About
The University of Leeds is a public research university located in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The institution offers postgraduate research opportunities across multiple faculties including Arts, Humanities and Cultures, Biological Sciences, Business, Education, Social Sciences and Law, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Environment, and Medicine and Health. The Leeds Doctoral College supports research degree students and provides a comprehensive research training environment.
Funding Opportunities
Advertising and Justice-Based Sustainability Transformations of Production and Consumption
This fully funded PhD scholarship is offered in the Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability at the University of Leeds for one UK candidate starting in October 2026. The PhD involves impact-facing advertising research aligned with justice-based sustainability transformation of production and consumption systems. The successful candidate will be embedded in a dynamic interdisciplinary team within the Production and Consumption Transformations (PACT) research centre, funded by UK Research and Innovation and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The research focuses on investigating the role of advertising policy and practice in the UK for just and sustainable transformations. The project examines three key lenses: (1) emissions across production and consumption systems, (2) decision making institutions and coalitions, and (3) justice and public engagement. As part of the scholarship, there is an option to spend up to six months at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero through a secondment. This is a timely opportunity to engage with the under-researched mitigation potential around advertising, including campaigns and motions passed by local authorities to limit certain products and sectors from being advertised. The interdisciplinary research team offers opportunities and support to engage in mixed methods research on just transitions, with methodological support available for both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The core supervision team includes Dr. Diana Ivanova, Dr. Leslie Meier, and Dr. Robin Styles, based across the Sustainability Research Institute and the School of Media and Communication. The successful applicant will have a strong interest in climate justice and advertising in the UK context, with particular encouragement for candidates with strong existing networks with community organisations, businesses, and policy makers. The funding covers UK tuition fees and a UKRI matched maintenance stipend per year for 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress. Applicants must normally have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.
Justice implications of the UK's net zero carbon policies
This fully funded PhD scholarship provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research on the justice implications of the UK's net zero carbon policies. The scholarship will be part of the Production and Consumption Transformations (PACT) Centre which is funded by UK Research and Innovation and the UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The project examines justice implications of policies that go beyond electrification and the generation of green electricity but that support deeper transformations of production and consumption in the UK, with a focus on demand-reduction policies. The project will investigate justice implications not only across income groups in the UK but also across other socio-economic characteristics and geographies, and it can cover justice implications in other countries which are linked to UK production and consumption through supply chains. One aspect of the project can also be a justice assessment of the policy options that the PACT Centre will put forward to DESNZ. The project will utilise different secondary datasets, for instance the Living Costs and Food Survey, Understanding Society, the Census, or the UK housing surveys, and apply statistical analysis and/or input-output analysis. Mixed methods projects which combine this analysis with qualitative research or other mixed methods such as multi-criteria analysis, Delphi processes or Q-Methods are also welcome. As part of this PhD scholarship, there is an option to spend up to six months at DESNZ through a secondment.
Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27
Leeds University Business School offers 21 highly competitive PhD Excellence Scholarships across seven departments for the 2026/27 academic year. These scholarships provide full tuition fees plus a maintenance allowance matching UKRI rates (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) for 3.5 years of full-time study. The Business School is recognized globally for excellence in teaching and impactful research, with 90% of submitted research deemed 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the last REF. The scholarships are open to both UK and international applicants pursuing PhD research in areas including strategic innovation, digitalization and employment, UK growth and productivity, workplace inclusion, organizational and consumer behaviour, sustainable business, and global markets. The School maintains a vibrant community of around 210 postgraduate researchers and is committed to diversifying its community, particularly encouraging applications from Black, Asian, and minoritised ethnic communities, LGBT+ individuals, and people with disabilities. Part-time study options are available for UK applicants on a pro-rata basis.
School of Media and Communication PhD Scholarships 2026/2027
Three highly competitive scholarships are available in the School of Media and Communication at the University of Leeds, providing full fees with a maintenance allowance for 3.5 years. These fully-funded PhD places provide exciting opportunities to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields relating to media and communication. One award will be for a Home/UK candidate and two awards for International candidates. The awards are available for full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Media and Communication. The School especially welcomes applications that connect to its core research areas of global communication, journalism, political communication, media industries and cultural production, gender and media, race and media, digital cultures, and visual media and communication. The School of Media and Communication's research is multidisciplinary, theoretically innovative and socially relevant. The School is ranked 4th in the QS ranking 2022 of institutions in the UK and 88% of research outputs are considered world leading or internationally excellent according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
PRHS Doctoral Scholarships 2026
Two full scholarships are available in the School of Philosophy, Religion, and History of Science in 2026/27. These scholarships cover home-rate fees and a maintenance payment, and are available for 3.5 years full-time study (part-time calculated pro-rata). These fully funded PhD places provide an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in a range of fields covered by the School: applied ethics; history of science; philosophy; and theology and religious studies. The School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science is committed to research excellence, productivity, and the international development of its disciplines. With around 50 research-active staff and almost 100 PhD students, the School has a diverse, lively, and robust community of researchers. The School's strong ethos of supporting research ensures high-quality research at the cutting edge of these disciplines, with staff publishing in peer-reviewed journals, serving on editorial boards and international research groups, and achieving an impressive record of research grant capture. Awards provide full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with full-time awards providing full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. The award will be made for one year in the first instance and will renew each year subject to satisfactory academic progress.
School of Performance and Cultural Industries (PCI) Scholarships 2026
The School of Performance and Cultural Industries at the University of Leeds is offering up to three postgraduate research scholarship opportunities for PhD candidates commencing study in October 2026 or February 2027. The scholarships are open to both UK and international students pursuing full-time or part-time (UK only) doctoral research. The award covers full PGR tuition fees for 3 years (currently £5,006 per year for home students and £24,500 for international students) plus a UKRI-matched maintenance stipend of £20,780 for 3.5 years for full-time candidates. The School welcomes proposals in research areas including Place, Participation, Digital, Pedagogic approaches, Cultural Policy & Leadership, and Cultural Value. The School particularly encourages proposals that decentre Eurocentric approaches, employ place-based or comparative international methodologies, focus on the link between performance and creative/cultural industries, address the music industry, or explore digital applications to heritage and performance. Practice-led and participatory research approaches are also welcomed from candidates with relevant methodological experience.
EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Award 2026/27 - Engineering & Physical Sciences
For 2026 entry, the University of Leeds is offering up to 8 talented budding researchers the opportunity to secure funding for postgraduate research and join the thriving community of leading researchers within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. These competitive EPSRC Faculty Doctoral Landscape Awards offer full tuition fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) for 3.5 years. Training and support will also be provided. This opportunity is open to UK applicants only and all candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentship Competition, with selection based on academic merit. The funding opportunity is linked to specific projects only and includes collaboration with Industry partners across various schools including Chemical and Process Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics and Astronomy. Successful applicants will study in an active research environment with 96% of the university's research being world-leading (REF 2021), benefiting from UK-leading facilities, close industry links, professional skills development, and comprehensive personal wellbeing services.
Engineering Surfactant Powders: Drying Dynamics, Structure and Performance
This collaborative PhD project, supported by the University of Leeds and Innospec, offers the opportunity to uncover the science that governs how surfactant powders form. The project will deliver new mechanistic insight into AOS (alpha-olefin sulfonates) drying, connecting formulation chemistry and processing conditions to structure and performance, with direct relevance to industrial manufacturing. At the heart of the research is a unique acoustic levitation platform that allows individual droplets to be dried without contact, enabling real-time observation of shape changes, crust formation, and internal structural evolution. This will be combined with state-of-the-art small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) to probe nanoscale structure development during drying, including phase transitions and crystallisation. The student will be based in the School of Chemical and Process Engineering (SCAPE) at the University of Leeds and supported by a highly interdisciplinary supervisory team spanning chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, food science, and industrial formulation science. The project offers access to world-leading experimental facilities, pilot-scale drying equipment, and close industrial collaboration with Innospec, including the opportunity for an industrial placement.
Establishing the transport mechanism through leaf waxes
This PhD studentship investigates the transport mechanisms through leaf waxes, focusing on how agrochemicals penetrate hydrophobic leaf wax barriers to deliver nutrients while maintaining plant water content. The research addresses a critical challenge in plant healthcare as global population rises and agricultural yields need to increase. Building on previous research exploring plant wax phase diagrams, the project will examine diffusion of molecules through wax films and the impact of composition on physical properties, conducting comparative assessments between crop species (maize) and weed species (amaranthus). The studentship is in collaboration with Syngenta, a world-leading agrochemical company, and will be primarily based at the University of Leeds with regular engagement with Syngenta researchers and a 3-6 month placement at Syngenta's Jealott's Hill international research centre.
Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship 2026
Up to 5 Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarships (LORS) are available to prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups for study in any Faculty at the University of Leeds in Session 2026/27. These scholarships are part of the University's wider commitment to postgraduate diversity and inclusion as outlined by the Access and Student Success Strategy (2025), including involvement with the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE) and Generation Delta. The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26, increasing annually in line with the UKRI rate) for full-time study, with part-time options pro-rata. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. The LORS selection process acknowledges historic awarding gaps and barriers often faced by those from minoritised ethnic groups, with selection based on personal circumstances, personal statements, and financial declarations rather than solely on extra-curricular activities. Recipients also benefit from additional engagement, mentoring, and support from the PGR Diversity Team throughout their PhD studentship.
Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026
The Leeds Doctoral Scholarships 2026 program offers up to 5 fully funded research scholarships for Home fee-rated students at the University of Leeds for Session 2026/27. The scholarships are available for study in any Faculty and support full-time or part-time research leading to a PhD degree. The fully funded research scholarship is available for 3.5 years for full-time study, pro-rata for part-time study. The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with part-time awards pro-rated. This amount increases annually in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. The award is made for one year initially and is renewable for up to 2.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic progress. Applicants must hold a First Class Honours degree or equivalent, though candidates with a lower undergraduate mark may be considered if they have or are expected to receive a Distinction in a relevant Masters programme or can demonstrate relevant alternative experience. The scholarships are available for new postgraduate researchers who have not previously been awarded a PhD or are not currently registered on a PhD program. Selection is based on academic merit through a two-stage process involving School nomination and final selection by the University Scholarship Selection Panel. Successful applicants must take up the award by 1 October 2026 and live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of the scholarship. The scholarships are available for research degree study across seven faculties: Arts, Humanities and Cultures; Biological Sciences; Business; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Environment; Medicine and Health; and Social Sciences.
School of History Access to Research Scholarship 2026/27
The School of History invites prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Access to Research Scholarship. One full scholarship is available covering Home fees plus a maintenance stipend. The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers who are eligible to pay UK fees. This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in historical studies. The award is open to full-time candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of History. Applications are especially welcome that connect to the School's research interests in health histories, war and conflict, politics, diplomacy and international relations, empires and their aftermaths, women, gender and sexualities, and public histories. The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant for full-time study (part-time pro-rata). Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years.
School of History Doctoral Scholarship 2026
The School of History at the University of Leeds invites prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to study for a PhD commencing in the academic year 2026/27 to apply for the School of History Doctoral Scholarship. One full scholarship is available, open to UK applicants, covering Home fees plus a maintenance stipend (currently GBP 20,780 in 2025/26). This fully funded PhD place provides an exciting opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in historical studies. The award is open to full-time or part-time candidates (UK only) who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of History. Applications are especially welcomed that connect to the School's research interests in health histories, war and conflict, politics, diplomacy and international relations, empires and their aftermaths, women, gender and sexualities, and public histories. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years, with part-time awards pro-rata.
School of Education Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Education, Childhood or Youth 2026/27 (International)
One highly competitive scholarship is available in the School of Education for academic year 2026/27 and provides full fees with a tax-free maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates. The award is open to full-time candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Education. The School invites applications that connect to core research areas of inclusion, childhood and youth, language education, digital education, curriculum, pedagogy and policy. Particular interest areas include inclusion in higher education, creativity and play in education, assessment in higher education, performing arts for inclusion, maths education, cognitive theory and language teacher, learner motivation, child and pupil wellbeing and EMI (English as medium of instruction). The School of Education is an intellectually rich and stimulating environment for postgraduate research, recognising Education as a hub for many disciplinary perspectives with challenge-led, global, and transformative research with social justice at its core. All postgraduate researchers are members of one of the Research Centres, creating a hub of internationally leading research across interdisciplinary teams. The award covers tuition fees for three years and a maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate for 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory progress.
