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Welcome to MSc by Research Chemistry
Chemistry is a fundamental science that underpins a vast array of topics. At Lincoln, the School of Chemistry is focused on advancing the chemical sciences to address real-world problems in society and industry.
Research students in Chemistry can benefit from an interdisciplinary environment and may have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the University's College of Science, national and international academic collaborators, and an array of industry partners. Students will have full access to a range of facilities including high-throughput preparative methods, bespoke molecular and nanomaterials laboratories, and analytical and structural instrumentation.
The chemistry team is currently involved in studies including collaborative projects with the pharmaceutical, environmental, fine chemicals, and instrumentation sectors. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the team on projects that have real-world impact using fundamental chemistry research.
Our research focus is on the synthesis, characterisation, and application of functional materials, from the development of novel synthetic methods to transform small molecules to the systematic design and development of materials beyond the molecule that create nano- and micro sized assemblies for a wide-range of applications. These studies are complimented with innovative method development in the analysis and simulation of materials.
Welcome to MSc by Research Chemistry
Chemistry is a fundamental science that underpins a vast array of topics. At Lincoln, the School of Chemistry is focused on advancing the chemical sciences to address real-world problems in society and industry.
Research students in Chemistry can benefit from an interdisciplinary environment and may have the opportunity to work with colleagues from across the University's College of Science, national and international academic collaborators, and an array of industry partners. Students will have full access to a range of facilities including high-throughput preparative methods, bespoke molecular and nanomaterials laboratories, and analytical and structural instrumentation.
The chemistry team is currently involved in studies including collaborative projects with the pharmaceutical, environmental, fine chemicals, and instrumentation sectors. Students will have the opportunity to engage with the team on projects that have real-world impact using fundamental chemistry research.
Our research focus is on the synthesis, characterisation, and application of functional materials, from the development of novel synthetic methods to transform small molecules to the systematic design and development of materials beyond the molecule that create nano- and micro sized assemblies for a wide-range of applications. These studies are complimented with innovative method development in the analysis and simulation of materials.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of students' time will be spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on their own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of programme.
How You Study
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of students' time will be spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on their own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of programme.
How you are assessed
A research degree is usually awarded based on the quality a student's thesis and their ability in an oral examination (viva voce) to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic to a group of academics. Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
How you are assessed
A research degree is usually awarded based on the quality a student's thesis and their ability in an oral examination (viva voce) to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic to a group of academics. Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.
Specialist Equipment
The School of Chemistry enjoys a central position within the interdisciplinary facilities of the Joseph Banks Laboratories, shared with the Schools of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.
Major instrumentation includes: modern NMR (including multinuclear and solid state probes), single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (including evolved gas analysis with MS and FT-IR), NIR/MIR/FIR spectroscopy, FT- and micro-Raman, LC-Orbitrap, LC-triplequad and GC-triplequad mass spectrometry, and SEM-EDX.
Specialist instrument scientists are available to assist researchers with advanced method development with this equipment. Smaller scale analytical instrumentation includes atomic emission spectroscopy; gas, liquid, and ion chromatography; electrochemistry; DLS nanoparticle and zeta-potential measurement; UV-vis and CD spectroscopy; and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Dedicated resources for sample preparation includes high-throughput robot systems; spray- and freeze-driers; constant temperature/humidity ovens; and advanced microwave and extraction facilities for acid digestion.
Small-scale lab equipment to support synthetic chemistry includes hydrogenation, photochemical, ozonolysis and microwave synthesis systems, peptide synthesis and preparative chromatography, and glove box, Schlenk and solvent purification apparatus.
Application and Enrolment Information
The key to a successful research programme is to find a research subject that you are passionate about, and a supervisory team that have the expertise in this area. The first thing that all students should do is contact a member of staff who works in an area that you are interested in.
Please visit the School of Chemistry staff pages to identify potential academic supervisors:
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/chemistry/staffcontactlist/
You are invited to contact the supervisors that you feel are best suited to your research area to discuss the process further.
Enrolment Dates
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May. However, applications are welcome at any point throughout the year, and enrolment can also take place at any relevant point.
In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
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.
Career Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to develop the in-depth knowledge and expertise necessary for careers in and across the broad spectrum of chemistry-related industries. This programme aims to provide foundation for further research or a career in teaching or academia.
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.