and building an
academic career. For more information contact www.careerweb.leeds.ac.uk
12 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 13

Faculty of ARTS

The
TheFaculty
Facultyhas
hasaround
around250
250research
researchstudents.
students.
90%
90%ofofArts
Artsresearch
researchgraduates
graduatessecured
securedemployment
employmentororentered
enteredfurther
furtherstudy
studywithin
withinsix
sixmonths
monthsofofleaving
leavingLeeds.
Leeds.
T TheheInstitute
InstituteofforMedieval
MedievalStudies
Studieshosts
hoststhetheInternational
InternationalMedieval
MedievalCongress
Congresseach
eachyear,
year,which
whichattracts
attracts1,500
1,500
participants
participantsannually,
annually,the
thelargest
largestsuch
suchevent
eventininEurope.
Europe.
AArts
rtsoffers
offers109
109Arts
Artsand
andHumanities
HumanitiesResearch
ResearchCouncil
Council(AHRC)
(AHRC)studentships
studentshipsthrough
throughits
itsBlock
BlockGrant
GrantPartnership
Partnership
(2009-13)
(2009-13)and andhas
hassecured
securedanother
anothernine
nineAHRC
AHRCCollaborative
CollaborativeDoctoral
DoctoralAwards.
Awards.

Research in the Faculty of Arts is undertaken within two unitary schools

(English and History) and two federal schools (the School of Modern DR TOBIAS CAPWELL JASJITSINGH
JASJIT SINGH
Languages and Cultures, the UK’s largest centre for languages and
cultures research) and Humanities (Philosophy, Classics and Theology Originally from Seattle, Tobias Capwell’s lifelong interest in medieval With a successful career in IT and a passionate interest in religion,
and Religious Studies). history led him to come to Leeds to work for the Royal Armouries – the Jasjit Singh began his postgraduate studies with a part-time diploma
national collection of arms and armour – shortly after it opened in 1996. course through the Open University, followed by a Masters degree at the
Arts entered 12 Units of Assessment (UoAs) in the Research Assessment He completed both his MA in Medieval Studies and his PhD at the Institute University of Leeds. He is now part way through his PhD.
Exercise 2008 and secured a major uplift in the rating of its research. Of the for Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds. He is now the Curator of
20 UoAs that Leeds had in the top quartile of their respective sectors, Arts Arms and Armour at the Wallace Collection in London. Jasjit was interested in finding out more about what makes young people
provided five of them. religious and why they choose to follow certain religions. He gave up full-
His decision to apply to study at Leeds was, he says, influenced by two main time work to undertake his PhD project Keeping the Faith: The transmission
The Faculty is also home to interdisciplinary research in a variety of centres factors. of Sikhism among young British Sikhs in 2008.
and institutes, including the White Rose East Asian Studies Centre (in
receipt of £4.25m funding from the HEFCE AHRC/ESRC Language-Based “I was interested in chivalric culture, and arms and armour in particular, Having spent the previous twelve years in technical roles, Jasjit had some
Area Studies Initiative), the long-established Institute for Medieval Studies, so I needed to approach the subject from a number of different angles – initial concerns. “I hadn’t written an essay for years,” he says. “But I got a
the Centre for World Cinemas, and the Institute for Colonial and Postcolonial this work required an interdisciplinary approach. At that time Leeds was lot of distinctions during my MA, which gave me confidence. I chose Leeds
Studies. somewhat unusual in that it was encouraging its students to work in an because the MA course in Religion and Public Life was quite flexible and I
interdisciplinary way,” he says. “The University is also very close to the Royal could fit it in around work.”
Our staff and students enjoy the support of the Leeds Humanities Research Armouries Museum, which has one of the world’s most important specialist
Institute (LHRI). Established from an investment of £880,000 in 2005, the libraries devoted to the study of weapons. This is an invaluable resource for In January 2008, Jasjit and Professor Kim Knott of the University’s School
LHRI promotes innovative individual and interdisciplinary research in the anyone working in this area.” of Theology and Religious Studies successfully applied to the AHRC/ESRC
arts and humanities. It provides a range of support and services across Religion and Society programme, a collaborative research fund, which
disciplines, and regularly hosts research seminars and postgraduate Toby was supervised by the University’s Professor Wendy Childs and Karen enabled Jasjit to enter academia full time.
workshops, including professionalisation training for postgraduates facing Watts, Senior Curator of Armour and Art at the Royal Armouries. “I greatly
the challenges of getting a job (in academia and the arts more generally). benefited from Wendy’s experience as a medieval historian; she pointed me Jasjit’s research about young British-born Sikhs analyses cultural and
The training encourages arts postgraduates to reflect on the skills developed in directions I would not have otherwise considered, and was very generous religious identity and considers generational issues. “There’s a real religious
during their postgraduate work. with important references from her own files. At the same time Karen, as interest among many young Sikhs,” says Jasjit. “I’m interested to know why,
a specialist in medieval and Renaissance armour, oversaw the focused where that interest has come from and how the religious and cultural values
www.leeds.ac.uk/arts content of the work, testing the fine details of my arguments in discussions of Sikhism are being interpreted by this group. I’m particularly interested
www.leeds.ac.uk/lhri/postgraduates and ensuring it all made consistent sense. In the case of a thesis in understanding how 18-30 year old British Sikhs are learning about
that turned out to be nearly 1,100 pages long, this was fundamentally Sikhism.”
important!”
The Bradford Educational and Cultural Association of Sikhs (BECAS)
In 2003, whilst he was still writing up his PhD, Toby was appointed Curator are partners in Jasjit’s research project. “BECAS has been instrumental
of Arms and Armour at Glasgow Museums. He went on to join the Wallace in raising awareness of the project in the Sikh community and they are
Collection in October 2006. His time at Leeds equipped him with the skills incredibly supportive,” says Jasjit. “Working with another organisation
necessary to continue his studies throughout his working life. “After my means we have the chance to disseminate our research outside academia.”
PhD I felt very well-equipped to deal with the constant and sometimes quite He has featured on BBC Radio’s 2 Pause for Thought and the Sikh Channel.
difficult analytical problems that present themselves to a museum curator.”
“Moving to academia has been a real life change, but I can honestly
say it’s been worth it. I’m passionate about my subject. Sikhism is quite
underrepresented in academia, a gap I’m keen to fill,” he says.
14 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 15

Faculty of BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Some
Over 300
200 PhD students are being trained in the Faculty and it has students from over 30 countries worldwide
enrolled
enrolledininpostgraduate
postgraduatecourses.
courses.
The
TheFaculty’s
Faculty’sresearch
researchisiscarried
carriedout
outwithin
withinthree
threeinstitutes:
institutes:
••Institute
InstituteofofIntegrative
Integrativeand
andComparative
ComparativeBiology
Biology
••Institute
InstituteofofMembrane
Membraneand
andSystems
SystemsBiology
Biology
••Institute
InstituteofofMolecular
Molecularand
andCellular
CellularBiology
Biology
Around
Aroundhalf
halfthe
theFaculty’s
Faculty’spostgraduate
postgraduateresearchers
researchersgogoonontotocontinue
continuetheir
theircareers
careersininaaresearch
researchenvironment.
environment.

