Institute of Psychological Sciences

Postgraduate research opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to include a research proposal?

Although it is not a formal requirement, we encourage candidates to submit a research proposal unless they are applying for a pre-defined project studentship. The proposal does not necessarily commit you to a precise project, however it gives a good indication of your research interests and gives academic staff an opportunity to see a sample of your writing. Projects can be further negotiated during the admissions process.

How do I write a research proposal?

We would recommend that a research proposal is structured broadly as follows

• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem - this should provide a conceptual framework for the reader and demonstrate that the researcher is aware of the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research question.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and the potential impact/societal benefit of the research.

Please ensure that all content is properly attributed. We would suggest that the maximum length of a proposal is 4 sides of A4.

What are the academic fees for a research degree?

Up-to-date fees are shown on the University website. Click through the link to 'Postgraduate Fees and Finance' and, if you are an international student, the further link to 'Find out more about international fees'.

The main criterion for 'home' status is that you have normally been a resident in the EU for 3 years prior to the start of your degree, but not specifically for the purposes of education. There are, however, a number of additional regulations and you can find out more from UKCISA, The Council for International Student Affairs.

What are the living expenses?

Estimated living expenses can be found on the University website.

Will the University pay for my studies?

There is a range of scholarships and studentships offered throughout the year. All these are advertised on the University's and Institute of Psychological Sciences (IPS) websites.

You would normally need to apply separately for a scholarship, though in the case of studentships offered by the academic School to which you are applying (for example, White Rose ESRC Doctoral Training Centre awards, or awards tied to individual projects), you may be asked to simply state on the application form that you are interested in that particular studentship.

If you are not applying for a named scholarship or studentship from the University or the School, you will need to provide funding for your studies. We may make you an academic offer, but this would be subject to you obtaining your own funding.

Can I pay my living expenses or fees by working?

It is not realistic to attempt to fund yourself by working through your research degree, and all research students are restricted to 250 hours paid work per year.

Can I get a teaching studentship?

There is often a small amount of demonstrating or teaching assistant work available to research students, however this would not be sufficient to allow you to fund your studies.

When can I start my research degree?

You can start a research degree at any time of year. Start dates are always the first day of the month. If you are applying from overseas, we would advise you to leave sufficient time to make appropriate visas and travel arrangements.

When would I expect to hear about my application?

You should receive a personal e-mail acknowledgement of your application within 2-3 working days. This will say whether there is further information or documentation outstanding, or whether the application has been circulated to relevant academic staff.

Once you have provided all the information required and the relevant documents, you should receive an formal response (either an academic offer, or a rejection) within 4 weeks, unless you are in an ongoing dialogue with a potential supervisor(s). If you do not, please e-mail us and we will follow up your application with staff.

Will you make an academic offer if I have no funding?

It is our policy to make academic offers to good quality candidates and where there is a good match in research area with a supervisor. In some circumstances, however, supervisors may wish to know there is a reasonable chance that a candidate can obtain funding before they will issue an offer. This is particularly the case when responding to candidates applying for scholarships at Leeds where there is no other funding indicated. It is important that you tell us what potential funding you have available so we can pass this information to potential supervisors.

If I tell you that I have access to funding does this reduce my chance of getting a scholarship?

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and any other clearly stated criteria. Unless stated in the criteria for the specific scholarship, no account is taken of whether a candidate has access to other funds. You are more likely to receive an offer if you indicate possible funding.