School of Education Postgraduate Research Scholarship in Education, Childhood or Youth 2026/27 (UK)
The School of Education at the University of Leeds is offering one highly competitive scholarship for academic year 2025/26. This scholarship provides full fees with a tax-free maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates (currently £20,780 in 2025/26) and rises annually in line with UKRI rates. The award is open to full-time and part-time candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Education. The School of Education is an intellectually rich and stimulating environment for postgraduate research, recognising Education as a hub for many disciplinary perspectives, all contributing to challenge-led, global, and transformative research with social justice at its core. All postgraduate researchers are members of one of the Research Centres, creating a hub of internationally leading research across interdisciplinary teams in: Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy; Digital Education; Language Education Research; and Inclusion, Childhood and Youth. Applications are invited that connect to the School's core research areas of inclusion, childhood and youth, language education, digital education, curriculum, pedagogy and policy. The scholarship particularly welcomes applications in the areas of: inclusion in higher education; creativity and play in education, assessment in higher education, performing arts for inclusion, maths education, cognitive theory and language teacher, learner motivation, child and pupil wellbeing and EMI (English as medium of instruction). Outstanding candidates without a Masters will be considered for an additional fully-funded year to complete one of the taught masters programmes.
School of Law (William Harrison) Doctoral Scholarships 2026/27
Two full scholarships are available in the School of Law at the University of Leeds to prospective UK postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. These scholarships provide full UK fees with a tax-free maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates (currently £20,780 in 2025/26), which rises annually in line with UKRI rates for 3.5 years. One scholarship will be awarded by the School, and the other will be funded through the William Harrison Doctoral Scholarship, an endowed scholarship provided by a donation to the School of Law. The scholarships are available to full-time or part-time UK candidates who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at the School of Law. The School of Law has been consistently ranked amongst the top 10 UK law schools, with 88% of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. The School especially welcomes applications that connect to the work of their four research centres: the Centre for Criminal Justice Studies, the Centre for Law & Social Justice, the Centre for Business Law and Practice, and the Centre for Innovation and Research in Legal Education. The School is committed to diversifying its community and particularly encourages applications from Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+, and people with disabilities. The School has a vibrant and inclusive community of around 90 postgraduate researchers and provides access to a wide array of career and personal development opportunities. Applicants will be selected on merit and ability.
PhD Politics of Global Challenges Scholarships
The School of Politics and International Studies (POLIS) at the University of Leeds offers two prestigious scholarships for excellent applicants who wish to commence PhD study in 2026/27. The scholarships are designed for postgraduate researchers investigating the 'politics of global challenges' who can play a dynamic role in the school's research community. The program seeks applicants who can develop into future leaders in their research area and/or make an impact on non-academic organizations. Successful candidates will pursue original research informed by rigorous research design and contribute actively to the school's research centres including the Centre for Democratic Politics, Centre for Global Development, Centre for Global Security Challenges, Centre for Contemporary Political Theory, Centre for African Studies, and Leeds Institute for Data Analytics. The school fosters an equal, diverse, inclusive and nurturing space for rigorous scholarship combined with deep commitment to student education and researcher training. PhD researchers are closely integrated within research centres, attend and organize research events, publish in world-leading journals, and engage with practitioners and policy-makers.
School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship 2026/27
The School of Sociology and Social Policy Doctoral Scholarship is offered for the academic year 2026/27 at the University of Leeds. This scholarship provides comprehensive funding for doctoral candidates pursuing research in sociology and social policy fields. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and provides a tax-free maintenance allowance matching UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26, increasing annually). Additionally, it includes support for research training, conference attendance, and other academic expenses. The School of Sociology and Social Policy has been a major centre of research and graduate training since its foundation, producing leading academic figures in their fields. The School hosts several distinctive research groups and centres specializing in Gender, Disability Studies, Racism and Ethnicity, Family and Life Course, Social and Political Thought, and Health Technologies. The scholarship is available for both full-time and part-time study. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years, while part-time awards are pro-rata. Two scholarships are available for the 2026/27 academic year. Eligible applicants must hold an offer of admission to the doctoral degree programme at the University of Leeds within the School of Sociology and Social Policy. Awards are based on academic merit, and applicants should normally have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or international equivalent) and/or a Merit in their Masters degree in an appropriate discipline. The scholarship must be taken up by October 1, 2026.
Blueprint for the Screen Industries: Where are creative workers living, working and playing in the UK today?
This PhD project is part of Creative Bridges, an AHRC funded Doctoral Focal Award led by the University of Leeds with the University of Warwick. The research investigates regional creative clusters in the UK screen industries, examining where creative workers live, work, and thrive. The project explores conditions, policy contexts, and stakeholder partnerships required for successful creative initiatives like Media City Salford and Digbeth Loc. Birmingham. Co-designed with the BBC, the research will provide evidence to contribute to policy discussions on sustainable and equitable regional and national creative economies in UK film, television, gaming, and immersive media sectors. The programme trains PhD students in the latest knowledge, methods and skills for diversity and inclusion in the UK screen industries in ecologically safe ways, focusing on changes and innovations in film, television, gaming and immersive media. Throughout the programme, training and support opportunities will focus on academic and professional development, including annual symposia, industry placements, mentorship, and hands-on tech demonstrations.
