You must hold a UK undergraduate (Bachelors) degree with at least first class or upper second class honours or an equivalent qualification from a recognised overseas institution.

See academic entry requirements and the English language entry requirements.

1. Make sure we offer PhD supervision in the area in which you want to research.
   
   
2. Draft a brief (1,000 words maximum) personal statement that includes:
   • A brief description of your intended research and why you want to work in this area
   • Names of potential PhD supervisors that have expertise in your chosen research area
   • A description of any relevant research experience - for example, as part of a previous degree
   • A list of any academic work you have published or which is awaiting publication
     
     
3. 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:
   • 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.
   • supporting documents not in English must be provided with a certified English translation
   • Evidence of English language proficiency if applicable
   • CV
   • Enter contact details for two academic (not personal) referees who can comment on your suitability for the research degree programme in the space provided or upload letters of reference on signed headed paper if already available. Potential PhD supervisors cannot act as referees.
   • In the funding section please state how you intend to fund your study
   • In the proposal section please provide the name of the supervisors and project title
      
4. Submit your online application using the appropriate Apply button at the bottom this page.

When to apply

We have intakes in January, April, July and September each year.

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 5-6 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

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

Full-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £4,786
• 2025/26 to be confirmed in early 2025

Part-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £2,393
• 2025/26 to be confirmed in early 2025

International campus based

Full-time

• 2024/25 academic year: £23,650 - £38,300 per year
• 2025/26 academic year: £23,650 - £38,300 per year

*International fees vary according to the nature of the research project to be undertaken. The applicable fee will be determined at the point an offer of admissions is made and will be stated on the offer letter.

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

Distance learning

For distance learning study if you are living outside of the UK during your studies you will pay the International fee.

UK distance learning

• For study starting between 1 August 2024 and 1 July 2025: £3,589.50 per year for 4 years (£14,358 total course fee)
• For study starting between 1 August 2025 and 1 July 2026: £3,650 per year for 4 years (£14,600 total course fee)

International distance learning

• For study starting between 1 August 2024 and 1 July 2025: £7,037.50 per year for 4 years (£28,150 total course fee)
• For study starting between 1 August 2025 and 1 July 2026: £14,600 per year for 4 years  (£58,400 total course fee)

Distance learning payment options

The fees quoted are per year of study and paid over the first 4 years only. The above also shows the total fee for the PhD distance learning programme. Fees can be paid by the following options:

1. Total course fee paid in full before first year registration
2. Total course fee split into four annual payments with first annual payment made in full before first year registration
3. Total course fee split into 12 equal instalments payable during 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.

Duration of study
The maximum registration permitted is four years full-time or seven years part-time or distance learning.

The typical duration of a full time PhD is 3 - 3.5 years, PhD students may use the fourth year as a 'writing-up' year for which a reduced fee is payable if active research has been completed (currently £100).

Funding

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