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Dr Steve Klee - Programme Leader
Dr Steve Klee is a Senior Lecturer in Fine Art. His specialisms include contemporary art, aesthetics, and philosophy, especially new realist and materialist approaches.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Art
The University of Lincoln offers research programmes at MPhil and PhD level in a range of fine and contemporary art specialisms in a vibrant artistic community. Research students can benefit from a variety of training opportunities to develop their research skills.
Research proposals are welcomed in contemporary fine art practice, current theoretical issues in art, as well as its histories, live art, and socially engaged practice.
While studying for an MPhil or PhD, students are expected to undertake independent research in an area of their choice, supervised and supported by a team of academics. Students have the opportunity to present their work in exhibitions and postgraduate seminars, attend conferences, and submit work for publication in refereed journals.
Research students are invited to join one of the School's thriving research groups and participate in its Critical Encounters Research Series alongside academic staff and other postgraduate students.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Art
The University of Lincoln offers research programmes at MPhil and PhD level in a range of fine and contemporary art specialisms in a vibrant artistic community. Research students can benefit from a variety of training opportunities to develop their research skills.
Research proposals are welcomed in contemporary fine art practice, current theoretical issues in art, as well as its histories, live art, and socially engaged practice.
While studying for an MPhil or PhD, students are expected to undertake independent research in an area of their choice, supervised and supported by a team of academics. Students have the opportunity to present their work in exhibitions and postgraduate seminars, attend conferences, and submit work for publication in refereed journals.
Research students are invited to join one of the School's thriving research groups and participate in its Critical Encounters Research Series alongside academic staff and other postgraduate students.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How you are assessed
Students are expected to write an 80,000 word thesis on a subject agreed with their proposed supervisor prior to admission to the College.
Students completing a practice-based PhD will be required to produce a substantial body of art and a thesis of between 25,000 - 40,000 words.
The thesis is examined by two examiners and includes a Viva Voce (oral) examination.
How you are assessed
Students are expected to write an 80,000 word thesis on a subject previously agreed prior to admission to the College.
Students completing a practice-based PhD will be required to produce a substantial body of art and a thesis of between 25,000 - 40,000 words.
The thesis is examined by two examiners and includes a Viva Voce (oral) examination.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class honours degree and a Master's degree. International students will also require English Language at IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each part.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second class honours degree and a Master's degree. International students will also require English Language at IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each part.
How to Apply
Normally we require a UK Masters degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications, and relevant experience in an associated area.
Please submit the following supporting information when making your application:
- a supporting statement (500 words). This should explain the motivation for studying your chosen programme
- a research proposal (1,000-2,000 words). This proposal should:
- Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate understanding of your research area.
- Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
- Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
- Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
- Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
- Include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic
- Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- If applying for PhD by Practice, please include a portfolio via PDF attachment, or link to a webpage. The portfolio should comprise a maximum of fifteen images, with the title of the work, date, dimensions and medium for each image. Videos are welcome but should be no longer than ten minutes in total.
Please note: a research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.
All suitable applicants will be invited for an interview, either in person or via Skype.
Career and Personal Development
An MPhil or PhD may enhance and progress careers in the art and design sector and can open up opportunities at senior levels in the arts and the creative economy. Research degrees can be key to pursuing an academic career, and graduates may go on to research or teach in higher education institutions.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
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Research at Lincoln
Our research themes cover a unique set of areas, reflecting our role as a civic university and our aspirations to become thought leaders.

Studentships
There are opportunities to get involved in exciting research projects by applying for a studentship.

Supporting your Research
Support is available across the University, offering a friendly, creative, and academically challenging research environment.