Regulations, codes, policies and procedures for postgraduate research
Key regulations, learning outcomes, procedure and policy documents that apply to research students at Leeds.
Some of these are specific to research degree candidates, others apply to both taught and research students, and some apply to research students in their role as staff members and active researchers.
Formal Regulations and Codes of Practice
- Faculty protocols for the implementation of the CoP for Research Degree Candidatures
- Ordinances and Regulations and Programmes of Study for research degrees and higher doctorates
- Intellectual property rights (PDF)
- Student contract
- Data Protection
- Code of Practice for Postgraduate Research Students Engaged in Teaching
Progress and Monitoring
- Attendance monitoring – PGR students policy and guidance
- Transfer panel guidance
- Annual Progress Review (Post-Transfer) Guidelines
- Progress support procedure (PSP) (PDF)
- Suspensions/Extensions of Study - Policy
- Concurrent registrations
- Students enrolling on taught modules
- Changes to research degree arrangements
Thesis Submission and Examination
- The Guide to the thesis examination process for students (which includes the thesis format requirements)
- Postgraduate research proofreading policy and guidance (pdf)
- Guide for candidates referred for resubmission
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Environment)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Biological Sciences)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Medicine and Health)
- Protocol for the format and presentation of an alternative style of doctoral thesis including published material (for candidates registered in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures)
- Guidelines on the Use of Solely or Jointly-Authored Publications within a Thesis Submission
- Submission of a thesis in a language other than English (applies only to candidates registered in the School of Languages, Cultures & Societies)
- Inclusion of supplementary material within a thesis submission for examination
- Policy for the use of video streaming for the viva examination
- Criteria for the appointment of examiners and independent chairs
- Guide for External Examiner Briefings
- External Examiner's fees
- Process in the event of a disagreement between examiners
- Research Excellence Policy
- Suspensions and extensions to correction periods/referral period
- Diploma Supplement and Statement: Guidance and Information
Complaints, Appeals and Disciplinary Matters
For all regulations and procedures relating to complaints, appeals and disciplinary matters please visit the Student Cases page on the Secretariat website
Engaging in research
- Research Ethics (including policy, good practice and advice, ethical review forms and training)
- National Researcher Development Framework
- Research Ethics - training and support from OD&PL
- Policy on Safeguarding Data
- Code of Practice on Data Protection (including Guidelines for retention of personal data and Request form for access to personal data)
- Policy on Publication
For supervisors, Directors of Postgraduate Research Studies and examiners
- Doctoral College For Staff website
- Eligibility for Research Degree Supervision
- Criteria for the appointment of examiners and independent chairs
Doctoral College handbooks
Please note that we would encourage all PGRs and staff to use the For Students – Postgraduate research website as their main point of reference, as this will always have the most up to date information.
Doctoral College Handbook 2024-25
The Doctoral College main handbook contains information that is relevant to all PGRs. The annexes contain information that is specific to PGRs in those schools or faculties:
Doctoral College 2024-2025 handbook annexes – all faculties and schools
Doctoral College 2024-2025 handbook annex – LUBS
Other relevant University Codes and Policies
- Regulations for Use of Library
- Conditions for Use of Computer Systems
- Use of Electronic Networks and Communications
- Equality and Diversity Policies
- Code of Practice on Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination
- Whistleblowing procedure (PDF)
- Students with Criminal Records (PDF)
- Student Mental Health
- Code of Practice on Student Health and Conduct (DOCX)
- Reasonable adjustments and support for PGR level assessment/examination
Ordinance and Regulations and Programmes of Study for Research Degrees (archive)
Contains the formal regulations and requirements for the University’s research degrees regarding entry requirements, learning outcomes, assessment of progress, time limits for examination and the criteria which must be met before research degrees can be awarded.