Broaden your knowledge with a PhD from the Faculty of Environment

We conduct interdisciplinary, impact-orientated research to address challenges at regional, national and global levels. Learn more about our facilities and associated expertise, and the national research centres located within the Faculty.

Broaden your knowledge with a PhD

Whether you’re looking to begin an academic career or want to develop your skills and expertise for a career in industry, studying for a PhD will be a journey that will stimulate your passion for your subject.

Research areas and degrees

Earth and Environment research degrees

90% of our research activity is 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent', according to the latest Research Excellence Framework.

We are a major international powerhouse for environmental research that has wide-ranging and positive impacts on the world that we live in. Learn more about our research impact and partnerships.

Our research is carried out within five institutes which represent our core research areas, but much of our work is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges.

These institutes include:

• Earth Surface Science Institute
• Institute of Applied Geoscience
• Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics
• Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science
• Sustainability Research Institute
• Priestley International Centre for Climate

Food Science and Nutrition research degrees

100% of our research activity is 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' according to the latest Research Excellence Framework.

We are recognised as world-leaders in food colloids and diet and health. We apply fundamental scientific principles to address issues of food quality, safety and sustainability, diet quality and consumer behaviour, from food production to the consumer’s plate.

Research areas include:

• Digestion and delivery
• Food colloids and soft matter at interfaces
• Food safety, food security and global health
• Functional biopolymers for food and health
• Human nutrition and lifestyle interventions
• Novel food design and processing
• Nutritional epidemiology
• Obesity, cancer and metabolic disease
• Simulation and theoretical modelling of food systems

View our sustainable food research spotlight.

Geography research degrees

Over 75% of our research activity is 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' according to the latest Research Excellence Framework.

We work at the forefront of global research agendas, leading the way in finding solutions to major social, political and environmental challenges.

Our multidisciplinary research is structured into the following key areas:

• Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy
• Social justice, cities, citizenship
• Ecology and global change
• River basin processes and management

View our urban analytics spotlight .

Transport research degrees

100% of our research environment is conducive to producing research of ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ quality according to the latest Research Excellence Framework.

The Institute for Transport Studies is one of the UK's leading departments for transport teaching and research. We deliver internationally excellent research outputs, which impact upon transport policy and practice, and contribute to the wider economy and society.

Research themes and centres include:

• Virtuocity, a unique programme for city simulation and co-design
• Rail Centre
• Choice Modelling Centre
• Connected and shared mobility
• Energy
• Global south
• Automation
• Digital futures

Leeds Doctoral College

Leeds Doctoral College brings together support services and opportunities to enhance your University experience.

How to apply

Visit phd.leeds.ac.uk to search projects, funded CDTs, funding, research areas and PhD supervisors.