Brayford Pool
MPhil: 1.5-3 years PhD: 2-4 years
MPhil: 2-4 years PhD: 3-8 years
Start Dates in October and January
Physics is a fundamental science which underpins our understanding of the world around us, from distant galaxies to the smallest particles. The knowledge and problem-solving skills of physicists are vital to new discoveries and advances in science and technology.
Staff in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences conduct cutting-edge research in fundamental and applied mathematics and physics, ranging from pure mathematics to applied nano-science at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The School collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.
Students are supported and encouraged to submit papers to international scientific journals, present findings at conferences, and share knowledge with colleagues across the University.
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
Students can benefit from specialist computational facilities, training programmes to enhance research skills, and support from dedicated academic supervisors. Students will be supported and encouraged to submit papers to international scientific journals, present their findings at conferences, and share knowledge with colleagues across the University.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, students will spend the majority of their time in independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisor, however the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of their programme.
Staff in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences conduct leading research in fundamental and applied mathematics and physics, ranging from pure mathematics to applied nanoscience at the interface between biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. The School collaborates with top research institutions in Germany, Japan, Norway, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, and the USA.
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.
A PhD is usually 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.
You will need to produce a research proposal as part of your application for this programme. The proposal should be a maximum of 500 words and provide a summary of the research topics you want to study. You should also include a brief bibliography of relevant literature (this is not included in the word limit).
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.
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or January. 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 your supervisor on an individual basis.
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 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
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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills
Non-exempt nationals who are subject to time-limited immigration permission (e.g. Student visa, dependent visa, refugee status) will be required to obtain an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate to enrol on this programme. For guidance on ATAS please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
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 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.
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 and make a tangible difference to the world around us.