Leeds is one of the leading centres for biological sciences in the UK,
with expertise across a broad spectrum of disciplines, and offers a DR GERARD HUYSMANS DR JAMES ROSINDELL
vibrant and dynamic research and training environment. The Faculty’s
place amongst the UK’s elite for biosciences was confirmed by the Belgian national Gerard Huysmans came to Leeds after his James had looked at a range of jobs when he finished his undergraduate
Research Assessment Exercise 2008; Leeds was ranked fourth in the UK undergraduate degree in bioengineering which he completed at the degree, but a PhD project at Leeds was what captured his attention.
by the leading scientific journal Nature, based on the numbers of staff Free University Brussels. He gained his PhD at the University of Leeds,
producing research that was ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. where he now works as a post-doctoral researcher on a large EU funded The advertisement for the project said that it was ideally suited to a
project called the European Drug Initiative for Channels and Transporters mathematician with an interest in biology and ecology. “I came to Leeds
Interdisciplinarity is a key strength with research coordinated within six (EDICT). because I was really interested in the PhD project,” says James. “I didn’t
main research groups and concentrating on three broad themes: have any fixed ideas about my career, but it wasn’t long before I realised
Having had an interest in science at an early age, Gerard felt that that I really wanted to work in scientific research.”
• Improving understanding of how the surprisingly small number of genes undertaking a PhD was a logical next step for him, and began looking at
in a genome are regulated and interact to provide the information needed opportunities across Europe. “When I first made contact with the Faculty of James’ PhD was supervised by Dr Stephen Cornell and was funded through
for the complexity of highly-evolved organisms ranging from plants to Biological Sciences at Leeds I got an almost immediate, and very helpful a University of Leeds scholarship. His project focused on mathematical and
humans. A particular emphasis involves understanding the interactions of and enthusiastic response,” says Gerard. “I got a lot of help from Professor computational modelling for large-scale
large scale patterns
patterns ofof ecology
ecology in
in areas
areas where
where
proteins with other proteins, nucleic acids and small molecules. Sheena Radford in the early stages of applying for my PhD and the funding many species co-exist. “This sort of work helps us to understand and find
• Improving knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of human genetic for it, which came from the Wellcome Trust.” explanations for patterns in biodiversity all over the world. Primarily we
disorders and disease, in particular cardiovascular and neurodegenerative applied them to rainforests during my PhD,” he says.
diseases, diabetes and infections such as hepatitis C and MRSA. Gerard’s PhD studies centred around techniques for the study of how
• Developing methods to allow sustainable agriculture in the face of the proteins obtain structure in lipid membranes, a complex area of science. During his PhD project James published three papers, in high quality
twin threats of human population growth and climate change; both in “There is still so much to learn about membrane proteins,” says Gerard. academic journals including Ecology Letters and Ecology Publication, along
terms of security of food production (including novel crops) and also in “And we’re continuing to develop new techniques to enable us to discover with presentations at conferences.
conferences and
“Getting
getting
to to
know
know
as as
many
many
people
people
as as
terms of ecological sustainability. more about how they work.” possible is incredibly important in a research career,” says James.

The scale and diversity of our research provides an excellent training Gerard was supervised by Professor Stephen Baldwin, with whom he now James believes that he learnt
learneda awide
widerange
rangeofoftransferable
transferableskills
skillswhilst
whilstatat
environment, with students drawing on our base of world-class research. works, Dr David Brockwell and Professor Sheena Radford. Each of his Leeds. “I think one of the greatest things I learnt
learnedwaswasthe
theability
abilitytotowork
work
The Graduate School is home to over 200 postgraduate research students. supervisors offered a different perspective on his work and all are members completely independently,” he says. “I’ve also learnt
learnedhow
howtotopresent
presenttoto
We recruit outstanding graduates from across the globe with students from of Leeds’ internationally-recognised Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular different audiences, improved my writing skills and increased my knowledge
over 30 countries. Biology. and experience of ecology and computing.”

In addition to research and graduate training, our active bioenterprise “Doing a PhD is so much more than furthering knowledge and learning James completed his PhD in late 2009 and now holds a personal research
community brings together people from government, business and about research,” says Gerard. “At Leeds there are lots of opportunities to fellowship funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research
academia to deliver benefits to wider society and has helped generate gain transferable skills, for example in communicating your work to the Council (EPSRC). James is still based at Leeds, but his current three-year
successful spin-off companies. public or the media, or how to manage projects. There’s a whole package of project sees him travelling the world. He is working with research groups
short courses to develop extra skills here at Leeds.” at Imperial College, London and in The Netherlands, Panama and the
www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/research United States. James’
James’swork
workwith
withthese
thesegroups
groupshas
hasalready
alreadyled
ledtotofurther
further
www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/gradschool Gerard wants to pursue a research career. “My priority is to acquire new publications including a second paper in Ecology Letters.
skills in my current post and communicate those through publication,” says
Gerard. “I want to continue to build my research profile so that when the
time comes I can apply for the next research role.”
16 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 17

Faculty of BUSINESS DANIELLA FJELLSTROM

Swedish national Daniella Fjellstrom decided to undertake her PhD at In 2009 Daniella was awarded a Resident Graduate Scholarship from
the Centre for International Business at the University of Leeds (CIBUL) the David C. Lam Institute for East West Studies (LEWI) at Hong Kong
because of its world-leading reputation. co-operationwith
Baptist University. LEWI promotes cooperation withoverseas
overseasuniversities
universities
and the Scholarship – along with a grant from the Universities’ China
Daniella says: “I did my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Sweden, but Committee in London – enabled Daniella to travel to China and Hong Kong
chose Leeds for my PhD because CIBUL is ranked first in the world for for her fieldwork. Whilst there, she gained access to seven multinational
international business research and I wanted to study with the best people subsidiaries, where she interviewed staff in Swedish, English and Chinese,
Nearly
Nearly90%
90%ofofthe
thefaculty’s
Faculty’sPhD
PhDstudents
studentsgogoonontotocareers
careersininacademia
academiaororresearch.
research. in their fields.” Daniella is supervised by Professors
professors Peter Buckley and with the assistance of an interpreter.
Our
Ouracademics
academicshave
haveacted
actedasasconsultants
consultantsand
andadvisers
adviserstotomore
morethan
than8080companies
companiesand
andorganisations
organisationsinin Jeremy Clegg and Dr Hanna Gajewska De Mattos.
the
theUK
UKand
andabroad.
abroad. As a testament to the strength of her research, Daniella was a finalist in the
Her research is investigating how headquarters of multinational
multi-nationalcompanies
companies Best Doctoral Thesis Proposal Award at the European International Business
The
Thefaculty
Facultywas
wasplaced
placedininthe
thetop
top1010ofofmore
morethan
than9090UKUKbusiness
businessschools
schoolsbybythe
the2008
2008RAE
RAEreview.
review. and their subsidiaries communicate with one another and transfer Academy Conference in 2009. She also won the Neil Hood and Stephen
The
Thefaculty
Facultyparticipates
participatesinin1212cross-disciplinary
cross-disciplinaryresearch
researchcentres.
centres. knowledge. Her interest stems from working for the Swedish base of a Young prize for the most original new doctoral work at the 2010 Academy of
multinational organisation which has its headquarters in Korea. Daniella International Business (UK & Ireland chapter).
has also spent time working for the Red Cross University. “In particular, I’m
Leeds University Business School is one of the most influential business
schools in the UK and the Research Assessment Exercise 2008 placed MATT DAVIS looking at the way in which Swedish multinationals are communicating with
their subsidiaries in China,” says Daniella.
learneda alotlotofofuseful
Now in her final year, Daniella believes she has learnt usefulskills
throughout her time in Leeds. “We’re exposed to lots of feedback and I’ve
skills

