Information for International Researchers

World class research training in the Faculty of Biological Sciences

We welcome postgraduate researchers from across the globe to become part of our research community. The Faculty of Biological Sciences trains and develops professional research graduates with sought after research expertise. You will receive high quality research training and have access to state-of-the art instruments housed in our world leading facilities and be part of one of our internationally renowned research groups spanning all areas of the biological sciences. 

What we offer international researchers

  • High impact research projects which cover the broad research themes of all biological sciences from molecular and cellular, to physiological and whole ecological systems
  • World class research facilities
  • Access to world leading experts and opportunities to get feedback, insight and help in your research
  • Tailored academic, personal, and professional development in close collaboration with experts in their field.
  • A rich multi-disciplinary environment giving you the opportunity to develop a wealth of new skills and knowledge
  • A diverse, supportive, and inclusive research community in which to work and grow
  • A clear vision of how you can develop and excel to be an outstanding researcher in your field

Funded PhD Studentship Opportunities

Information on funded PhD opportunities can be found on our Doctoral Training Partnerships and scholarships page.

Information for international researchers who are self-funded or possess a scholarship

For international postgraduate researchers who are either in possession of a scholarship from their home country or who are self-funded, our PhD programme can be three to four years in length depending upon your funding. We encourage you to contact prospective supervisors to discuss the opportunities to do a PhD under their supervision.

PhD programme structure and training

All students will have a supervisory team consisting of at least two academic members of staff with relevant expertise to the project.

In your first year, you will begin your research project and follow a bespoke training plan agreed with your supervisory team. This training plan will have a combination of personal development and research skills training.

In year two, you will continue to build your research experience and use the data and findings from your research to create a draft paper/thesis plan for your project. You will also continue your professional development with opportunities to engage with training in teaching, presenting your work at conferences, building job interview skills, strengthening your CV, and other opportunities to suit your needs.

In year three/four, you will be heavily focused on driving your research project towards completion and will be encouraged to present at national and/or international scientific conferences.

All PhD students are expected to present at the annual Postgraduate Symposium with flash presentations in year 1, a poster presentation in year 2 and a research talk in years 3 and/or 4.

You will continue your training and research up to thesis submission, with regular supervisory meetings until the completion of your PhD.

Eligibility

You will have or expect to gain a 2:1(Hons) degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject and you must also meet our English language requirements.

Fees and how to apply

Information on fees for international postgraduate researchers who are either in possession of a scholarship or who are self-funded can be found here.

Projects may also require a fee to cover research expenses such as laboratory consumables and research facility access. Please discuss with your prospective supervisor whether this is required and how much this will be per year.

Most postgraduate researchers begin in October each year. Although applications can be made at any time, we encourage you to contact potential supervisors and begin your application as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

For information on how to apply the application process please see our How to apply webpage or contact the Postgraduate Admissions team for the Faculty of Biological Sciences email: fbsgrad@leeds.ac.uk

Links to useful sites

International Office - Provides welcome and orientation support and immigration advice and the opportunity to be part of a Global Community.

Doctoral College - Provides support and enhances opportunities available to you as a PhD student.

Feeling at Home in Leeds - The University offers face to face support and online tools to help students feel at home and make the most of university life.