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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 English
The School of English and Journalism offers advanced research opportunities in the subject of English.
Support and direction will be available from your supervisory team and students can benefit from the School's research expertise in areas including contemporary literature, 18th to 19th Century literature, medieval and early modern literature, women's writing, Gothic literature, and American fiction.
This dedicated doctoral training programme provides the opportunity to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at postgraduate level.
Regular research seminars, symposia, and conferences provide a lively research environment in which students are encouraged to participate. An interdisciplinary research culture facilitates collaboration with colleagues across topics, and strong links exist with the Schools of Film and Media, History and Heritage, and Fine and Performing Arts.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD English
The School of Humanities and Heritage offers advanced research opportunities in the subject of English.
Support and direction will be available from your supervisory team and students can benefit from the School's research expertise in areas including contemporary literature, 18th to 19th Century literature, medieval and early modern literature, women's writing, Gothic literature, and American fiction.
This dedicated doctoral training programme provides the opportunity to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at postgraduate level.
Regular research seminars, symposia, and conferences provide a lively research environment in which students are encouraged to participate. An interdisciplinary research culture facilitates collaboration with colleagues across topics, and strong links exist with the Schools of Film, Media, and Journalism, and Creative Arts.
How You Study
Study at MPhil/PhD level takes the form of supervised individual research. Students work on one topic of their choice for the duration of the study period. It is expected that students submit appropriate written work regularly to their supervisors, to receive feedback on their submission and agree the next stage of work.
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 supervisor(s), but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
How You Study
Study at MPhil/PhD level takes the form of supervised individual research. Students work on one topic of their choice for the duration of the study period. It is expected that students submit appropriate written work regularly to their supervisors, to receive feedback on their submission and agree the next stage of work.
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 supervisor(s), but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
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 of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge 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 of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge 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.
You will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The research proposal will allow us to judge the quality of the application and to decide whether we are able to supervise your project.
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 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 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.
Please take note of the following guidance:
- 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. For more information about the School's research, please visit: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/ej/english/englishresearch/
- The research proposal should be 1,000 - 2,000 words in length.
- 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.
- You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
- 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?
- Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
Relevant Master's degree.
You will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The research proposal will allow us to judge the quality of the application and to decide whether we are able to supervise your project.
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 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 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.
Please take note of the following guidance:
- 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. For more information about the School's research, please visit: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/ej/english/englishresearch/
- The research proposal should be 1,000 - 2,000 words in length.
- 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.
- You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
- 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?
- Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Research areas covered within the School include:
- 21st Century literature
- 18th to 19th Century literature
- Life writing
- Women’s writing 18th to 21st Centuries
- American literature 19th to 21st Centuries
- Early modern literature
- Gothic literature
- Postcolonial literature
- Medieval literature
There are links with University Research Groups including the Medieval Studies Research Group, the Nineteenth-Century Research Group, and 21st Century Research Group.
How to Apply
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.
Interviews
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
Career and Personal Development
A doctoral qualification may be regarded as the capstone of academic achievement and may mark 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.