us in the UK top 10 for the quality of our research. This has enabled us learnedhow
learnt howtotouse
usethat
thatinina aconstructive
constructivemanner
mannertotoimprove
improvemymyresearch.
research.
to build a global reputation, attracting top students and academics to The opportunity to work both with recognised experts and large I’m also involved in organising seminars where researchers get together to
engage in high-quality research. The School’s international focus has companies was the key driver for Matt Davis undertaking his PhD at the share ideas and I’ve found that experience really useful,” she says.
helped it bring together around 90 research students and staff drawn University of Leeds.
from over 60 countries.
Having undertaken a Masters degree at the University of Sheffield, Matt was
The School’s research activity is organised by the broad-based subject attracted to Leeds after meeting Professor Chris Clegg of Leeds University
divisions and supported by our multi-disciplinary research groups and Business School’s Centre for Socio-Technical Systems Design (CSTSD).
12 cross-disciplinary research centres. These affiliated centres play an
important role in fostering boundary-extending research covering the broad “Chris was a visiting professor at Sheffield,” explains Matt. “It was his
spectrum of business, economics, management and policy issues. The main approach to research that I found really interesting. Many academics focus
research themes for each division are: on theory, whereas Chris is much more problem focused and looks at ways in
which theory can be applied to organisations.”
• Accounting and Finance: Financial services, credit management and
corporate governance Matt is in the final year of his PhD, entitled Incorporating psychological
• Economics: Post-Keynesian economics, monetary and fiscal policy and and organisational issues during the design of new buildings and
development facilities. His major research interests centre on working environments
• International Business: Globalisation, international business and cross- and how individuals interact and perceive the space in which they work.
cultural management His studies have been funded through a scholarship from the Business
• Management: Leadership, strategic management technology and School, with additional support from Rolls-Royce and a University-financed
decision-making Transformation Fund project, ‘Changing the Way We Live and Work’.
• Marketing: Strategic marketing, consumer behaviour and communications
• Work and Employment Relations: Human resource management and An additional draw to Leeds was, says Matt, the long-standing relationships
contemporary developments in work and employment relations. the School has with large organisations such as Rolls-Royce. Matt has
worked with Rolls-Royce on a project called Factory of the Future, an
http://business.leeds.ac.uk interdisciplinary project which also included architects and engineers.
http://business.leeds.ac.uk/research-degrees “Along with enjoying the autonomy of the research I’ve done for my PhD, I’ve
also really enjoyed working alongside the team in CSTSD,” says Matt. “I’ve
definitely become a lot more savvy. I’m better at networking and developing
good business relationships now and have also gained useful skills such
as report writing and presentation skills, which will be really helpful for the
future.”

On the subject of the future, Matt would like to continue working in a

research environment to better establish himself, but ultimately is working
towards what he terms ‘a blended career’. He says: “In an ideal world I’ll be
able to mix research work with consultancy, which would enable my research
to influence my consultancy practice and vice versa.”
18 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 19

Faculty of EDUCATION, SOCIAL SCIENCES and LAW

Some
Some50%
50%ofofthe
thefaculty’s
Faculty’sPhD
PhDstudents
studentsgogoonontotofollow
followa acareer
careerininteaching
teachingororhigher
highereducation.
education.
The
Thefaculty
Facultyoffers
offersresearch
researchdegrees
degreesininthe
thefollowing
followingSchools:
Schools:
••School
SchoolofofEducation
Education
••School
SchoolofofSociology
Sociologyand
andSocial
SocialPolicy
Policy
••School
SchoolofofPolitics
Politicsand
andInternational
InternationalStudies
Studies
••School
SchoolofofLaw
Law
The
Thefaculty
Facultyhas
hasaround
around200
200research
researchstudents,
students,with
withapproximately
approximatelyhalf
halfofofthese
thesebeing
beinginternational
internationalstudents.
students.

The Faculty of Education, Social Sciences and Law has a growing

international reputation for the standard of our research and the quality JOHN CALLAGHAN ANNA BARKER
of our graduates.
John Callaghan says that his PhD is the culmination of all his interests “A rollercoaster ride” is how Anna Barker describes the three years
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, for example, sociology and something he wishes he had thought to undertake years ago. she’s spent studying for her PhD at the Centre for Criminal Justice
and social policy was rated as second in the country in terms of ‘world- Studies (CCJS). “It’s been shaped by immense peaks of enjoyment,
leading’ research and education was placed in the top five. We host 17 Having completed his undergraduate degree at Leeds in the 1970s, John fulfilment and achievement, with sharp bends, twists and turns along the
groups and centres across a range of disciplines, where research staff and originally went into teaching, working as an English teacher in Africa, way providing the challenges and difficulties which are all part of the
students can share and develop cutting edge knowledge in specific areas. South East Asia and the US before returning to Leeds to teach English to learning experience,” says Anna, who is due to complete her thesis at the
Our researchers are active participants in a range of international research immigrants. Professor Mike Baynham visited the place where John was end of 2010.
networks such as the World Universities Network. teaching to discuss conducting some research – and the rest is history.
After gaining a scholarship to study for a Masters in Criminological
We are particularly proud of our reputation for research in equality, diversity John explains: “There are several issues around teaching English to people Research at the School of Law, Anna successfully applied for further funding
and security issues (for example, in topic areas such as disability, gender from other cultures and it’s widely accepted that there’s often a disparity to undertake a PhD. “The CCJS was advertising an Economic and Social
or ‘race’ equality and in criminal justice, terrorism and international between what people are taught and what they are experiencing in their Research Council-funded
Council funded studentship,
studentship, gained
gained under
under the
the Collaborative
Collaborative Award
development). In these and other areas, such as science education, special everyday lives. It was Mike who encouraged me to think about doing some for Science
Award for Science
and Engineering
and Engineering
scheme,scheme,
into theinto
fascinating
the fascinating
field offield
fear of
of fear
educational needs, or international governance, we enable graduate research myself. I never dreamed I’d be doing a PhD at the age of 61.” crime
of crime
andand
perceptions
perceptions
of of
insecurity,
insecurity,
specifically
specifically
within
within
twotwosocially
socially
andand
students to achieve their full potential and make their mark on global economically deprived neighbourhoods of Leeds,” continues Anna. “I was
society by engaging with the major social challenges of our time. John is funded through a grant from the Economic and Social Research especially excited about working within the Centre, given its excellent record
Council. His project has seen him ‘follow’ three migrants from Ethiopia over of undertaking research that’s empirically rich, conceptually sophisticated
There are around 200 research students in the Faculty, with approximately two years. They have kept diaries, photographs and video of their lives. “As and policy relevant.”
half of these being international students. This helps create a vibrant, you can imagine, I’ve amassed a wealth of data,” says John. “It’s interesting
diverse community which is fully supported by our Faculty Graduate School, to see the other factors at play when people communicate – it’s not just Anna’s PhD is a partnership venture between the University and Leeds City
providing first class training and support. about language, it’s about cultural assumptions, how people should behave, Council, providing her with the opportunity to work closely with a range of
their histories – even things happening at national or global level. This work community safety professionals involved in the local Crime and Disorder
www.essl.leeds.ac.uk could in the future influence how we teach English as a second language.” Reduction Partnership and its Reassurance Task Group. Indeed, her
www.essl.leeds.ac.uk/graduate-school supervision combines academics from the School of Law working alongside
Despite having a long work history, John feels that he’s gained new skills senior council officers. The study has also required Anna to work closely with
during his PhD. “Organising such a huge project and the data from it has the School of Geography, using geographical
Geographical information
Information systems
Systems to
to analyse
analyse
been a challenge, but I’ve learnt a lot – to tolerate uncertainty, to be patient, the mapping data she gathered during her fieldwork.
and to approach my work in bite-sized chunks,” he says.
“The main highlights of my PhD were undertaking fieldwork, which involved
John’s estimated completion date is the end of 2010, after which time he’d meeting an incredibly diverse range of people, and presenting my research
like to continue in a research capacity. “I have so much source material to a range of academic and non-academic audiences. I’m very pleased that
from my PhD, I could easily work on this for the rest of my life,” he says. my work will have a real impact on local practice and the economy – all too
often research is shelved rather than applied,” says Anna.

