Research degrees

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Research that makes a difference

By studying with us, you will join a community of impactful researchers in the four subject areas including:

Construction, surveying and project management
Planning, housing and human geography
Computing
Engineering

We offer the choice of two doctoral routes, the Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorates routes. In addition, we offer a Masters by Research (MRes) and Master of Philosophy.

Masters by Research (MRes)

One year full-time, two years part-time

If you are looking to take your first steps in research, then an MRes programme could be ideal. It is a stepping stone between undergraduate and PhD-level research. It is particularly suitable if you are moving into a new subject area and want to explore different career or academic research options.
Masters by Philosophy (MPhil)

Three years full time, four years part-time

An MPhil research degree is a masters qualification completed to the same academic quality as a PhD. It is ideal for those wanting to complete their degree in a shorter time period than a PhD. You will gain a significant grounding in research methods and skills that will equip you to have a successful career in your field of study or to continue your studies and complete a PhD.
Doctor by Philosophy (MPhil)

Three years full-time, six years part-time

Our PhD is awarded on the successful completion of a programme of supervised research. It is assessed via a thesis and a viva voce (an oral examination). You will contribute new knowledge to your field and you will disseminate your findings by means of peer-reviewed output and a thesis. Throughout your PhD journey, you will be supported with a programme of research training to enable you to develop transferable skills for your future career path.

Professional Doctorates

Six years part-time

Our professional doctorates are specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals to investigate or critically study a topic of interest. Our professional doctorates have an emphasis on more applied contributions to professional knowledge and practice. They provide researchers with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop knowledge and skills necessary to undertake and complete a practical research and development project. Our professional doctorates are ideal if you are seeking recognition and further development at the highest level, whether professionally or in academia. A key feature of the professional doctorates is that they have a structured course design, including taught elements to develop research skills and reflective practice.

Further information about Professional Doctorates

We offer the following professional doctorates:

This is a programme of research based on the advanced study of engineering or applied sciences and professional practice in engineering. It is intended for candidates with relevant professional experience and supported by structured learning. The aim of the course is to blend the practical experience within the working environment with a part-time research degree. The key themes of the DEng are:

Energy
Sustainability
Building Performance

The built environment covers a broad area of professional practice including subject areas as construction management, building surveying, quantity surveying, architectural design and technology, real estate and facilities management. The built environment is witnessing a transformation to become a smart and technologically innovative one. This has provided opportunities to investigate and develop solutions for a construction industry that relate to these changes and other challenges. This doctorate will be of interest to built environment professionals who would like to develop knowledge and influence professional practice in various areas including, for example:

Innovation
Building Information Modelling
Financial and Commercial Management
Organisation and Management Issues
Building Surveying
Building Technology
Facilities Management

The professional doctorate in planning and housing studies builds on the reputation of Leeds Planning School, first established in 1938, and on the research expertise of our teaching staff in heritage, urban green space, sustainable design, community resilience, community planning, social and community-led housing, and women and the built environment. Doctoral research projects will be complemented by staff research expertise in:

Urban governance and regeneration
Culture and heritage-based regeneration
Housing policy
International disaster planning perspectives

This doctorate focuses on research in construction law and dispute resolution. The construction industry increasingly recognises the importance of resolving disputes efficiently and quickly to maintain commercial relationships and keep cash flowing within the industry. This doctorate will be of interest to professionals working in construction, law or a related field.

Energy
Sustainability
Building Performance

Innovation
Building Information Modelling
Financial and Commercial Management
Organisation and Management Issues
Building Surveying
Building Technology
Facilities Management

Urban governance and regeneration
Culture and heritage-based regeneration
Housing policy
International disaster planning perspectives

How to apply

If you have decided on the best programme for you and you already have an idea for your research proposal, talk to one of our academic supervisors.

You can also discuss your research idea or find out more about support and funding available by getting in touch with Professor Sam Zulu (Postgraduate Research Coordinator) via email at BEC-PGR@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Once you have agreed your research proposal idea in principle with one of our academic supervisors, you can submit your application form along with your research proposal to the our Research Admissions team.

Find an academic supervisor Apply now