Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Business School is inviting applications for two funded PhD studentships to study full-time with a start date in October 2026.
Leeds Business School (LBS) is an important part of Leeds Beckett University, based at the University’s City Campus in the heart of Leeds. We conduct applied business research across our six subject areas, spanning every aspect of business and management practice and associated disciplines from economics to journalism. We undertake both funded and commercial research with partners including businesses of all sizes from micro to multinational, local authorities, NHS Trusts and other universities. We are seeking to build our research activity and profile in our core areas and to continue to expand our doctoral offering.
The studentships are not tied to a specific research project; however, the School is seeking to sponsor projects closely aligned with our key areas of research interest. Proposals on subjects that do not directly address one of these areas, listed below, will not be considered.
- Banking and Markets
- Sustainability
- Digital Media and Society
- Responsible Governance and Organisational Behaviour
- Supply Chain and Anchor Networks
- SME Development and Enterprise
We particularly welcome proposals for research that contributes to our university research theme on Inclusive and Prosperous Communities, with one of the research scholarships reserved for this area (please see this link for more details).
The successful candidates will be based in Leeds full-time and will join the research community at Leeds Business School – of around 150 academics and researchers and an established body of doctoral students with strong representation of full time and part-time doctorates. The candidate will work closely with a supervisory team allocated by the School, who are experts in the proposed project area. There may be the opportunity to undertake a small amount undergraduate or Masters teaching on an hourly basis, although the PhD programme of research and candidate’s academic development should remain a priority. The start date for the PhD is October 2026, although it may be possible for candidates to start a little later if necessary.
This is a superb opportunity for an enthusiastic and high-achieving individual looking to undertake a PhD in a vibrant and diverse research environment, as part of an established doctoral student community.
The studentship lasts for 3 years and includes Full Home tuition fees plus a plus a stipend of £21,805 (subject to a cost of living increment). The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home fees with relevant qualifications.
The studentship for international applicants covers international tuition fees only.
Type of Funding Available: Home (UK) Fees and Stipend
Stipend Value: £21,805 (subject to a cost of living increment)
Stipends are tax-free and paid pro-rata in monthly payments
Applicants are encouraged to reach out to supervisors in their particular subject area to discuss their potential project. You can find out more about Leeds Business School academics and their specialist areas at this link. For an informal discussion of the terms and expectations of the studentship, please do contact our Director of Graduate Research Programmes, Professor Mark Rhodes at m.j.rhodes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Candidates should read the guidance and complete the research student application process as standard, providing a clear title and proposal for the research to be undertaken using the headings below as a guide. The research proposal should be no more than four A4 pages in length (before references) in Arial 12. Please specify which research theme or themes your topic relates to at the beginning of the proposal.
Applicants clearly state the reference LBS PhD Studentship 2026 when submitting their applications.
The criteria listed below will be used in both selecting those applicants who will be called for interview and those who will be successful in securing a Studentship.
- Qualifications, expertise, and experience relevant to the proposed PhD subject area.
- Knowledge of the subject area that will allow the development of a focused line of enquiry
- Knowledge and understanding of research methods appropriate to undertaking a PhD in your chosen area of research
- A clear overview of how the completed PhD will make an original contribution to the body of knowledge in the relevant research literature, and/or to professional practice in the relevant field
- Scale and scope of the proposed research in terms of delivery within the three-year studentship
The closing date for applications is midnight on Thursday 28th May 2026.
Following your application submission, you will be contacted by Research Admissions to confirm receipt and next steps.
Interviews are due to take place week commencing week commencing 22nd June 2026.
Application Deadline: 28 May 2026
Contact Us
For an informal discussion of the terms and expectations of the studentship, please do contact our Director of Graduate Research Programmes, Professor Mark Rhodes at m.j.rhodes@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.
Professor Mark Rhodes
Professor / Leeds Business School
Mark Rhodes is Professor of Financial Economics at Leeds Business School and is the director of Leeds Business School's Sustainable Business Research Institute. Mark's main research interest is in the area of financial economics, theoretical work on market microstructure.