“Doing a PhD takes sheer hard work, great self-motivation, drive and
determination. As well as gaining and developing a whole range of skills,
doing a PhD is the ultimate assessment of your ability to work independently
and think critically for a sustained period of time. I’m not completely there
yet but I feel that if I can achieve this, I can achieve anything!”
20 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 21

Faculty of ENGINEERING
Over
Over40%
40%ofofthe
thefaculty’s
Faculty’sPhD
PhDstudents
studentscontinue
continuetheir
theircareers
careersinina apractical
practicalengineering
engineeringenvironment,
environment,with
witha afurther
further30%
30%continuing
continuingininresearch.
research.
The
Thefaculty
Facultywas
wasranked
rankedseventh
seventhininUKtheinUK
thein2008
the 2008
Research
Research
Assessment
Assessment
Exercise
Exercise.
(RAE).
There
Thereare
arearound
around400
400research
researchstudents
studentsininthe
thefaculty.
Faculty.
There
Thereare
arefive
fiveschools
schoolswithin
withinthe
thefaculty:
Faculty:
••Civil
CivilEngineering
Engineering
••Computing
Computing
••Electronic
Electronicand
andElectrical
ElectricalEngineering
Engineering
••Mechanical
MechanicalEngineering
Engineering
••Process,
Process,Environmental
Environmentaland
andMaterials
MaterialsEngineering
Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the UK’s top engineering and

computing faculties, with an international reputation for teaching and DR DIMA DAMEN RAFIDA BINTI
RAFIDAH BINTIHAMDAN
HAMDAN
research. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise the Faculty
achieved an overall grade-point average (GPA) of 2.94 with an impressive Dima Damen has been impressed with the level of academic support Rafidah Binti Hamdan, 33, has a degree in civil engineering and a
75% of activity rated as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’. the University has offered her during her studies. A Jordanian national, Masters in environmental engineering. As a lecturer in Malaysia,
This places the Faculty seventh in the UK and confirms it as a leader in Dima originally came to Leeds in 2002 to undertake an MSc in Multimedia completing her PhD is compulsory and is funded by the country’s Ministry
the field. Systems. “My sister and I both wanted to come to the UK to study. She of Higher Education.
was looking for a media studies course, and I was looking for a novel
There are approximately 400 research students in the Faculty of which just computer science course. Leeds ticked all the boxes and, not only were Rafidah chose Leeds for her PhD because of the University’s international
over half are from overseas. Students benefit from working alongside our our courses good, it’s a great city,” she says. reputation in the field of civil engineering. “Leeds is known globally for its
world-leading academics on projects that are intellectually challenging and work on low cost wastewater treatments for developing countries. This was
focused on solving real world problems. Dima returned to Jordan after gaining a distinction in her MSc and being the subject of my Masters degree and is where my research interest lies.”
awarded the MSc prize of the year. After a three-year stint as a university
The range and scope of our research is extensive and covers all of the lecturer, Dima returned to undertake her PhD under the supervision of David Rafidah is conducting field tests for rock filter systems for municipal
major engineering disciplines – civil, mechanical, electronic and electrical, Hogg, Professor of Artificial Intelligence. She realised that having enjoyed wastewater at the Yorkshire Water’s wastewater treatment works at Esholt
chemical engineering and computer science – and including energy, academic life and research, doing a PhD was the next step in her career in Bradford, where the University has an experimental station.
materials, artificial intelligence, with theoretical, experimental and path. She says: “The School of Computing is incredibly supportive and the
modelling work underpinning all areas. The breadth of our research portfolio environment is really conducive to sharing and discussing ideas, issues and “I’m looking to remove phosphorus and nitrogen using industrial waste in
provides an ideal platform for multidisciplinary research and enables us to opinions.” a low-cost filter. Wastewaters which still contain high concentrations of
undertake research that is able to respond to global challenges. To this end, these nutrients can cause blooms of algae and cyanobacteria when added
we have three broad impact themes: Having developed a system during her PhD that can link temporally-distant to surface water, so it’s important to find ways of removing them. We’re
events during the day, and flag-up unusual ones to CCTV operators, Dima’s using blast furnace slag, a by-product of steel manufacturing as the filter
• Energy and environment which includes low carbon energy solutions, research could have a significant impact on reducing and preventing crime, medium. We’ve almost finished the laboratory analyses, so we’re at the final
built environment, managing our natural resources and environmental and so has gained media and commercial attention. stage of our experiments. I’m very pleased because it looks like it’s a very
mitigation. efficient filter.”
• Global infrastructure encompassing the digital economy, networks and Dima was awarded an Overseas Research Studentship during her study.
communication, process and manufacturing. “I learnt a lot scientifically and improved my writing skills and the ability When Rafidah moved to the UK 2007 she brought her young son with her.
• Health and human interface incorporating medical technology, public to present my research to different audiences. I particularly remember the He enrolled in school and is currently in Year 1 at primary school. “He loves
health and interactive engineering. experience of presenting my research at the House of Commons in 2009 as it here,” she says. “Within a couple of weeks he was practically fluent in
part of their Science and Technology research day.” English!”
www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk
www.engineering.leeds.ac.uk/pg/research Dima left Leeds in February 2010 to take up a post as a Research Associate Her own language skills have improved enormously, as have her research
at the University of Bristol. She’ll be working on a large European project and analytical skills, which Rafidah says will assist in progressing future
and says: “I want to pursue a research career and my new role will enable consultancy opportunities. “Although I’ve found the technical nature of
me to build on the knowledge, skills and reputation I developed at Leeds.” research writing challenging, my confidence in this area is growing, and my
supervisor was very helpful and encouraging,” she says.

