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MA by Research
History

Key Information


Campus

Brayford Pool

Entry Requirements

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Full-time

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Start Dates in October and February

Programme Overview

The MA by Research in History is designed for students who are keen to undertake an in-depth research project of their choice, and is best-suited for students who have a tightly defined research project that is achievable within the time frame. Under the guidance of an academic supervisory team, you are expected to write a dissertation of around 25,000 words that demonstrates expert knowledge and understanding of the subject area you have chosen.

Students can benefit from the expertise of academic staff at Lincoln who are leading researchers, authors, and editors of books, contributors to international research projects and conferences, broadcasters, conservators, and experts in heritage.

The city of Lincoln is rich in history and heritage making it the perfect setting in which to conduct historical research. Students can benefit from the historical resources available in the city, including at the International Bomber Command Centre, and The Wren Library at Lincoln Cathedral, which houses several thousand early modern books.

As a postgraduate research student, you are encouraged to participate in the School of Humanities and Heritage's lively research culture of research seminars and events, as well as postgraduate forums and social events.

Key Features

Conduct independent and academically significant research

Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills

Supervision and support from expert academic staff

Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work

Enrol in February or October each year

Students and staff in the Wren Library

How You Study

Study takes the form of supervised individual research, so the majority of the time is spent in independent study. You will need to take responsibility for your studies, including time management, project planning, and writing drafts of your work. Students are expected to submit appropriate work regularly to their supervisors and to act on the feedback received.

Students will have regular meetings with their academic supervisors who will discuss the development of the research, comment on written drafts, and agree the next stage of work.

Research Areas, Projects, and Topics

Example research areas include:

  • Roman and Byzantine history
  • Medieval ecclesiastical history
  • 20th Century British political history
  • History and culture in the 19th Century
  • Gender history
  • Urban history

The range of academic expertise can be seen on the History staff research profiles.

Current and recent student research projects include:

  • Royal mistresses in the C17th
  • US socialism in the 1930s
  • C18th Roman Catholic women, art and motherhood

Research Groups

We have links with many research groups at the University of Lincoln. These include:

How you are assessed

The assessment takes the form of a 25,000-word dissertation.

How to Apply

To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or February, although alternative dates may be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis. When writing your research proposal, please take note of the following guidance:

Writing a Research Proposal
  • 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.
  • The research proposal should be 1,000-2,000 words in length.
  • Clearly define the topic you are interested in, and demonstrate understanding of the relevant research area.
  • Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
  • Outline the research methodologies/approaches 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, and signal how these inform your approach to your subject.
  • 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 the application can be discussed in more detail.

Interviews

Applicants with appropriate proposals will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists, who will discuss with you in more detail the research proposal and your suitability to undertake it.

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.

A student sit with a laptop and notepad

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 options 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.

Two students working on a laptop in a study space

Entry Requirements 2025-26

Entry Requirements

First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.

Vitally, you will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The research proposal forms the basis of your programme of study, as well as demonstrating your suitability to undertake the 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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.

Career Development

This programme aims to develop advanced knowledge and high-level research skills which may be valued in the heritage and museum sectors, teaching, and research roles. Some graduates choose to progress to study at doctoral level.

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

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact:

Dr Rebecca Styler
rstyler@lincoln.ac.uk

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 and make a tangible difference to the world around us.

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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.