Select Year of Entry
.jpg)
Dr Rebecca Styler - Associate Professor / Programme Leader
Dr Rebecca Styler is Associate Professor in English and an experienced researcher and PhD supervisor in the field of nineteenth century studies. She shares oversight of Postgraduate Research in the School of Humanities and Heritage with Professor Louise Wilkinson (Professor of Medieval Studies), with a particular responsibility for admissions. Rebecca can offer advice to applicants about their ideas for research projects and their suitability for doctoral study. She will forward applications to the appropriate subject specialists within the School for assessment.
Academic Staff List Make an EnquiryWelcome to MA by Research Philosophy
The MA by Research in Philosophy provides a supportive academic environment in which to conduct in-depth postgraduate study for one year, offering interested students research opportunities in philosophy and the history of philosophy. It prepares students to embark on further study at the doctoral level, as well as for careers in teaching, journalism, law, and the civil service, amongst many other fields.
Philosophy at Lincoln promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.
Research students will benefit from a broad range of research expertise offered by our Philosophy staff. Our interests include:
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Ethics
- Animal Ethics
- Philosophy of Religion
- History of Philosophy
We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln through welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.
Welcome to MA by Research Philosophy
The MA by Research in Philosophy provides a supportive academic environment in which to conduct in-depth postgraduate study for one year, offering interested students research opportunities in philosophy and the history of philosophy. It prepares students to embark on further study at the doctoral level, as well as for careers in teaching, journalism, law, and the civil service, amongst many other fields.
Philosophy at Lincoln promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.
Research students will benefit from a broad range of research expertise offered by our Philosophy staff. Our interests include:
- Metaphysics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Ethics
- Animal Ethics
- Philosophy of Religion
- History of Philosophy
We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln through welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.
How You Study
The core of the programme is a thesis project, for which you will submit a proposal at the application stage and identify two supervisors. Due to the nature of postgraduate research, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study. Full-time students will meet with their academic supervisors once a month; part-time students will meet with their academic supervisors every other month.
You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your MA by Research project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas: in such cases, we will support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
How You Study
The core of the programme is a thesis project, for which you will submit a proposal at the application stage and identify two supervisors. Due to the nature of postgraduate research, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study. Full-time students will meet with their academic supervisors once a month; part-time students will meet with their academic supervisors every other month.
You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your MA by Research project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas: in such cases, we will support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Research areas covered within the School include:
- History and Philisiophy of Science
- Philosophy of Religion
- Philosophy of Mind
- Post-Kantian European Philosophy
- Moral Philosophy
- Metaphysics
- Aesthetics
Special Features
Students have access to support and training which aim to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at MA by Research level.
Philosophy at Lincoln promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.
We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln through welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.
How you are assessed
With the help of dedicated skills sessions, and under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students will be expected to write a dissertation of 25,000 words.
How you are assessed
With the help of dedicated skills sessions, and under the guidance of an academic supervisor, students will be expected to write a dissertation of 25,000 words.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
First or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject.
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.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject.
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.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/
How to Apply
New students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May to support their experience within the postgraduate research community.
In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with the supervisor on an individual basis.
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and a subject specialist where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
Interviews
Application involves submitting a valid and feasible research proposal. Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and a subject specialist where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
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.
Postgraduate Events
Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.
Find out MoreCareer Opportunities
This programme aims to develop advanced knowledge and high-level research skills which can equip graduates for a range of careers including in teaching and research roles. Some graduates may choose to progress to study at doctoral level.
Discover More

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.