“This PhD is the starting point of my research career and I’ll be able to
continue my research in Malaysia, where I have a research group. This
experience will definitely make me a better lecturer, too.”
22 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 23

Faculty of ENVIRONMENT

Some
Some50%
50%ofofthe
theFaculty’s
Faculty’sPhD
PhDstudents
studentsgogoonontotocontinue
continuetheir
theircareers
careersininaaresearch
researchenvironment.
environment.
Each
Eachofofthe
theFaculty’s
Faculty’sthree
threeSchools
Schoolswas
wasrecognised
recognisedasascarrying
carryingoutoutresearch
researchofof‘world
‘world-leading’
leading’ and
and‘internationally
‘internationallyexcellent’
excellent’standard
standardininthe
the
2008
2008Research
ResearchAssessment
AssessmentExercise
Exerciseand
andranked
rankedininthe
thetop
topfive
fiveUK
UKinstitutions
institutionsfor
forresearch
researchpower,
power,aameasure
measureofofboth
bothquality
qualityand
andvolume.
volume.

The Faculty of Environment consists of the School of Earth and

Environment, the School of Geography and the Institute for Transport KATE STAINES DABO
DR DABO
GUAN
GUAN
Studies. It brings together a broad spectrum of more than 300 earth,
atmospheric, environmental, economic and social scientists, human and A fascination with the dramatic flooding caused by volcanoes erupting Having arrived in Leeds as part of an undergraduate international
physical geographers and transport planners. There are approximately under glaciers, and its effects on the landscapes of Iceland, led Kate exchange programme with China, Dabo Guan decided to stay.
200 research students in the Faculty, from over 30 countries, creating Staines to search for a PhD opportunity. She found the subject she was
a strong international community. With the current global emphasis looking for and the people she wanted to work with, Dr Jonathan Carrivick One of Dabo’s tutors was Dr Klaus Hubacek, whose work includes research
on environmental change this group is equipped to lead research and Dr Andrew Evans, at Leeds and secured a Natural Environment on environmental and sustainability issues in developing nations. “Klaus
on fundamental problems relating to both the natural and human Research Council scholarship to support her studies. introduced a new undergraduate teaching module called Environmental
environment and influence policy at national and international levels. Issues in China, which interested me very much,” says Dabo. “It was one of
As an undergraduate at Durham, Kate visited Icelandic sites, where the factors that led me to stay.”
All departments were recognised as carrying out research of a ‘world- volcanically-triggered glacial floods had had an impact, and her Masters by
leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ standard in the last Research research enhanced this interest in glacial processes and landscapes. Dabo then began his PhD, researching sustainability issues in China.
Assessment Exercise and ranked in the top five UK institutions for research He had a lot of support from the Faculty and was supervised by both Dr
power, a measure of both the quality and volume of the work carried out. Keen to know more, she embarked on her PhD: “I’m looking at the impact of Hubacek and meteorologist Professor Doug Parker. “Faculty management
Leeds is the second largest university research contractor for the UK Natural a flood that happened in 1999. Through modelling the flood and carrying out was incredibly helpful,” says Dabo. “I got some financial support from
Environment Research Council (NERC). fieldwork it will be possible to understand its impacts and the landscape the University for the project and during my PhD Klaus and I did some
response. Climate change could lead to more of these floods. As glaciers consultancy work together which helped financially, too.”
Facilities are of an international standard and include a suite of electron retreat lakes often form in front of them; these can become unstable and
microscopes, state-of-the-art geochemistry and fluid dynamics laboratories, drain catastrophically causing flooding. Also, as glaciers get thinner there The skills he gained whilst doing his PhD project fall into two categories,
dedicated computer clusters (including high performance computing) is less pressure exerted on the volcanic system, leading to an increase in says Dabo. Firstly, he believes he learnt a whole suite of academic research
and one of the world’s most advanced driving simulators in a research volcanic activity,” she explains. skills during his project, whilst being able to work alongside internationally
organisation. recognised experts provided additional opportunities. “I’ve learnt a lot of
Anywhere with glaciers could be affected by this type of flood – the interpersonal skills, and presentation and negotiation skills,” he says. “I
Key areas of research include atmospheric science and climate change; Himalayas, Andes and the Alps – but the sites in Iceland are easy to study. have also attended lots of conferences and met many people working on
exploration geophysics, structural geology and geodynamics; petroleum Kate says: “We can study these processes and apply them to more heavily similar research.”
geology; understanding and challenging the neoliberal city; ecology and populated areas. These models can help inform how policy makers and
global change; sedimentary fluid dynamics, environmental governance and planners manage the environment.” The conferences taught Dabo how to present himself, something which
policy; geographical information systems; sustainability and water systems. came in useful when he was asked to appear on BBC Radio 4’s Material
The Faculty also hosts Europe’s largest university-based transport teaching During her PhD, as well as developing expertise in geographic information World programme. “I was asked to participate in a debate about China,”
and research organisation whose aim is to advance the understanding of systems (GIS) and computer programming, Kate developed skills in says Dabo. “It was just before the Copenhagen Climate Change summit and
global transport with research covering economics, policy, safety, driver managing her time, motivating herself and giving presentations. She I was pretty nervous, but it was a great experience.”
behaviour and low carbon society. recently presented a poster at the European Geosciences Union conference
in Vienna, having built her confidence by giving presentations in the School Having published several papers during his PhD, Dabo is now a Senior
The Faculty co-hosts a number of interdisciplinary research centres and of Geography. Research Associate and has an Axa Research Fellowship. He is working at
these include the Centre for Climate Change Economics and Policy, the the University of Cambridge. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities
National Centre for Atmospheric Science, water@leeds and the Centre for “Geography is a brilliant environment, the support is fantastic, the I was offered at Leeds,” he says. “And particularly to Klaus, who was a great
Petroleum Engineering (CiPeg). research community is encouraging, there’s always somebody interested in supervisor and mentor.”
what you’re doing, and there are forums for presenting what you’re doing
www.leeds.ac.uk/foe and discussing it with other people,” says Kate. “You feel included and
www.leeds.ac.uk/foe/graduate-school encouraged.”
24 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 25

Faculty of MATHEMATICS and PHYSICAL SCIENCES

The
Thefaculty
Facultyhas
hasmore
morethan
than200
200research
researchstudents.
students.
More
Morethan
than40%
40%ofofthe
thefaculty’s
Faculty’sPhD
PhDstudents
studentsgogoonontotocontinue
continuetheir
theircareers
careersinina aresearch
researchenvironment.
environment.
The
TheFaculty
Facultyunites
unitesexperts
expertsininChemistry,
chemistry,Colour
colour Science,
science, Food
food Science
science and
& Nutrition,
nutrition,Mathematics,
mathematics,Nanotechnology
nanotechnologyand
andPhysics
physics& and
Astronomy.
astronomy.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences is internationally

