MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years
MPhil: 2-4. PhD: 3-6 years
Brayford Pool
Start Dates in October and January
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.
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
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.
The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area. The first thing that all prospective students should do is directly contact a member of staff from one of these areas that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further.
Alongside our research groups, we have an extensive range of individual expertise within the school. Below are some of the research areas where members of the team have particular expertise and would be happy to take on new students:
Examples of recent research projects include:
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
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.
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.
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.
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
A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research. A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. PhDs and research degrees 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.
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