Regulations, codes, policies and procedures for postgraduate research
Key regulations, learning outcomes, procedure and policy documents that apply to research students at Leeds, mentioned in the Research Student Handbook and Guide for Research Degree Supervisors.
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
- PGR Supervisor Handbook (PDF)
- Eligibility for Research Degree Supervision
- Criteria for the appointment of examiners and independent chairs
Doctoral College handbooks
Doctoral College Handbook 2023-24
The Doctoral College main handbook contains information that is relevant to all PGRs. The annexes contain informaion that is specific to PGRs in those schools or faculties:
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures:
School of Design Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of English Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of FAHACS Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of History Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of LCS Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of Media Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of Music Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of PCI Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of PRHS Handbook Annex 2023-24
Faculty of Biological Sciences Handbook Annex 2023-24
Leeds University Business School Handbook Annex 2023-24
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Handbook Annex 2023-24
Faculty of Environment Handbook Annex 2023-24
Faculty of Medicine and Health Handbook Annex 2023-24
Faculty of Social Sciences:
School of Education Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of Law Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of POLIS Handbook Annex 2023-24
School of SSP Handbook Annex 2023-24
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.