Research internships and placements
If you're interested in doing a PhD, research internships and placements can be a great way for you to experience the research environment in your discipline and make an informed decision about whether it's the right choice for you. They're also a great way to develop valuable knowledge, skills and experience that can really strengthen your PhD application.
You can hear from 2 students that undertook research placements with us here:
Sophia's experience on a research placement
Sumayyah's experience on a research placement
The University of Leeds offers a range of research internship programmes you can explore.
Access to Research Internships
Access to Research (A2R) Internships are paid opportunities to undertake an independent project that contributes to real-world research and discovery. You will be supported by at least one supervisor and work as part of the university's wider research community to develop new knowledge in your field.
You can browse and apply for current A2R Internship opportunities here.
Propose an A2R Internship project
The majority of A2R Internship projects are developed by academic supervisors and make a tangible contribution to the research they are involved with. However, stipend funding is available each year through the A2R Internship Competition to support individuals who wish to propose their own projects (£2,709 per project). These projects should be designed to support your progression to doctoral study by allowing you to develop relevant knowledge, skills and experience that will strengthen your PhD application. You will need to approach an academic supervisor for your proposed project to ensure it is feasible and that they are willing and able to supervise you.
Projects must usually take place between June-September and cannot exceed 210 hours (6 weeks full-time or part-time/flexible equivalent up to 3 months).
If you are interested in proposing an A2R Internship project, you should contact the PGR Diversity Team in the first instance for an initial discussion. You should then complete an A2R Internship Project Proposal Form. Fully completed proposal forms must be returned to the PGR Diversity Team (at [email protected]) by the application deadline. Applications for the 2024/25 competition will open in January 2025 and close at the end of March 2025. This page will be updated when application open and deadline dates are confirmed.
Please note: the 2024/25 A2R Internship Competition is funded as part of the University's involvement in the Yorkshire Consortium for Equity in Doctoral Education (YCEDE). As such, we can only accept applications from individuals who belong to Black, Asian or other minoritised ethnic groups.
Student Research Experience Placements (LITE)
The Leeds Institute for Teaching Excellence (LITE) organises a number Student Research Experience Placements (SREPS). These paid placements take place over the Summer vacation period. You can find out more about the opportunities available through LITE, including information on past projects and advice on how to apply, through the LITE webpages.
Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme
The Laidlaw Leadership and Research Programme provides opportunities to undertake self-defined and pre-defined research projects as part of a two-summer programme that also includes leadership training and networking opportunities. You can find more information through the Laidlaw Programme webpages.
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Research Experience Placements (REPs)
UNRISK (Understanding Uncertainty to Reduce Climate Risks) is a NERC Centre for Doctoral Training.
The NERC REP scheme aims to encourage students to consider a career in environmental sciences through funding to support paid summer placements for undergraduate and Masters students, by giving them a taster of what it’s like to be a postgraduate researcher.
The scheme provides 4 paid research placements over the Summer (June/July/August).
You will be made an employee at the University of Leeds and receive a salary at Grade 2 level (above national living wage) for the duration of the placement, plus payment for 1 weeks annual leave.
For more information, and to apply, visit their website.
UNRISH PhD research topics cover the breadth of climate science where uncertainty presents a major scientific or societal challenge, such as transition pathways, extreme events, ice sheet decline, sea-level rise, future drought and flood occurrence, and tipping points. PhD opportunities, suggested by academic staff and our collaborative partners, can be tailored by applicants.
Yorkshire Environmental Sciences Doctoral Training Network (YES DTN) Research Experience Placements
YES DTN are a partnership between the University of Leeds, the University of York, the National Centre for Atmospheric Science and a wide range of industry, charity and governmental partners. They provide training across a wide range of the science remit of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Our vision is to train the next generation of environmental scientists to tackle the global environmental science questions of the future. We provide training to equip our PhD students with the skills needed for a wide range of careers.
They are pleased to announce that the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) have awarded the YES•DTN funding for 5 Research Experience Placements (REPs) at the University of Leeds to be completed over the 2026 summer period.
The NERC REP scheme aims to encourage students to consider a career in environmental sciences through funding to support paid summer placements for undergraduate and Masters students, by giving them a taster of what it’s like to be a postgraduate researcher.
The scheme provides 5 paid research placements over the Summer (June/July/August).
You will be made an employee at the University of Leeds and receive a salary at Grade 2 level (above national living wage) for the duration of the placement, plus payment for 1 weeks annual leave.