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Dr Rebecca Styler - Associate Professor / Programme Leader
Dr Rebecca Styler is Associate Professor in English and an experienced researcher and PhD supervisor in the field of nineteenth century studies. She shares oversight of Postgraduate Research in the School of Humanities and Heritage with Professor Louise Wilkinson (Professor of Medieval Studies), with a particular responsibility for admissions. Rebecca can offer advice to applicants about their ideas for research projects and their suitability for doctoral study. She will forward applications to the appropriate subject specialists within the School for assessment.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Classical Studies
Lincoln's doctoral programme in Classical Studies offers interested students advanced research opportunities in ancient Greek and Roman history and Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. It is designed to prepare students to embark on careers in academia, teaching, the heritage sector, and the civil service, amongst many other fields.
Research students can benefit from a broad range of expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East.
The School of History and Heritage brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Classical Studies
Lincoln's doctoral programme in Classical Studies offers interested students advanced research opportunities in ancient Greek and Roman history and Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. It is designed to prepare students to embark on careers in fields including academia, teaching, the heritage sector, and the civil service.
Research students can benefit from a broad range of expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East.
The School of Heritage and Humanities brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.
How You Study
Students have access to support and training to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at doctoral level, and for interpreting a wide range of evidence. Students will have opportunities to receive tuition in relevant languages.
Over the course of your studies, you will be expected to complete an original piece of research that makes a substantial contribution to the existing scholarship on and knowledge of the subject under scrutiny. You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your PhD project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas; in such cases, we will endeavour to support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
Students are required to produce appropriate written work which will be submitted to their supervisors for feedback and to agree the next stage of work.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study and research. Full-time students currently meet with their academic supervisors once a month, and part-time students every other month.
The School of History and Heritage promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics, and staff-student reading groups, aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.
How You Study
Students have access to support and training to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at doctoral level, and for interpreting a wide range of evidence. Students will have opportunities to receive tuition in relevant languages.
Over the course of your studies, you will be expected to complete an original piece of research that makes a substantial contribution to the existing scholarship on and knowledge of the subject under scrutiny. You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your PhD project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas; in such cases, we will endeavour to support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
Students are required to produce appropriate written work which will be submitted to their supervisors for feedback and to agree the next stage of work.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study and research. Full-time students currently meet with their academic supervisors once a month, and part-time students every other month.
The School of Heritage and Humanities promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics, and staff-student reading groups, aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.
Research Areas, Projects, and Topics
Research students will benefit from a broad range of research expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East. Our interests include:
- Greek and Roman Historiography
- Alexander the Great
- Hellenistic History
- Roman London
- The Fall of the Roman Empire in the West
- Language and Literacy in the Western Mediterranean
- Gender and Women’s History
- Cross-Cultural Contacts and Exchanges
More broadly, the School of History and Heritage brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.
We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln through welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.
How you are assessed
The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis.
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality and originality of the student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend the chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge in the subject area or developed existing theory or understanding.
How you are assessed
The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis.
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality and originality of the student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend the chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge in the subject area or developed existing theory or understanding.
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
Relevant Master's degree (e.g. History, Classics/Classical Studies, Ancient History).
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
Relevant Master's degree (e.g. History, Classics/Classical Studies, Ancient History).
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Interviews
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and a subject specialist where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
How to Apply
New students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May to support their experience within the postgraduate research community.
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 the supervisor on an individual basis.
Career Opportunities
A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research.
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.