Frequently asked questions about research degrees in the Dept of Biological Sciences

What qualifications do I need to apply for an MPhil/ PhD?

You will need a good undergraduate degree in science (2.1 or 1st class honours) with a sound understanding of the scientific research method, data handling and statistics. If you have studied a clinical degree such as Veterinary Science, which does not have Honours, then you may still be eligible. Potential students with a scientific Masters are particularly welcome to apply.

What will I study for my MPhil/PhD?

This depends partly on your funding and supervisor availability. If you are being funded externally, it is likely that your programme of study will already be defined to a certain degree by the sponsor and supervisor; you will however normally get the chance to shape the research as you progress in the programme. If you are considering self- funding then you may have a bit more freedom and it is important to outline your area of interest in your initial informal enquiry (see question on how to apply). We can then try to identify a relevant member of staff who is available to help you work up a proposal further.
 

How much does an MPhil/ PhD cost?

There are 3 main costs to consider on a research studentship. Your tuition fees (please refer to our register of fees for details of this), your living expenses, and the cost of your actual experimental work (sometimes referred to as “bench fees”). Bench fees are not the same as tuition fees as they relate to the cost of consumables and specialist equipment to support your work. It is important to make sure you have sufficient finance to cover all of these before you start. Externally funded programmes are usually advertised on sites like www.findaphd.com   and our own vacancy page and awarded on a competitive basis. These will usually include a tax free stipend paid to you as a bursary, with both your tuition and bench fees paid directly to the university.
 

Is funding assistance available for the programme?

If you are a graduate of the University of Lincoln, you may be entitled to a scholarship to help towards your initial tuition fees. Please ask when you make your initial enquiry. Other bursaries are advertised occasionally basis and again subject to competitive tender. Post graduate students may get opportunities to help with demonstrating and tutorials etc, but you should not rely on this. For your own benefit, it is essential that you ensure that you have sufficient funds available before you start, rather than hope that something will come along. If you are considering supporting yourself with part-time work while you study, you should apply for a part-time mode of study. Post graduate research involves giving yourself time to think things through properly and so being able to block out chunks of time is often preferable to a few hours each day.
 

What does an MPhil/PhD qualify me for?

These are research degrees and as such, are evidence of your research training and scientific skills. These are analytical skills which are important not only in science but more widely in industry. Refer to the question on how these degrees are assessed for details of the skills they show. If you wish to work in academia, most institutions will require post graduate qualifications and obviously the higher the level of qualification the better your chances.
 

What’s the difference between an MPhil and PhD?

An MPhil is typically around 18months equivalent of full-time study, during which you will be guided to review the scientific literature in your chosen area and undertake initial scientifically sound experiments to test hypotheses, based on deficits in our knowledge or understanding of the subject. For a PhD you will extend your research on the basis of your initial findings to investigate them further. This takes the equivalent of 3 years full-time effective study in total. As you progress you will become increasingly independent in your learning and critical insight. With a PhD you are entitled to call yourself a Dr.

Both are research programmes and as such have no formal curriculum, you will however be expected to contribute to the academic life of the Department, giving and responding to scientific presentations, workshops and seminars. It is important to recognise that the training is generic and you should take an active interest in the science of your peers working in other disciplines.
 

How long does it take to complete the programme?

An MPhil typically takes 18 months full-time study and a PhD 3 years. If you are studying part-time you can easily double that time period.

Can I convert from an MPhil to a PhD?

Yes, if the calibre of your work is deemed suitable for progression, but you cannot take an MPhil award and then a PhD in addition, by simply doing another 18months work. You will need to decide before submitting your MPhil thesis. This is something your supervisor will advise you upon. It is normal for most PhD students to start on an MPhil with a view to transferring to a PhD as the time approaches.
 

Do I have to undertake coursework as part of the programme?

This is a research degree, and as such there are no formal classes nor set curriculum. However, you will be expected to attend seminars, workshops and training to develop your skills as necessary in order to undertake your work. Two of the challenges of post-graduate research training are self-organisation and self-motivation, as it is important to put structure into your work patterns, when there are no regular scheduled classes. Post graduate research study is also about being part of a community and taking advantage of the opportunities provided by working with and learning your peers, even if they are working in very different disciplines. This helps to provide you with scientific breadth, in what can otherwise be a very finely focussed training.

How do I apply?

You can make an informal enquiry to the University by e-mail (see contact list) to discuss your research area and help find a potential supervisor, or you can check out the staff list linked to our Deptal web-page, to see the profiles of individual staff and contact them directly to discuss your ideas. Alternatively visit the web-page for the Centre of Animal Welfare and Para-veterinary Sciences and see the various specialisms covered by the Department and identify a staff member to informally contact through this route. Once you have identified your area of research, you will need to complete the post graduate research application form available from the main University post graduate research page. This form needs to be sent to University admissions and NOT a specific academic. You can complete this form even if you haven’t contacted a member of academic staff directly, but if you have, it will help the processing of your application if you mention them on your application.

When is the next entry date

Because these programmes do not have a set curriculum, you can apply at any time and your application will be considered at the earliest opportunity by staff.

How often do I need to meet my supervisor?

In full-time mode, you should expect to meet with your supervisor at least monthly for an in depth tutorial , although this is not necessarily a face-to-face meeting, especially for students working off-site, and in some cases you will meet more frequently.

Can I have external supervisors?

Yes, and if you are working a long distance away a lot, it is essential that you have access to local expertise to help you with your studies. However all supervisors are at the discretion of the University. If you are working long distance, then it is also useful to build links with a local University who can perhaps help you with access to things like their library, although our own library offers a substantial and very useful electronic service.

How are MPhil’s and PhD’s assessed?

For an MPhil you will be required to write up your review and results into a thesis and submit your work for review and oral examination. There are no written exams as such.

Your thesis and oral defence will need to demonstrate the following;

• A systematic and critical understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in the academic discipline or field of study to which the research relates
• A comprehensive understanding of the research techniques in the relevant academic discipline, field of study or creative domain to which the research relates
• Originality in the application of knowledge and research techniques
• Critical evaluation of the subject of the research.

For a PhD you must also produce a thesis and oral defence. In order to pass you will need to demonstrate:

• A systematic and critical understanding of a substantial body of knowledge in the academic discipline or field of study to which the research relates
• A detailed understanding of research techniques consistent with advanced academic enquiry in the relevant academic discipline or field of study
• Critical evaluation of the subject of the research.
• The ability to conceive, implement and, where appropriate, modify a plan of research capable of creating new knowledge at the forefront of the academic discipline or field of study
• An original contribution to our body of knowledge in a way that extends the forefront of that field of study and which would warrant publication in the judgement of peers
• The ability to undertake further research without supervision, such research being of the kind that would warrant publication in the judgement of peers

I’m interested in distance study,

so how often do I need to come to Lincoln?
This depends on your study, undoubtedly there are more opportunities for you if you are based on-site, but off-site study is possible. Even if you are based off-site, it is important that you become a fully active member of the research community and that you get involved in seminars, skills training and learn from your peers etc. In the case of off-site study, the frequency of these opportunities is more limited and so they need to be carefully managed so you get the most from your visits. You should expect need to come to the University several times a year, to meet with supervisors etc, at a mutually suitable time, even if working overseas.

Can I study overseas?

Yes, but you should expect to have to come to the University several times a year. It will also be particularly important to establish how you will access the necessary expertise to ensure you can complete your studies successfully.

Any further advice?

We would strongly recommend that your read the book “How to get a PhD” by Phillips and Pugh, OUP, before starting your studies. This gives a good and honest insight into the highs and lows of the process.