MA by Research
Health and Social Care

Key Information


Full-time

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Entry Requirements

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Dates in October and January

Programme Overview

This MA by Research degree provides an opportunity to develop advanced and specific knowledge in a particular field of study. Students have the freedom and flexibility to choose and develop their own subject area and the opportunity to enhance research and project management skills.

The postgraduate research team within the School of Health and Social Care is committed to providing the best possible experience. Students can work alongside experienced academics who will guide them through the research process, offering support on personal and professional development in order to maximise career opportunities on graduation.

Regular research seminars are hosted across the School and the wider College, and there are opportunities for students to meet with and discuss their project with other research students at the University. The School has close ties with the University's central Doctoral School who provide a wealth of training opportunities for all research students and the chance to present their work at the annual research showcase.

Key Features

Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research

Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills

Supervision and support from an advisory panel of academic staff

Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work

Enrol in January or October each year

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How You Study

As this is a research degree there is no formal taught content on the programme. Students will work with a carefully selected supervision team who will support them to develop their subject and research methods knowledge, and to execute their research project.

Full-time students are expected to meet with their supervisors at least 12 times in a calendar year (six times for part-time students). The length and frequency of supervision meetings will depend on existing research experience, the preferred approach of student and supervisor, and the stage of study. In between meetings, students are expected to study independently, be self-motivated, and use their initiative to identify and address their own learning needs.

Projects and Topics

Alongside our research groups, we have an extensive range of individual research interests across the school. Below are some of the areas where members of the team have particular expertise and would be happy to take on new students:

  • Health and Social Care leadership and management
  • Organisational development
  • Health in the criminal justice system
  • Safeguarding children and adults
  • Learning disabilities
  • Human rights
  • Migrant children and their families
  • Patient dignity
  • Diversity and cultural issues
  • Youth, social inclusion and marginalisation
  • Social work and social care services for children and families.

How you are assessed

This programme is assessed by the submission of a written thesis (maximum 25,000 words), and normally an oral examination (viva voce). Students will be examined by two examiners, one internal to the University and one external. Following the oral examination it may be necessary to undertake some amendments to the thesis in order to completely satisfy the criteria for award.

How to Apply

Postgraduate Research Application Support

Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.

How to Apply
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Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

A minimum upper second class honours degree in a related subject. Those interested should contact the programme leader.

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

Find out more: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page. Find out more:
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study. Find out more: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills

Programme Fees

You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.

Programme Fees

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships

Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

Explore Funding Options
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Career Development

A research programme provides the opportunity to build expertise in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career, and are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Doctoral School

Research at Lincoln

Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities, improve lives, and make a tangible difference to the world around us.

Explore Our Research
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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.