renowned for the quality of its research, as evidenced by the last THEO WILSON JESSICA COOPER
Research Assessment Exercise, where all areas were judged to be
undertaking ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ research. Undertaking a PhD at Leeds was a natural next step for Theo Wilson, after As she came to the end of her undergraduate degree, Jessica Cooper
he completed a chemistry degree, followed by a one-year MChem at the decided that she wanted to continue learning about physics, which led
The Faculty unites experts in chemistry, colour science, food science and University. her to attend a postgraduate
post-graduateopen
openday
dayatatthe
theUniversity
UniversityofofLeeds.
Leeds.
nutrition, mathematics, nanotechnology, and physics and astronomy.
It is acknowledged for its fundamental research but also has firm links “I never planned to do a PhD but really enjoyed the research project I did Jessica did a BSc Physics and Astrophysics at the University of York and
with the faculties of Biological Sciences, Engineering and Environment for my MChem, investigating the ice nucleation properties of mineral dusts had enjoyed the quantum physics element of her course. “I spoke to several
through interdisciplinary centres. This is combined with applications within clouds, so I decided to stay on,” says Theo, who is now in his second academics who encouraged me to look at Dr Dunningham’s work,” she says.
of scientific disciplines to the needs of industry and strong links with year. “And then I met him at the open day and discussed the possibility of my
industry exist across the Faculty. Companies providing sponsorship include undertaking a PhD in the Quantum Information research group.” Jessica
pharmaceuticals, printing, textiles, retail, food production and electronic Enrolled as a PhD student on a €1.66 million European Research Council and Dr Dunningham were successful in applying for a University of Leeds
systems. Our research is supported by a vast array of equipment, and project grant, Theo is jointly supervised by his project leader Dr Ben Research Scholarship to fund Jessica’s PhD.
excellent laboratory and library resources. Murray (School of Chemistry) and Dr Steven Dobbie (School of Earth and
Environment). “I’m lucky to be working on a collaborative project and I Jessica’s research is focused on Bose-Einstein condensates - atoms that
Over 200 research students receive training in the skills of conducting have regular meetings with both supervisors,” says Theo. “There’s a really exist in a singular state at very low temperatures - and how these might
research, develop their understanding and enthusiasm for their subject, good postgraduate community in Chemistry and I know a lot of people be used as a measurement tool at a quantum scale. “For example, gravity
and accelerate the development of a mature, critical and self-motivated in Earth and Environment, too – one of the advantages of working on an waves are too small to be measured with traditional measurement tools and
approach to the acquisition and application of specialist knowledge. interdisciplinary project.” some current research is looking at how Bose-Einstein condensates might
be used to detect them,” says Jessica.
Research focuses on finance and the economy, food, medicine and health, Theo has found that he is working much more independently than before: “A
energy and the environment, the digital economy and nanotechnology, and key part of doing the PhD has been learning about my own abilities in terms Now in the final year of her PhD, Jessica is still undecided about her future
draws on an extensive, diverse range of expertise: of organising myself and how I work efficiently. It’s very different to being an career, but says she has gained a great number of transferable skills during
undergraduate – I’m less managed and I have to make my own deadlines. her time at Leeds. Through the award of one of the University’s Ogden
• Atmospheric, colour, medicinal, supramolecular and process chemistry; Moreover, as the number of people working on the project is increasing, I’m Teaching Fellowships, she has spent a lot of time in schools in the region
Catalysis; Chemical biology; Imaging science; Nanoscience and learning about team working and how to work effectively with other people.” giving talks to pupils about her subject.
nanomedicine.
• Food colloids; Food chemistry and biochemistry; Nutrition. There have been other opportunities for Theo to gain new skills: “I’ve been “My communication skills have developed throughout my PhD and I’m now
• Analysis; Applied nonlinear dynamics; Astrophysical and geophysical demonstrating in undergraduate laboratories since I started my PhD, able to talk about my work with a really diverse range of audiences – from
fluid dynamics; Financial mathematics; Algebra, geometry and integrable which I really enjoy. As well as demonstrating, I supervise in the labs, help other academics through to schoolchildren,” says Jessica. “I’ve also gained
systems; Mathematical biology and medicine; Mathematical logic; Non- with write-ups and mark the papers. Recently, we’ve had some MChem a lot of universal computing skills and my confidence has increased.”
newtonian and polymeric fluid dynamics; Probability and statistics. students in the lab, so I’ve been working with them, which has been a good
• Astrophysics – observational and theoretical investigations of star and experience. Jessica has also had the opportunity to travel, either to conferences or to
planetary system formation; Condensed matter; Molecular and nanoscale visit and work with other research groups. “I’ve been to Singapore, Canada,
physics; Polymers and complex fluids; Quantum information; Spintronics “I don’t have set goals or big plan but it was certainly the right decision Italy and New Zealand,” she says. “I’ve learnt a lot about team working
and physics in low dimensional systems; Experimental biophysics and to do a PhD. If you want to learn a bit more about yourself doing a PhD is a and building effective relationships quickly in order to get the most out of a
bionanoscience; Single photon physics; Sustainable energy harvesting and good way to do it.” study trip.”
storage.

www.maps.leeds.ac.uk
www.maps.leeds.ac.uk/research.htm
26 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 27

Faculty of MEDICINE and HEALTH

The
Thefaculty
Facultyhas
hasover
over1,000
1,000researchers.
researchers.
The
TheFaculty’s
Faculty’sfour
fourSchools
Schoolsand
andInstitutes
Institutesare
arebased
basedononaanumber
numberofofsites
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withinthe
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University
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andother
otherlocal
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hospitals.
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researchstudents
studentsgogoonontotopractise
practiseininaamedical
medicaldiscipline.
discipline.AAfurther
further30%
30%follow
followaateaching
teachingcareer.
career.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health involves researchers in biomedical

