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Welcome to MPhil/PhD Design
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.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Design
Lincoln School of Design brings together an engaged community of artists and creatives aiming to address applied design research problems in 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 the history and 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.
How You Study
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.
How You Study
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.
How you are assessed
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.
How you are assessed
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.
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 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.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
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 Areas and Topics
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.
How to Apply
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.
Career Opportunities
This programme is designed to prepare students to embark on further study at doctoral level, as well as for careers in teaching and a wide range of other fields.
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.