Start Dates in October, February, and May
The Lincoln School of Film, Media and Journalism offers supervision for advanced-level research in the subject areas of media and cultural studies, film and television studies, and media and heritage.
Students on this programme are able to undertake in-depth research, choosing their own research topic while being mentored by a nominated supervisor from a team of nationally or internationally recognised experts in their fields. Research will culminate in a 25,000 word thesis.
Research students are encouraged to share their expertise and contribute to the research culture within the school by presenting at and assisting with the organisation of research events, symposia, exhibitions, and conferences.
Conduct independent 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 February, May, or October
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have regular meetings with their academic supervisor, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.
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 an area that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further. You can also explore our research groups within the School.
Alongside our research groups, there is also a wide range of individual expertise in areas such as:
With film and television studies, research interests include:
The submission required for this programme is a 25,000 word thesis.
Postgraduate Research Application Support
Find out more about the research application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about how to write a research proposal and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
How to Apply
First or upper second class honours degree.
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 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 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 on research proposals:
- A research proposal will only be considered if we have academics in the school with an interest in your field. Please see the list of school research interests (on this webpage) and also staff profiles.
- The research proposal should be 1,000 to 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 activities and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
- Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.
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
This programme can extend your undergraduate accomplishments into a more specialised area. It is also an opportunity to develop 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.
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