and health sciences pursuing interdisciplinary approaches to tackle DR NICK WEST DR ANNA WINTERBOTTOM
medical, health and social problems for the benefit of the health and
welfare of society. It comprises four Schools and Institutes: Dr Nick West originally came to Leeds to do a degree in medicine Having completed an MSc in health psychology, Dr Anna Winterbottom
because of the University’s reputation. Having developed an interest in moved to Leeds and worked as a research assistant at St James’s
• School of Medicine, with research organised into the Institutes of pathology – the study of disease – Nick is now undertaking a PhD funded University Hospital. During this time, Anna was supervised by Dr Hilary
Health Sciences (LIHS), Genetics, Health and Therapeutics (LIGHT), by Yorkshire Cancer Research. Bekker and achieved Chartered status as a Health Psychologist.
Molecular Medicine (LIMM) and Medical Education (LIME)
• Institute of Psychological Sciences “Pathology is a research-led speciality,” says Nick. “After graduating my She also undertook a second Masters degree and applied for a PhD post
• School of Healthcare first degree I had to do a year’s clinical practice prior to starting pathology which was advertised at the Leeds Institute for Psychological Sciences. The
• Leeds Dental Institute training. In 2006 I successfully applied for an Academic Clinical Fellowship post was funded through a Collaborative Award in Science and Engineering
(ACF) which funded one year of part-time research over three years prior to (CASE) studentship from the Economic and Social Research Council and an
External research funding is forecast to grow to £50m+ in 2009-10. The last beginning my PhD.” unrestricted grant from Baxter’s Healthcare Ltd.
Research Assessment Exercise rated more than 50% of our research outputs
as ‘internationally excellent’, placing almost all research disciplines in the Nick’s research progresses the work he did under the ACF funding and Anna had three supervisors during her PhD. Dr Hilary Bekker and Professor
UK’s top 10. Priority research areas include: focuses on assessing the quality of surgery for colorectal cancer patients. Mark Conner based at the University, and Dr Andrew Mooney, a consultant
“We can make a pathological assessment of operations used for patients renal physician at St James’s University Hospital, were able to provide both
• Basic laboratory, clinical and translational research into complex chronic and highlight areas which could be improved,” says Nick. “There can be an academic and clinical perspective on her work.
disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer and a 10-20% improvement in survival rates just by feeding back to surgeons
neurodegeneration. about the quality of their work, which is followed by a change in surgical Her PhD study focused on how patients with kidney failure choose their
• Molecular and genetics research to define molecules involved in human practice.” dialysis treatment. “Patients are encouraged to participate in their
diseases and applications in diagnostics and in developing novel treatment decision making,” says Anna. “Initially we wanted to find out
therapies. He has two PhD supervisors, Professor Phil Quirke and Dr Heike Grabsch. The how patients were making their choices and to assess the quality of the
• Interdisciplinary translational research in musculoskeletal medicine strong networks developed by his supervisors have enabled Nick to develop information they were using to assist their decision making.”
and dentistry including imaging, diagnostics, novel therapeutics and collaborative activities with European partners. “As one example, we were
regenerative therapies. invited to Denmark to participate in a training programme for surgeons Using a variety of research methods, including semi-structured interviews,
• Applied health research aimed at enhancing health through improving where our pathological assessments were used to reinforce training,” a systematic review of the literature and experiments, Anna found that
healthcare policy, economics, practice and delivery. says Nick. “I’ve learnt a lot about working collaboratively with medics in many cases, patients’
patients choices
choiceswere
wereinfluenced
influencedbybythe
theexperience
experienceofof
• Biological, cognitive and social research into human behaviour, eg, in and researchers from different institutions and I’ve travelled extensively, other patients with kidney failure. “There’s not much research in this area
relation to health, neuropsychological populations, nutrition and obesity. presenting to lots of different audiences.” Nick has also been to Stockholm and I really enjoyed the fact that the work I did had a direct, practical
and other major surgery centres in Europe. application,” says Anna.
The Faculty Graduate School provides a high level of support and training
for approximately 340 research students studying for a range of degrees; Experience of writing grant proposals and ethics committee applications Throughout her PhD, Anna presented her work at 20 national and
of these over 100 are international. Many students are involved in have added to Nick’s growing list of skills. He’s also been involved in international conferences, produced five publications and conducted a
interdisciplinary projects, co-supervised by colleagues from other faculties, learning and teaching. “I help to coordinate undergraduate taught courses anumber
numberofofworkshops
workshopsforforBaxter
BaxterHealthcare.
HealthcareIt’s
Ltd.
these
It’s these
kinds kinds
of experiences
of
for example, Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Engineering. and have also done some teaching myself. I’m keen to pursue a research that Anna feels
experiences thathave
Annabeen
feelsinvaluable
have beentoinvaluable
her. “I’ve gained
to her. “I’ve
loadsgained
of loads
and teaching career in the future,” he says. “And I think the experience I’m knowledge,
of knowledge, confidence
confidence andand
transferable
transferableskills,”
skills,”
sayssays
Anna.
Anna.
“I definitely
“I definitelyfeel
www.leeds.ac.uk/medhealth gaining will be incredibly useful throughout my career.” that that
feel doingdoing
a PhD
a PhD
is a good
is a good
training
training
exercise
exercise
for developing
for developing
skillsskills
to become
to
www.leeds.ac.uk/medhealth/research a well-rounded
become a well-rounded
researcher.”
researcher.”

Anna currently works at Bradford Royal Infirmary as a senior research fellow

in the Quality and Safety Research Group, part of the Bradford Institute for
Health Research.
28 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 29

Faculty of PERFORMANCE,
VISUAL ARTS and COMMUNICATIONS

The
TheUK
UKHigher
HigherEducation
EducationResearch
ResearchYearbook
Yearbookhas
hasnamed
namedthe
theFaculty
Facultyasasthe
thebest-performing
best-performingfaculty
facultyfor
forresearch
researchand
andgraduate
graduatestudents
studentsininthe
the
creative
creativeand
andcritical
criticalarts
artsininthe
theUK.
UK.
Over
Over70%
70%ofofPhD
PhDstudents
studentsgogoonontotofollow
followaacareer
careerininfurther
furtherororhigher
highereducation.
education.
PVAC
PVACoffers
offers4343studentships
studentshipsthrough
throughthe
theAHRC
AHRCBlock
BlockGrant
GrantPartnership
Partnership(2009-13).
(2009-13).

The Faculty of Performance, Visual Arts and Communications (PVAC) has

the broadest portfolio of any UK university in cultural industries, creative DR EMILY GRAY ADAM STRICKSON
arts and design and media technologies. We bring together a mix of
approaches from the arts and humanities, from the social sciences and Following her undergraduate degree Emily Gray taught English in As a freelance writer and module tutor on the School of Performance
from science, technology and media. Spain, returning to the UK to work in arts marketing before choosing to and Cultural Industries’ (PCI) MA in Writing for Performance and
undertake a Masters in international studies at Leeds. Publication, Adam Strickson was motivated to begin his PhD when he
PVAC consists of the Schools of Design, Fine Art, History of Art and saw opportunities for practice-led doctorates through the University’s
Cultural Studies, Performance and Cultural Industries, Music and the Doubtful that she could afford to study for a PhD, Emily secured a post as a collaboration with Opera North.
Institute of Communications Studies. Each of them provides a world-class research officer at the University’s Institute of Communications Studies (ICS)
postgraduate research experience. Outstanding resources include the working on a large EU funded project examining political communication Opera North and the University came together in 2007 in an unusual
splendid Clothworkers’ Centenary Concert Hall, purpose-designed theatres, across the EU. She was able to undertake a part-time PhD, supported by and innovative partnership allowing the organisations to work together,
featuring Stage One (a 180-seat main auditorium) and the Alec Clegg supervisors Professor Paul Statham* and Dr Katrin Voltmer. stimulating new ways of working and thinking. Along with work-based
Studio (an 80-seat ‘black box’ studio), the nationally-recognised University learning programmes, conferences and sharing ideas and aspirations, the
Art Gallery, dedicated studio and laboratory spaces and other exhibition and “It was challenging working and doing a PhD at the same time,” says Emily. collaboration has also created opportunities for research. In Adam’s case, he
performance facilities. “But my job fed into my PhD and the additional research I did for my PhD successfully applied for an AHRC collaborative doctoral award with Opera
fed back into my job so it was a great way to study. The support from my North in the School of PCI, co-supervised with the School of Music.
The UK Higher Education Research Yearbook has named PVAC as the supervisors was also a huge help.”
best-performing faculty for research and graduate students in the creative “My PhD is practice-led, so around 70% of my work is creating new
and critical arts in the UK. What makes it so special is the combination of Emily is now a Research Director at research company Ipsos MORI, leading performance pieces,” explains Adam. “I’m working on a full stage opera
innovative and cutting-edge practice with the rigour of critical histories and the work the company does for central government in the UK. “I wanted to called Red Angel, set in the Sudanese civil war in the early 90s, and a
theories, alongside the expansive support, infrastructure and technology move to London and I’d used some MORI research for my PhD,” she says. smaller piece called Green Angel, based on a novel by Alice Hoffman.
which comes with one of the UK’s top civic universities. Our leading position “I’m really interested in social research and was also interested in working Both pieces deal with the extreme experience of war and disaster and are
was recognised in the Research Assessment Exercise 2008 where over 60% in a more commercial environment.” influenced by Japanese culture. Red Angel is based on a Japanese film by
of our scholarship was ranked as ‘world leading’ or of ‘international’ quality. Masumura and I’m writing Green Angel using Japanese Noh play structure.”
We offer supervision opportunities with experienced researchers in many Emily believes her PhD equipped her well for her life now. She explains:
different fields. We are recognised as being at the forefront of developing “My PhD was a huge project over a four-year timescale. Much of the work I Adam is 52 and has a BA in theatre, gained at Dartington College of Arts
practice-based research and you can undertake fundamental or applied do now involves shorter projects, but in terms of managing them, I think I and a Masters degree in poetry. Before becoming a writer, he was a theatre
research in numerous fields with direct access to internationally-recognised learnt some invaluable time and project management skills at Leeds.” director for many years. He is now a part-time teaching fellow in the School
academics, technical expertise, comprehensive facilities and a supportive of PCI and is doing his PhD part-time, which will take him approximately
and exciting research environment. She also feels that her PhD provided a good grounding in presenting a five years. “It’s like having three jobs,” he says. “But I love it all. The PhD
well-balanced argument and negotiation. “And that’s been particularly has enabled me to do things I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to do
As a research student here you will be a member of the Graduate School useful in dealing with our clients and putting together proposals in a logical professionally. I don’t think I would have had the chance to write opera in
(www.leeds.ac.uk/pvac/graduateschool/ ) which offers excellent fashion,” she says. “Working on such a large international project provided my life outside University.”
professional training opportunities. Our diverse postgraduate community me with the chance to learn how big, geographically dispersed groups work
draws students from around the world. and the art of effective negotiation with partners who may have a different Adam has embraced the opportunity to cross disciplines, working alongside
agenda to your own.” other PhD students, something he enjoys. “For example, Green Angel is
www.leeds.ac.uk/pvac being composed by Lauren Readhead, a PhD student in the School of
*Professor Statham is now at the University of Bristol. Music,” he says.
www.leeds.ac.uk/pvac/faculty/students/propg
30 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk 31

