Support with your research degree
We make sure you will have the support you need to help you succeed in your research degree, both academically and in other areas of your life at the University.
In your first week, you’ll attend a number of inductions and events to help you settle in. Within one month of starting your degree, you’ll also be required to complete a training plan to help identify your training and development needs with your supervisor. This is a great opportunity to create a personalised plan, aligned to your research.
Working with supervisors
You will work closely with a lead supervisor and one or more co-supervisors, who are experts in their field; they will provide you with guidance and support for your research project.
Your supervisors are your most important contact and are responsible for:
- agreeing a research project that is original and is feasible within the standard period of study
- conducting a training needs analysis and ensuring that you receive appropriate research training
- undertaking a minimum of 10 supervision sessions (5 for part-time postgraduate researchers) per year
- advising on all aspects of the research and thesis preparation
- commenting on all your written work
- ensuring you receive written feedback on the assessment of progress
- advising and guiding you with regards to plans for publishing your research
On-campus support
We recognise that there may be times during your PhD when you might need some additional support. You can benefit from a network of specialist services centred on you and your wellbeing including:
- Counselling: the Student Counselling Centre offers free professional and confidential individual counselling, psycho-educational workshops, meditation groups and drop-in sessions.
- Childcare: if you have children, the Bright Beginnings Childcare Centre offers campus-based childcare.
- Healthcare: Leeds Student Medical Practice is a National Health Service (NHS) general practice, specialising in all aspects of student health. The practice is located near to campus.
- Disability Support: the Disability Services team provides information and advice on a wide range of topics to support learning and teachng, additional funding, one-to-one strategy support and personal assistants.
- Chaplaincy: the University Chaplaincy offers spiritual and pastoral support to all students, of all faiths and none, throughout their time at Leeds.
Help and advice for international postgraduate researchers
Our International Office offers specialist international advice and assistance. You can get help with preparing for university life, immigration and other UK regulations, opening a bank account and any further support to help you adapt to life in Leeds. You can ask questions or discuss any worries you may have, or find out about the opportunities on campus.
If you’re thinking of applying to or are an offer holder at the University, our Link to Leeds scheme gives you an opportunity to talk directly to some of our current students and ask them questions about Leeds and the University.