Creative Bridges - Connecting Diversity and Sustainability for UK Screen Industries
Four Arts and Humanities Research Council Doctoral Focal Awards are available in the School of Media and Communication for 2026/27 through the Creative Bridges doctoral training centre led by the University of Leeds and University of Warwick. This exciting opportunity allows students to pursue postgraduate research in a cutting-edge field that brings together the twin challenges of Diversity and Sustainability for the UK Screen industries (broadly defined as film, television, gaming and immersive media). Creative Bridges is an AHRC funded Doctoral Focal Award that will train PhD students in the latest knowledge, methods and skills for diversity and inclusion in the UK screen industries in ecologically safe ways. Students will be part of a cohort of PhD researchers who will bridge expertise from Media, Communication, Creative and Cultural Industries, Design, Performance, Immersive Technologies and Interdisciplinary Methodologies alongside industry partners. The training programme focuses on nurturing a new generation of researcher-practitioners to address current and future challenges for UK screen industries production and distribution, building co-supervision across UK regions to support diversity and sustainability R&D for the UK creative economy, and developing skills through experiential learning, creative and digital methods, practical experience, and communities of practice professional learning.
Investigating porosity changes and stress mechanics of corroding nuclear wastes under confined expansion
This PhD project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear). The project investigates the nature of waste evolution under storage conditions to predict volume changes and resulting forces generated on confinement packaging at nuclear facilities. Specifically, it examines how Magnox alloy undergoes physical and chemical changes under interim storage, including corrosion reactions forming brucite and reactions with CO2 to form hydromagnesite and other magnesium hydroxycarbonate phases. This is an interdisciplinary project combining chemistry, civil engineering, soil mechanics, and geotechnics, working alongside leading teams at the University of Leeds and Sellafield Ltd. The research addresses critical challenges in decommissioning the UK's nuclear legacy facilities, particularly waste retrievals and storage at Sellafield. The project aims to understand behavior under confined conditions over storage timescales of many decades, which is currently poorly understood. The CDT is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scotland. It aims to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets. The program includes technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle and specialist research skills training in a collegial cohort environment.
Characterisation of dissolved hydrogen diffusion and bubble nucleation in waste suspensions
This is a 4-year PhD studentship within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN). The research will address critical challenges in nuclear decommissioning by studying hydrogen behavior in nuclear waste. The project focuses on understanding the dynamic balance between dissolved hydrogen in liquid phases and gaseous hydrogen, which is critical to predicting hydrogen transport and release for safe management. The successful candidate will work alongside leading nuclear researchers at the University of Leeds Nuclear Engineering Group and industry experts at Sellafield Ltd. The research will develop a comprehensive understanding of how various environmental factors influence the solubility of dissolved hydrogen in waste sludges and study the dynamics of bubble nucleation under partial vacuum as a method of controlling hydrogen release. Both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations will be used to study hydrogen diffusion within nuclear wastes. The CDT SATURN is led from the University of Manchester and includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scotland. The program aims to deliver the next generation of nuclear researchers to help the UK achieve its Net Zero targets, providing technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle and specialist research skills training in a collegial cohort environment.
Hydrogen Released from Nuclear Waste and its Consequence of Small Scale Explosion
This PhD project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear), addressing the critical safety challenge of managing hydrogen gas during the decommissioning of the UK's nuclear legacy sites. The project will develop fundamental understanding of how hydrogen-air mixtures ignite and explode in conditions relevant to the nuclear estate, using state-of-the-art experimental approaches including a spherical combustion vessel and advanced optical diagnostics (Schlieren, PIV) to study flame acceleration, instability, and quenching in stratified mixtures. The research will produce unique experimental data to develop and validate high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models capable of simulating large-scale explosion scenarios in confined spaces. This will provide crucial insights for safety cases at sites like Sellafield, Dounreay, and Magnox. The project offers opportunity to work at the interface of cutting-edge experimental combustion and computational modelling, directly impacting safe and cost-effective nuclear decommissioning. The studentship is offered through the SATURN CDT, a consortium led by the University of Manchester including leading nuclear research universities in Northern England and Scotland. The program includes technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle and specialist research skills training, delivered in a collegial cohort environment. Students will be supported by close collaboration with industrial partner Sellafield Ltd.
Measurement and modelling of hydrogen retention and release from complex sediments
This PhD project addresses the challenge of managing hydrogen gas in the decommissioning of the UK's nuclear legacy sites. The project will develop a fundamental understanding of how hydrogen gas bubbles are retained and released in granular sediment wastes, similar to common ion exchange and filtration media used for effluent treatment. The research will combine state-of-the-art 3D x-ray computer tomography (CT) with enhanced machine learning (ML) simulations of hydrogen gas diffusion flows. CT will be used to visualise bubble clusters in waste sediments, allowing quantification of their size and abundance for different hydrogen generation rates. The 3D CT reconstructions will be transferred as input meshes for the simulation of hydrogen transport through pore spaces, enabling prediction of hydrogen transport in these complex operations. This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear), led from the University of Manchester and including leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scotland. The project offers an opportunity to work at the interface of cutting-edge experimental visualisation techniques and computational modelling, directly impacting the safe and cost-effective decommissioning of sites like Sellafield, Dounreay, and Magnox. Candidates will develop highly sought-after skills in advanced diagnostics, CFD, and nuclear safety, supported by close collaboration with industrial partner Sellafield Ltd.
Purpose-led leadership model with embedded sustainability for nuclear decommissioning
This research will develop a purpose-led leadership model which embeds sustainability behaviour within the NDA group and its supply chain by making sustainability the gold standard against which 'good leadership' is measured. Transforming the culture of the complex and interdependent context of the NDA in this way, requires a systems perspective that emphasises the purposeful work of leadership at all levels and organisations as well as the diverse and emerging interpretations and solutions of sustainability. It also requests a purpose-led leadership model that is tailored to the specific challenges faced in a highly regulated organisational environment that requires balancing safety, security, and cost-effectiveness commitments with sustainability opportunities, and ensuring projects remain flexible to respond to emerging sustainability challenges and opportunities whilst maintaining commitment to plans. By developing a purpose-led leadership framework which embeds sustainability behaviour systemically in a highly regulated environment, the research will catalyse the development of cultures that truly value sustainability, cultivation of individual and collective capacity to take actions and decisions that have a lasting, positive sustainability impact, and raise the level of ambition and quicken the pace of change with respect to sustainability. This project is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear) and includes technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.
