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Dr Zahid Asghar - Programme Leader
Dr Zahid Asghar is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Social Care. He is an experienced mathematical modeller and medical statistician. His subject specialisms include health bioinformatics, global population health, infectious disease epidemiology, health and wellbeing, pre-hospital ambulatory care, and quality improvement.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MPhil/PhD Health and Social Care Research Opportunities
The MPhil/PhD programme provides candidates with an opportunity to develop advanced and specific knowledge in a particular field of study. Students will have the freedom and flexibility to choose and develop their own subject area and enhance highly transferable research and project management skills.
The postgraduate research team within the School of Health and Social Care are committed to providing the best possible experience. Students are able to work alongside experienced academics who can help guide them through the research process and offer support on personal and professional development in order to maximise career opportunities on graduation.
Students are able to meet with and discuss their project with other research students both within the School and across the University. There are regular opportunities to attend research seminars hosted by the research groups within the School and wider College. The School also has close ties with the University's central Doctoral School, which provides a wealth of training programmes for all research students and the chance to present work at the annual research showcase.
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Health and Social Care Research Opportunities
The MPhil/PhD programme provides candidates with an opportunity to develop advanced and specific knowledge in a particular field of study. Students will have the freedom and flexibility to choose and develop their own subject area and enhance highly transferable research and project management skills.
The postgraduate research team within the School of Health and Social Care are committed to providing the best possible experience. Students are able to work alongside experienced academics who can help guide them through the research process and offer support on personal and professional development in order to maximise career opportunities on graduation.
Students are able to meet with and discuss their project with other research students both within the School and across the University. There are regular opportunities to attend research seminars hosted by the research groups within the School and wider College. The School also has close ties with the University's central Doctoral School, which provides a wealth of training programmes for all research students and the chance to present work at the annual research showcase.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
The School is happy to consider research ideas in all areas of health and social care, and will endeavour to support prospective students wherever it can reasonably do so in terms of supervision capacity and expertise.
Below are some of the research areas where members of the team have particular expertise and would be happy to take on new students:
- Health economics
- Healthcare workforce planning and development
- Trauma, critical, and emergency care
- Pre-hospital care
- Mental health
- Addiction
- Hospital acquired infections
- Health inequalities
- Teaching and learning in health and social care
- Nurse education
- Public health and health promotion
- Inter-professional education and multi-agency working
- Sexual and reproductive health
- Service evaluation, transformation and quality improvement
Examples of recent research projects include:
- Prevalence of mental health disorder in a probation population.
- Self-management in people living with and beyond cancer in a rural and urban setting.
- Improving pain management in pre-hospital care.
- Supporting asylum seekers through effective social work practice. A case study in Sao Paulo.
Career and Personal Development
Students may choose to continue to build their research skills by pursuing a research career in either the academic or non-academic sectors. A wide range of industries and organisations look to employ graduates with research and analytical skills and the ability to manage complex and large scale projects.
If you are already in employment, successfully gaining your PhD may open up new opportunities and routes to progression.
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. PhD students need to be self-motivated and able to use their initiative to identify and address their own learning needs.
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. PhD students need to be self-motivated and able to use their initiative to identify and address their own learning needs.
How you are assessed
This programme is assessed by the submission of a written thesis (maximum 80,000 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.
Each student will have at least one monthly formal meeting with their supervisors where progress will be discussed. After three months students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated. After the first year they may apply for transfer to a PhD programme via a written report and they will be orally examined.
Both the MPhil and PhD are 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
This programme is assessed by the submission of a written thesis (maximum 80,000 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.
Each student will have at least one monthly formal meeting with their supervisors where progress will be discussed. After three months students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated. After the first year they may apply for transfer to a PhD programme via a written report and they will be orally examined.
Both the MPhil and PhD are 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.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
A minimum of an upper Second Class honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant subject.
However, in some cases we will consider applicants who do not have a Masters' qualification but do have relevant experience. Those interested should contact the programme leader.
International applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no element less than 5.5.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
A minimum of an upper Second Class honours degree or a Master's degree in a relevant subject.
However, in some cases we will consider applicants who do not have a Masters' qualification but do have relevant experience. Those interested should contact the programme leader.
International applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with no element less than 5.5.
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.
How to Apply
Applications should be made through the online system. This can be accessed through the 'Apply Now' button.
Students will need to submit a research proposal that outlines their proposed topic of study, the rationale for their research question, and an indication of the research methods that will be used. We strongly encourage applicants to make contact with the School’s Postgraduate Research Lead or Postgraduate Research Administrator prior to application as they will be able to provide further advice and information about potential supervisors.
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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.