Value creation through projects

PGR-P-1346

Key facts

Type of research degree: PhD
Application deadline: Ongoing deadline
Project start date: Wednesday 1 October 2025
Country eligibility: International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding: Non-funded
Supervisors: Dr Dicle Kortantamer
Schools: School of Civil Engineering

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Projects are a key vehicle to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals, delivering infrastructure developments across the world. The creation of value through projects is particularly difficult when there are diverse stakeholders that represent different interests and expertise, and there is a need to reconcile economic, social and environmental outcomes. We are interested in focusing on aspects of research that might address these issues. The project management group is a vibrant group that undertakes cutting-edge research initiatives at the intersections with other disciplines. We are interested in improving the development and delivery of projects with a particular focus on complex infrastructure and megaprojects. The researchers in our group come from an interdisciplinary background and have directly interact with industry professionals and policymakers. Our group delivers a very successful suite of MSc programmes and works with a group of PhDs who contribute to enhancing our research activity.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

Examples of our recent research projects <a href="https://www.bettergovprojects.com/current-research/project-one-nwrje">Leading community projects for sustainable innovation</a> <a href="https://www.bettergovprojects.com/completed-research/project-one-2atce">Leadership: Responding to complexity</a> <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/research-project/302/project-management/4326/wun-bric-wun-to-building-resilience-in-construction">Building resilience in construction</a> Industry collaborations Outputs from our work have been used by organisations such as the <a href="https://www.nao.org.uk/">National Audit Office</a>, the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/nuclear-decommissioning-authority">Nuclear Decommissioning Agency</a>, the <a href="https://www.iaea.org/">International Atomic Energy Agency</a>, the <a href="https://www.eib.org/en/index.htm">European Investment Bank</a>, the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/">World Economic Forum</a> and the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/infrastructure-and-projects-authority">Infrastructure and Projects Authority</a>. We have strong links with professional project management organisations such as the <a href="https://www.apm.org.uk/">Association for Project Management (APM)</a>, <a href="https://www.pmi.org/">Project Management Institute (PMI)</a> and the <a href="https://majorprojects.org/">Major Project Association (MPA)</a> and have a presence on a number of their committees and advisory groups.

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for PHD Civil Engineering FT, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Value creation through projects as well as Dr Dicle Kortantamer as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored. If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below). As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed. Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Monday 6 January 2025 if applying for the China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship, Monday 3 February 2025 if applying for Leeds Doctoral Scholarship or Tuesday 1 April 2025 for Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship. If you are applying with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application: <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply. UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/138-leeds-doctoral-scholarship-2025-faculty-of-engineering-and-physical-sciences#:~:text=Key%20facts&text=One%20Leeds%20Doctoral%20Scholarship%20is,rata%20for%20part%2Dtime%20study.">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: Monday 3 February 2025) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: Tuesday 1 April 2025) are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. Non-UK – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (closing date: Monday 6 January 2025). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds. You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award. Important: Please note that that the award does not cover the costs associated with moving to the UK. All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk" title="Email School of Civil Engineering">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a> For further information about this project, please contact Dr Dicle Kortantamer by email to <a href="mailto:d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk">d.kortantamer@leeds.ac.uk</a>