High-Fidelity Flow Measurement Methods for Molten Salt Systems
This PhD project will develop a novel, high-resolution diagnostic tool based on the Wire Mesh Sensor (WMS) to measure phase fraction distribution and temperature distribution in reactor-relevant molten salt environments. Understanding flow behaviour in molten salts is critical to the development and safe operation of next-generation nuclear reactors, including fusion and molten-salt fission systems. Working across two state-of-the-art facilities, the molten salt loop at the University of Leeds and the SMALLAT testbed at UKAEA, the successful candidate will gain experience in sensor development, experimental fluid mechanics, and high-temperature instrumentation while generating benchmark data to validate advanced computational models used in reactor design and safety assessment. The project directly supports the UK's ambitions in both fusion and advanced fission by addressing a key knowledge gap that underpins the safe and efficient deployment of next-generation reactors. This is a 4-year fully funded PhD position as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear), which includes leading nuclear research universities in the North of England and Scotland. The CDT will also include technical training in the nuclear fuel cycle to ensure all candidates are familiar with the nuclear sector, and specialist research skills training.
Social Sciences Access to Research Doctoral Scholarships
The Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Leeds is inviting applications for doctoral scholarships specifically for UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups currently underrepresented within postgraduate research. Two scholarships are available for students to undertake PhD research within the Faculty's four schools: Education, Law, Politics and International Studies, and Sociology and Social Policy. Scholarship holders will have access to world-leading facilities and supervision, and to research centres which shape the research and innovation agenda within and beyond the social sciences. All postgraduate researchers in the Faculty are members of the Social Sciences Graduate School, bringing together a socially, culturally and intellectually diverse community of doctoral researchers in an interdisciplinary research environment geared to addressing global challenges. These scholarships are available on either a 1+3.5 (Masters and 3.5 year PhD) or a +3.5 (3.5 year PhD) basis, or part-time equivalent. Each scholarship covers full UK research degree fees and a maintenance grant at current UKRI rates (£20,780 in 2025/26). Research proposals should clearly demonstrate alignment with the research priorities and areas of expertise of one or more of the Faculty Schools, with interdisciplinary proposals particularly encouraged. Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the Home (UK) rate and must self-identify as being from UK Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups. The selection process is based on academic merit, with applicants normally requiring at least an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree and a Masters degree with Merit grade or equivalent.
School of Music International Research Scholarship
The School of Music invites applications for the School of Music International Research Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers who are eligible for the International rate of tuition fees. One award is available each year for applicants who have been offered a PhD place in the School of Music. The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, bringing together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. The scholarship especially welcomes applications that connect to the School's core research areas: Music as Culture (musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts); Music, Science and Technology (including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music); Making Music (composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies); and Pedagogic Research in Music (research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music). The award provides full academic fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Applicants must be eligible to pay fees at the International (outside UK) rate and must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this Scholarship. Awards must be taken up by 1 October 2026. Selection is based on academic merit. Applicants should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree isn't a requirement but applications are seen more favourably if applicants have one, ideally with a distinction or at least a merit, especially in the Masters dissertation.
Enhancing Road Safety by Addressing the Risky Behaviour of Commercial Riders of Powered Two-Wheelers in Developing Countries
This PhD research project investigates the need for behavioural change and intervention design to enhance powered two-wheeler (PTW) safety, primarily in Low- and Middle-Income Countries where more than 90% of global road fatalities occur. The project addresses the growing road safety concerns associated with the gig economy and the urban delivery business, examining risky behaviours of commercial PTW riders including helmet use, mobile phone usage, red light running, and speeding. The research aims to compare delivery and private PTW riders and investigate work pressures associated with delivery riding that encourage risky behaviours on the road. Study variables include electric bikes versus pedal bikes, gender differences, trip purpose, age, socioeconomic status, infrastructure, location, education level, and presence of law enforcement. Findings will be used for devising policies to reduce crashes of motorcycle taxis and couriers, complementing safety measures for other road users. Results will inform targeted interventions as online delivery services have become increasingly popular in recent years. Stakeholders include governments, transport authorities, delivery companies, and infrastructure designers who can apply findings to develop appropriate countermeasures in legislation, rider training, employment obligations, and road space design. The project is supervised by Professor Oliver Carsten and Dr Yue Huang at the Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, with a project start date of October 1, 2026.
Targeting the Biofilm for Drug Design: Modelling the roles and impacts of extracellular matrix composition in a mixed species bacterial biofilm
This PhD project focuses on modeling bacterial biofilms, which are protective colonies that bacteria use to shield themselves from therapeutic molecules like antibiotics. The project specifically examines the polysaccharide extracellular matrices of multi-species biofilms, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two dangerous pathogens linked to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The research will model the polysaccharide structures of multi-species biofilms, exploring interactions and partitioning behavior of biofilm components, and examining how quorum sensing molecules and nutrients move through overlapping matrices. This knowledge will inform rational design and modification of antibiotics targeted against extracellular enzymes that maintain the glycocalyx. The project is entirely computational in nature, using computer-aided drug design and working on the University of Leeds' High-Performance Computer, Aire. It suits students with backgrounds in chemistry, physics, materials, mathematics, biology, or microbiology who are interested in computational methods.
Community Gardening and Healthy Aging: An exploration of nutritional, health, social and sustainability impacts in the UK
This PhD research project explores the potential benefits of community gardens and allotments for healthy aging in the UK, focusing on nutritional, health, social and sustainability outcomes. With increased longevity, there is a growing need for targeted interventions to improve health and mobility in adults and older adults. Most community gardens research has focused on schools, but this project examines impacts specifically in adults, who may experience different benefits due to higher risk of chronic disease and social isolation. The study will examine potential and actual impacts on health, nutrient consumption, social connectedness and sustainability practices in adults involved in allotment and community gardens in Yorkshire. The project involves mixed methods research including qualitative and quantitative data collection, dietary intake analysis, and a related intervention or cohort comparison study. It is a research training opportunity at the intersection of nutrition, public health, psychology and sustainability, where the successful candidate will develop expertise in mixed methods research design, dietary analysis methods, and other subject-specific research skills.