FURTHER INFORMATION
The range of research degrees available Funding

The University offers the following research degrees (full-time and part-time). Scholarships Funding for international students
Postgraduate students at Leeds benefit from around £10m of funding The majority of international students are sponsored by a home university
that is available from the University and externally – including over 100 or organisation. However, there is a small number of international bursaries
DOCTORATES scholarships each year that are specifically for new international students. available from the University. For more information, seek advice from
www.scholarships.leeds.ac.uk or contact the chosen school.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
University-funded scholarships
Doctor of Medicine (MD) University-funded scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit Other financial support
Doctor of Dental Science (DDSc) to students meeting the relevant entry criteria. They generally take the form Further information about how learning may be supported can be found at
of partial or full fees and/or maintenance payments. Award values and www.direct.gov.uk/adultlearning or + 44 (0)800 100 900.
conditions of scholarships can vary significantly; check criteria and terms
PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATES and get the latest information about scholarships at Fees
www.scholarships.leeds.ac.uk The cost of a postgraduate degree varies by course. International students
Doctor of Business Management (DBM)
will pay a higher fee than UK students as the fees for UK and EU students
Doctor of Education (EdD) UK/EU scholarships are subsidised by the UK government.
Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsychol) The University offers a wide range of partial and fully-funded postgraduate
scholarships to UK/EU and international students. Details of specific fees will be included with the offer letter. The academic
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) fee covers normal tuition and examinations, as well as membership of the
For UK/EU students* these range from fully-funded awards from the UK Students’ Union. Some courses may cost more, for example, some science
Research councils and the University of Leeds, to endowed scholarships subjects require an extra fee to cover laboratory costs.
INTEGRATED DEGREES OF PhD AND MASTERS*
(some of which are for a specific area of research) and bursaries in
PhD/MA, PhD/MSc, PhD/LLM support of specialist library collection visits. The University is also in International students
collaboration with the universities of Sheffield and York to provide White International students taking programmes of more than one year have their
Rose scholarships in named areas of research. fees fixed at the rates in the year of entry (subject to normal progression).
SPLIT-SITE RESEARCH DEGREES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
We also run split-site PhDs, where students spend periods of full-time study in Leeds and other periods elsewhere (for example, in a research institute, The University and its partners support scholarships for international When to pay
university or commercial research-intensive organisation). Please contact rp_applications@leeds.ac.uk for more information. students. A number of these are country specific, for example, Self-supporting students can pay fees in full or in two instalments of 50%
Commonwealth scholarships or international fee scholarships for Chinese paid when registering and 50% payable by direct debit from a UK bank
applicants in specific areas of research jointly funded by the Chinese account five months after the course start date.
MASTERSHIPS BY RESEARCH government and UK universities.
Master of Arts (MA) Sponsored students are able to register for their programme after
Each year there are around 120 partial or fully-funded postgraduate submitting a letter from their sponsor confirming the details of the
Master of Education (MEd) scholarships, with additional awards being available from faculties and sponsorship. Sponsorship letters should be submitted to the Student
Master of Science (MSc) schools. Not surprisingly, there is strong competition for these so it’s Financial Administration. Please contact +44 (0) 113 343 6055 or email
Master of Science (Engineering) (MSc(Eng)) advisable to make enquiries and applications at an early stage. Applicants queries to fees@leeds.ac.uk
will need to have an offer of admission by the closing date of each
Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) scholarship.

Research Councils
* The Leeds Integrated PhD is part of ‘The New Route PhD’, a national initiative supported by the UK government and led by institutions with proven
The University also receives some £3m from Research Councils to fund new
experience of postgraduate training. Students at Leeds graduate with a Masters and a PhD degree. The four-year course provides students with
scholarships for UK/EU postgraduate researchers.
coursework and practical experience, alongside specialist research study. Details of programmes are available from the individual schools.
Alternatively, the programme of study entry for each can be found in the Ordinances and Regulations booklet, available on the RSA website:
Each Research Council operates its own procedures for scholarship, so it
www.leeds.ac.uk.rds/handbook
is advisable to contact the relevant school in order to discuss appropriate
Research Council opportunities.

*Dependent on whether residency criteria are met.

32 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS - POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH www.leeds.ac.uk

Entry requirements
The University welcomes applications from UK, EU and international
researchers and early career academics seeking to develop their research
skills, increase their international exposure and enhance their career
progression opportunities.

Entry requirements vary between schools, so applicants should visit the

website of their chosen school to check the required qualifications and/or
experience.

English language entry requirements

If English is not a first language, applicants will need a recognised English
language qualification to be admitted to one of the University’s degree
programmes. Requirements vary between schools, so applicants should visit
the website of their chosen school for detailed information about what is
required.

Applications for postgraduate research

All postgraduate applicants need to complete a postgraduate research
application form. This can be done via the online applications system, or by
downloading a copy of the application form from the website:
www.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate

Alternative formats
If you require any of the information contained
within this publication in an alternative format
eg Braille, large print or audio, please email
disability@leeds.ac.uk

Whilst the University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication the University does not
accept liability for any inaccuracies contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the University, the University reserves
the right to change or cancel parts of, or entire, programmes of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the
University. Circumstances outside of the University’s reasonable control include, industrial action, over or under demand from students, staff illness, lack
of funding, severe weather, fire, civil disorder, political unrest, government restrictions and concern with regard to the transmission of serious illness. The
University’s contract with its students does not confer third party benefits.
 Leeds LS2 9JT
UK
T: +44 (0)113 343 2336
E: study@leeds.ac.uk
W: www.leeds.ac.uk/postgraduate