Full-time
MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years.
Part-time
MPhil: 2-4 years. PhD: 3-6 years.
Typical Offer
School
Campus
Brayford Pool
Validation Status
Validated
Fees
Course Code
DESDESRP
Lincoln School of Design is an engaged community which aims to address applied design research problems in the future of the profession, society, and more widely in the world. These include design for a changing population, new forms of production, and designing new cultural experiences.
Research students can explore broad areas including history and the theory of design, social design, interior design, and design creativity and practice. Research may be either thesis-based or practice-based.
A structured programme of research skills development is designed to enable students to develop the competencies required for their study and future career. An experienced supervisory team is available to offer expertise and guidance, supporting students in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work. There may be opportunities for students to contribute to undergraduate teaching at the University, following appropriate training.
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and they have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring and other support. Students are introduced to the relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations to postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme.
Assessment is via the submission of a final thesis and, usually, by an accompanying oral examination. Practice-based research assessment is via a body of practice work, an accompanying written commentary on that practice, and an oral examination.
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future, and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.
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, you 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.
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
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. 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.
Research students can explore broad areas including history and the theory of design, social design, interior design, and design creativity and practice. Research may be either thesis-based or practice-based.
Enrolment Dates
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May.
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.
Graduates may go on to establish and develop careers in design-related industries. Those successfully completing an MPhil may choose to progress to further study at PhD level.
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.
Find out More
Our research themes cover a unique set of areas, reflecting our role as a civic university and our aspirations to become thought leaders.
There are opportunites to get involved in exciting research projects by applying for a studentship.
Support is available across the University, offering a friendly, creative, and academically challenging research environment.
At Lincoln, we strive to make sure our student experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. That is why, in response to the issues presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been prioritising face-to-face teaching sessions for our new and returning students in areas where they are the most valuable, such as seminars, tutorials, workshops, and lab and practical sessions. Additional online opportunities have been introduced where they support learning and have been shown to be successful and popular with our current students.
Safety remains a key focus. We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance makes this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed. For more information about how we are working to keep our community safe, please visit our coronavirus web pages.