Smart bioactive materials for sustainable nutrition and crop enhancement: Integrating AI-driven design with functional biopolymers
This interdisciplinary PhD project explores the development of smart bioactive materials that can simultaneously enhance nutritional value in food systems and/or promote plant health in agriculture. The research integrates materials science, machine learning, and nutrition, offering a unique opportunity for candidates from diverse backgrounds to contribute to sustainable innovation. The project builds on recent advances in biopolymer-based materials. The PhD student will design and synthesize composite materials using bioactives, optimizing their structure and functionality for dual applications. A key innovation in this project is the use of machine learning-driven materials informatics. Machine learning models will be employed to predict the relationships between material composition, structure, and performance. This data-driven approach will accelerate the discovery and refinement of formulations, enabling targeted improvements in bioactivity, stability, and scalability. The student will conduct experimental testing to evaluate the materials' effectiveness in both food and agricultural contexts. This includes assessing nutrient delivery in food matrices and measuring crop growth in controlled environments. The project also includes a sustainability assessment, examining the environmental impact and life-cycle of the developed materials. This PhD offers broad accessibility to candidates with backgrounds in materials science, chemistry, food science, biotechnology, plant sciences, AI/data science, or chemical/environmental engineering. The outcomes of this research have the potential to contribute to global challenges in food security, sustainable agriculture, and green materials development.
Intervertebral Disc Degeneration in Short-legged Dogs – Understanding Chemical and Structural Changes using Computational Methods
This PhD project investigates the fundamental chemical and microstructural changes in intervertebral discs as degeneration progresses in chondrodystrophic dogs (short-legged breeds such as Dachshunds, Welsh Corgis and West Highland Terriers). The project uses molecular dynamic simulations at canine body temperature to understand molecular interactions between the growing mineral phase and native organic molecules (proteoglycans, collagen) in the disc center. The research integrates data from disc material removed during life-saving surgery on canines at The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, University of Cambridge, to create realistic models. Intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in these breeds causes discs to become stiffer, dehydrated and calcified, potentially leading to rupture through the fibrous rim with catastrophic consequences including spinal cord compression, severe pain, and irreversible paralysis. The project aims to use these findings as a starting point for developing new treatments to retard or reverse crystallization of the disc. The work also provides an excellent model for human lumbar disc herniation, with potential translation to improve human treatments and reduce economic productivity loss. The entirely computational project is based at the University of Leeds School of Food Science and Nutrition, with close collaboration with Professor Paul Freeman at the University of Cambridge. Students will have opportunities to visit the Queen's Veterinary School Hospital throughout the project. The position is open to international applicants and requires applicants to contact the supervisor before formal application.
Investigating the Impact of Incretin-Mimetic Drugs on Chemotherapy Response in Obesity-Driven Cancers
This PhD research project addresses how incretin-mimetic drugs (IMDs) may alter chemotherapy response in obesity-driven cancers. The study will explore whether these drugs enhance or hinder the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy, and uncover the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions. The research involves in vitro screening using 13 cancer cell models to assess how physiological concentrations of IMDs affect chemotherapy response, mechanistic insights using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and mRNA sequencing to identify molecular pathways, and in vivo validation to evaluate the impact of IMDs on chemotherapy efficacy. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of metabolic disease and cancer biology, contributing to a rapidly evolving field with direct clinical relevance. The findings could inform future treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for patients with obesity-related cancers.
Develop a hybrid life cycle assessment model to evaluate transport infrastructure projects
This PhD research opportunity at the University of Leeds focuses on developing a hybrid Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model to evaluate transport infrastructure projects. The project aims to investigate the environmental effects of major transport projects from changes to infrastructure and demand. A key aspect is expanding traditional LCA boundaries to include travel time analysis, integrate cost-benefit analysis, and cross transport modes with demand prediction. The research will address the limitation that travel time savings, one of the most important benefits of improved highway networks, is often structurally excluded from LCA. The project will explore how to evaluate future savings in travel time projected over a project's lifetime, as well as delay costs associated with construction and maintenance. Due to the complexity of estimating travel time, alternative measures of valuation and network effects will be considered. The research will obtain data from literature and specific locations to make informed assumptions for a range of infrastructure types and operation efficiencies. Through case studies, the project will demonstrate how assumptions can be validated despite uncertainties and data constraints, developing a LCA model that aims to optimize resource use and minimize emissions. The research addresses the recognized problem of burden shifting in the infrastructure sector, which has been explored by very few studies. This PhD position is based at the Institute for Transport Studies and is supervised by Professor Richard Batley and Dr Yue Huang.
Developing novel glycan-nanoparticle probes to elucidate dendritic cell immune modulation mechanisms
This PhD research opportunity focuses on understanding how lectins (glycan binding proteins on immune cells) work cooperatively to differentiate between normal and pathogen/disease cells to activate immune responses. The project will extend pioneering glycan-nanoparticle (NP) probe methods to study multivalent lectin-glycan interactions at the cellular level using dendritic cells (DCs). Researchers will construct glycan-NPs mimicking pathogen and healthy cell structures, stimulate DC immune responses, and identify bound lectins via mass spectroscopy. This innovative approach will establish correlations between lectin engagement and DC immune function regulation, potentially advancing understanding of viral infection and cancer immune evasion mechanisms. The successful candidate will join the Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology at the University of Leeds, working in a collaborative environment across glycoscience, nanochemistry, and mass spectrometry labs. Training will be provided in organic ligand synthesis, glycan-NP construction and characterization, cell culture, and mass spectroscopy. This multidisciplinary project aims to reveal fundamental biological processes while guiding development of effective interventions against viral infection and cancer. This is a non-funded PhD position with an application deadline of May 31, 2026, and a start date of October 1, 2026. Candidates must contact supervisors before formal application and can apply for separate funding opportunities including Leeds Doctoral Scholarships and other institutional awards.
