Leeds University Business School PhD Excellence Scholarships 2026/27 (Marketing)

About the opportunity

Leeds University Business School invites applications from prospective postgraduate researchers who wish to commence study for a PhD in the academic year 2026/27. The Business School is investing in research excellence with 2 PhD Excellence Scholarships within the Marketing Department. These awards provide full academic fees and a maintenance allowance that matches UKRI rates (currently £21,805 in 2026/27), which rises annually in line with UKRI rates for 3.5 years for full-time study (pro-rata for part-time). The awards are open to full-time or part-time candidates (part-time is UK only) who have been offered a place on a PhD degree at Leeds University Business School in the Department of Marketing.

Funding and benefits

• Full academic fees covered.
• Maintenance grant matching UKRI rates (£21,805 in Session 2026/27 for full-time study, increasing annually in line with UKRI rates).
• Maintenance award provided for 3.5 years and full fees for 3 years for full-time study (part-time awards are pro-rata).

Who can apply?

• Open to International or Home (UK) applicants.
• Applicants must have been offered a place on a PhD degree at Leeds University Business School in the Department of Marketing.
• Applicants must normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline.
• Applicants should hold a British Masters degree (or equivalent degree from an overseas university) with a minimum average score of 60 percent (or equivalent) in an appropriate academic discipline, or an equivalent professional qualification.
• If English is not the applicant's first language, they must meet the minimum English language entry requirement (IELTS of 7 overall with at least 6.5 in each component, or equivalent, dated within 2 years of the start date).
• New postgraduate researchers undertaking full-time or part-time research study (students already registered for PhD research study are excluded).
• Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of the scholarship.

Required documents

• Study application form for a PhD research place of study
• Scholarship application form for the Marketing Department scholarship
• Supporting documents required for PhD study application
• Evidence of English language requirements (if English is not the first language)

When to apply

• Stage 1: Submit application for a PhD place of study by Tuesday 8 September 2026.
• Stage 2: Submit the scholarship application by 12:00 PM (noon) on Tuesday 15 September 2026.
• Funding start date: Monday 1 February 2027 (Award must be taken up by this date).

How to apply

• Stage 1: Apply for a research place of study by completing a study application form, stating clearly the department scholarship you will be applying for, and submit all required supporting documents to receive a 9-digit student identification number.
• Stage 2: Apply for the Leeds University Business School Department Scholarship by completing the relevant Marketing scholarship application form using your 9-digit student ID number by 12pm on Tuesday 15th September 2026.

Additional information

• Any expenses related to the relocation of international students to the UK (visa, insurance, NHS fees, flights, etc.) are the student's responsibility and are not covered by the award.
• The final list of awards is based on academic merit and no other factors such as financial hardship are taken into account.
• Applicants will be e-mailed within six to eight weeks of the deadline to confirm the outcome.