You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelor's) degree with at least First-Class or Upper Second-Class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.

We would also normally expect applicants to hold a Master's degree.

See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.

Make sure we offer PhD supervision in the area in which you want to work.

You might be interested in signing up for our 5 week online course Discovering Your PhD Potential: Writing a Research Proposal. The course is offered through FutureLearn where you can register your interest for the next available course.

Prepare your supporting documents, with your application you need to include proof that you meet the academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements: 

• Download and save the Research Proposal Form and prepare your proposal. Complete all sections using the guidance on the form. If your proposal is not submitted on the Proposal Form your application will not be considered.
• CV
• Personal statement explaining your interest in the research, your experience, why it is worth doing and why we should consider you.
• Copies of your Degree Certificates and Marks Transcripts of study already completed and if possible a transcript to-date of any study currently being undertaken.
• If your documents are not in English please include an official translation.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
• In the reference section please enter the contact details of your two academic referees in the text boxes provided or upload letters of reference if already available.
• In the funding section state clearly how you intend to fund your study.

Submit your application using the Apply Button at the bottom of this page. Please ensure you upload all the required documents and your completed Research Proposal Form, failure to do so may cause a delay in assessing your application.  

When to apply

You should try to submit your application as far in advance of your preferred start date as possible. If you are an international applicant and require a visa to study in the UK you should submit your application at least three-to-four months before the proposed start date.

After you have submitted your application, it will take a minimum of six weeks for you to receive a decision about your application.

Tuition fees vary according to your fee status and the mode of study (full-time or part-time). For clarification please contact pgradmissions@le.ac.uk.

UK campus based

Full-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £4,712
• 2024/25 academic year: £4,786

Part-time

• 2023/24 academic year: £2,356
• 2024/25 academic year: £2,393

*UK fees will rise each year of study in line with UKRI rates.

International campus based

Full-time 

• 2023/24 academic year: £16,200 - £18,200 per year
• 2024/25 academic year: £17,550 - £19,700 per year

*International fees for research degrees in this subject area vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admission is made and will be stated in the offer letter. International fees are fixed for the duration of study.

Please note that owing to UK visa restrictions, part-time campus-based registration is not normally available to international applicants.

Distance Learning

UK distance learning

If you are living in the UK during your DL studies you will pay the UK fee.

• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £21,850 total course fee
• Starting in 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 total course fee 

If you are living outside of the UK during your DL studies you will pay the International fee.

• Starting in 2023/24 academic year: £26,000 total course fee
• Starting in 2024/25 academic year: £28,150 total course fee

The fees quoted are the total fee for the PhD distance learning programme and are paid over the first four years of study. Fees can be paid using any of these options:

• Total course fee paid in full before first year registration
• Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first year registration
• Total course fee split into 12 equal instalment payments, spread over years 1-4 of the study. The first instalment to be paid before first year registration

If study extends beyond the 4th year no further fees are required. A payment schedule will be sent with the offer letter.

Funding 

For a list of our available scholarships/studentships, please visit our funded opportunities pages.