Identifying high value compounds during a yeast fermentation of food waste
This PhD research project focuses on yeast strain development for use as a fortified strain in the fermentation industry with potential as a standalone product. The research involves identifying high value metabolites produced by yeast during fermentations and testing the feasibility of upcycling vegetable loss to formulate growth media for microorganisms, lowering production costs and promoting circular economy. The project integrates microbial fermentation optimization and builds into an advanced artificial intelligence database. Research activities include designing and conducting fermentation optimization of vegetable and fruit sidestreams, determining changes in yeast during fermentation using analytical tools such as ICP-OES, XRF, and NMR, seeking opportunities to develop yeast products in collaboration with commercial stakeholders, and generating independent research ideas. The position involves preparing papers for publication in leading international journals and disseminating research results through recognized conferences.
The role of Food Bioactives on Gut Barrier Function and Healthy Aging
This PhD research opportunity at the University of Leeds invites applications in the field of Food Bioactives and Human Health to investigate the role of food bioactive compounds in modulating gut permeability and their implications for aging and chronic disease. The project is ideal for candidates passionate about nutrition science, molecular biology, and the role of diet in disease prevention and health promotion. The integrity of the gut barrier is increasingly recognized as a key factor in maintaining health and preventing age-related diseases. This project will explore how specific bioactive compounds—such as polyphenols, peptides, and other phytochemicals—affect gut permeability and contribute to systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Research objectives include identification and characterisation of bioactive compounds in selected food sources and by-products rich in target bioactives; in vitro mechanistic research to investigate effects of bioactives on gut epithelial integrity and inflammation; exploration of molecular mechanisms linking gut permeability to inflammation and aging; and design/proof of concept for dietary interventions to improve gut barrier function and support healthy aging. This is not a funded project, but applicants can apply for funding separately. Self-funding students are also welcome to apply. Please note there will be a bench fee of £5,000 per year in addition to the tuition fee for this project.
Physiological and psychological mechanisms of resistance to weight loss
This PhD research project examines the physiological and psychological determinants of food intake during dietary and/or exercise-induced weight loss. While marked individual variability exists in dietary and exercise-induced weight loss, the adaptive biological and behavioural responses that resist weight loss and drive weight regain remain unclear. The project aims to identify mechanisms that predict successful long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance, with particular interest in compensatory changes in eating behaviour that undermine attempts to induce energy deficit and promote weight relapse. The project will develop models of energy balance that describe the drivers of appetite and energy intake during weight loss, identify physiological, metabolic and behavioural mechanisms that resist weight loss and underpin weight relapse, and identify predictors of successful weight loss maintenance. This is a non-funded PhD position, though applicants can apply for separate funding opportunities including Leeds Doctoral Scholarships and other awards. The position is based in the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds, supervised by Dr Mark Hopkins, with a start date of October 2026 and an application deadline of May 31, 2026. Applicants must have at least a first class or upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline.
Design of smart packaging using novel processing technology
This PhD research project focuses on understanding the mechanisms of smart packaging film and its various applications, with an emphasis on sustainability and waste reduction. The project addresses environmental concerns related to plastic products by developing sustainable biodegradable films as replacements for conventional packaging materials. The research will explore the integration of bioactive substances such as anthocyanins and essential oils into films to enhance antimicrobial properties. The project will utilize non-thermal processing technologies, specifically novel needle-less electrospinning techniques, to produce sensors while preserving the activity of thermosensitive compounds. The research aims to develop multifunctional packaging films that can effectively extend the shelf life of food products while maintaining the efficacy of bioactive substances. This innovative approach addresses current limitations in electrospinning production yield and seeks to enable large-scale industrial applications of novel packaging films.
Real-World Food Choice and Children's Dietary Health
This PhD project takes a real-world approach to explore children's food choices within the school setting. By examining high-quality, large-scale data, this work will provide valuable insights into children's food selection patterns and how children choose their food - and importantly, how healthier and more sustainable choices may be supported. Improving children's dietary intake is critical to addressing childhood obesity, a public health priority – and central to this challenge is understanding the mechanisms underpinning children's food choice. The research will generate new knowledge and understanding about children's food choice parameters, with findings having the potential to inform policy and practice in school food provision, both in the UK and internationally, with practical implications for food service providers. The increasing use of digital pre-order platforms presents a timely opportunity to capture detailed food choice data at scale – and this research will lay the ground for future interventions, focused on how children engage with such platforms. This work will also provide valuable knowledge on the methodological approaches relevant to large food choice datasets. This is a non-funded PhD position, but students can apply for funding separately. In addition to the tuition fee for the programme, there will also be a bench fee of £3,000 per year for this project. The project is based at the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds.
Vitamin D Deficiency, Obesity and Breast Cancer Risk
This PhD research project investigates the complex relationship between vitamin D status, obesity, and breast cancer risk. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and has been associated with reduced risk of several cancers, including breast cancer. However, the relationship between vitamin D status, obesity, and breast cancer risk remains complex and poorly understood. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, particularly in postmenopausal women, and is also associated with lower vitamin D status due to sequestration in adipose tissue. The project addresses a significant knowledge gap through a comprehensive multi-component study including: (1) a longitudinal study examining the relationship between vitamin D status, obesity markers, and breast cancer risk over time; (2) a pilot human study assessing vitamin D status and obesity, and (3) cell culture work to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the vitamin D-obesity-breast cancer relationship. This research will provide greater understanding of the complex interactions between vitamin D, obesity, and breast cancer risk, facilitating appropriate guidance on vitamin D status and obesity management for breast cancer risk reduction. The position is based in the School of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Leeds.
Artful journeys: improving the traveller's experience
This PhD research project investigates how artistic design can enhance the public transport traveller experience and encourage sustainable travel. The project will explore expectations of transport planners, operators and passengers regarding artistic design in different aspects of public transport systems, including metro/bus stations, bus stops, and vehicle interiors. The research may involve engaging with artists, art experts, and the public, covering visual art and/or music. Transport planners typically focus on efficiency and safety, but this project recognizes that travellers are humans who have experiences during their travel. The research aims to investigate how art can contribute to positive travel experiences, the various forms art in transport can take, and appropriate research methods for exploring this topic. By using different methods and involving different types of travellers, including social media engagement, the study will gain insights into how art in public transport can improve experiences and stimulate public transport use. The project will lead to recommendations for transport operators and may interest artists involved in producing art for transport facilities. It may also develop new research methods and innovative ways of interacting with travellers to elicit their ideas and experiences. Students may develop their own artistic designs or research how artistic design impacts social inclusion/exclusion issues.
Tribology of Sustainable Protein Concentrates
This PhD research project investigates the tribological behaviour of plant protein concentrates to improve the mouthfeel and consumer acceptance of sustainable, plant-based foods. With increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, there is growing demand to replace conventional animal proteins with low carbon-intensive plant proteins. However, a key barrier to consumer acceptance is undesirable mouthfeel characteristics such as astringency and grittiness. This project focuses on understanding how crude plant protein concentrates, which naturally contain remnant polysaccharides and starches, interact with oral surfaces to form tribological films. The research will systematically elucidate the mechanisms of boundary friction in plant protein concentrates using novel experimental approaches including dynamic friction measurements with 3D tongue-like deformable surfaces, high-speed fluorescence imaging, and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring. The work aims to provide design rules for developing next-generation, cost-effective, sustainable plant protein-based foods. The PhD offers an opportunity to collaborate with the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC).
Climate resilience in food supply chains
The PhD focus is to accelerate our understanding of climate resilience in the context of food supply chains. Climate change is currently well underway, with the global average temperature having already risen by 1°C since preindustrial times. Climate change poses a significant challenge for food supply chains worldwide. The rise in global temperatures and alterations in various climate factors have the potential to disrupt food supply chains at every stage, from production to consumption, including processing, storage, transportation, and retailing. Climate variations have a direct impact on both the quantity and quality of food produced, affecting all three primary sectors of food production: agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Excessive rainfall and extreme droughts can lead to yield losses. Heat stress can reduce productivity and increase mortality in livestock production systems. Higher global temperatures could cause an increase in food-borne illnesses and negatively affect food safety. The aim of this PhD project is to examine the impact of climate change on food supply chains and explore the challenges and opportunities that arise as a result. This study would improve our understanding regarding the types of hazards and impacts, and adaptation strategies that food supply chains are adopting to face climate change. The capacity of present and future food supply chains to sustain livelihoods and meet the growing demand for food is in jeopardy, making this research critical.
Artificial Intelligence and Social Justice
This PhD research opportunity at the University of Leeds examines the relationship between artificial intelligence and social justice. The project explores how AI is transforming governance, decision-making, and resource allocation, and how it affects social inequalities across race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, and citizenship. Successful candidates will develop a highly original research project examining spatial dimensions of power in relation to AI, which may include analyzing government adoption of AI, studying harmful effects on specific populations, or exploring resistance to AI-caused harms. Research may focus on case studies such as policing, borders, counterterrorism, or specific technologies like facial recognition. Candidates are encouraged to develop their own proposal related to AI and social justice with no geographic limitations. The position is based in the School of Geography under the supervision of Dr Matthew Abbey and will be part of the Social Justice, Cities, Citizenship research cluster. While based in Geography, applicants from adjacent fields such as sociology, politics, and cultural studies are encouraged to apply, particularly those with knowledge of anti/de-colonial studies, Black studies, critical race theory, disability studies, gender studies, neurodiversity studies, queer theory, and other critical approaches to power, knowledge, and space.
Geosolutions Partial Fee Scholarship
Geosolutions Leeds offers up to three partial fee scholarships to students eligible for UK/Home fees pursuing a Masters by Research. The scholarship covers tuition fees only for one year (or two years for part-time students) but does not cover living expenses. Students may be eligible for a UK Master's loan to cover living costs. There are two start dates available: 1 February 2026 or 1 October 2026. Recipients will be expected to participate in marketing activities to support the future development and promotion of the funding and Geosolutions Leeds. Applicants can choose from pre-defined projects or work with academic staff to define their own research project within the Geosolutions research area.
School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship
The School of Music at the University of Leeds invites applications for the School of Music Opportunity Research Scholarship from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The scholarship is open to prospective postgraduate researchers from Black, Asian and other minoritised ethnic groups who are eligible for the Home/UK rate of tuition fees. One award is available each year for applicants who have been offered a PhD place in the School of Music. The School of Music at the University of Leeds has an international reputation for research, bringing together a community of acclaimed scholars, composers and performers. The scholarship especially welcomes applications that connect to the School's core research areas: Music as Culture (musicology exploring the role of music within historical, theoretical, literary, aesthetic, technological, popular, and interdisciplinary contexts); Music, Science and Technology (including music psychology, music and wellbeing, music technology, musical instrument studies, sound studies, and scientific perspectives on music); Making Music (composition, performance, and practice-based research methodologies); and Pedagogic Research in Music (research regarding teaching and learning processes, experiences, and contexts in music). The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant (£20,780 in Session 2025/26) for full-time study, with part-time options available on a pro-rata basis. This amount increases per annum in line with the UKRI rate. Full-time awards provide full fees for 3 years and a maintenance award for 3.5 years. Awards must be taken up by 1st October 2026, and applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship. Applicants should hold a good honours degree (upper second class or first class) in a related discipline. A Masters degree is not a requirement but applications are viewed more favourably if candidates have achieved a distinction or at least a merit, especially in their Masters dissertation. The final list of awards is based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.
Stanley Burton Research Scholarship 2026
The Stanley Burton Scholarship was established in 2000 from funds bequeathed by Mr Stanley Burton, who had a long association with the University of Leeds. The purpose of these Scholarships is to assist Home-rated postgraduate researchers to undertake research study in the School of Music at the University of Leeds. The award provides full academic fees and a maintenance grant for full-time study (or pro-rata for part-time), supporting doctoral research in music. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and provides funding for 3.5 years for full-time students. Recipients must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds while holding the scholarship. Selection is made by the University of Leeds PGR Recruitment Group after initial shortlisting by the Admissions Team.
At a Glance
- Total Funding Opportunities
- 128
- Active Now
- 49
- Source Domain
- phd.leeds.ac.uk
Catalog Data
This funder profile was automatically extracted from grant listings. Information may be incomplete.
Visit official website