/prod01/university-of-lincoln-cdn-pxl/media/responsive2017/coursepage/backgrounds/politics_1600X600px.jpg )
Select Year of Entry
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Politics
The active research base in the School ensures that Politics staff are involved in current debates and that students are made aware of new developments and issues in this exciting area. Each research student is supported by a programme of research training and by our staff.
Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include:
- young people and politics
- EU nuclear energy policy
- the politics of food
- the 1984/85 miners' strikes
- fossil fuel infrastructure security in the Niger Delta
- Labour Party leadership
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Politics
The active research base in the School ensures that Politics staff are involved in current debates and that students are made aware of new developments and issues in this exciting area. Each research student is supported by a programme of research training and by our staff.
Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include:
- young people and politics
- EU nuclear energy policy
- the politics of food
- the 1984/85 miners' strikes
- fossil fuel infrastructure security in the Niger Delta
- Labour Party leadership
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Staff have expertise for postgraduate supervision in the following areas:
- Politics
- Minority Rights
- Local Government
- Human Rights
- Women in Politics
- Policy Making
- Political Economy
- Voting Systems
- Petitions and Regulations
- Regulation of Welfare and Intelligence
- Citizenship
- Comparative politics
- Immigration politics
- Security politics
- Russian politics
- Politics and economic policy
- Climate change policy
Career and Personal Development
Graduates of the research programme have the opportunity to take positions as researchers or academics in institutes of higher education. Others may choose to use the experience for personal development and go on to careers in related sectors.
How You Study
Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis.
The School aims to provide considerable support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required. Where appropriate, additional supervisors may be provided. Students are asked to contribute to the department's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work wherever appropriate. Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisors at least once a month for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.
How You Study
Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis.
The School aims to provide considerable support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required. Where appropriate, additional supervisors may be provided. Students are asked to contribute to the department's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work wherever appropriate. Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisors at least once a month for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.
How you are assessed
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.
How you are assessed
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.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
MPhil: First or upper second class honours degree or Master's degree.
PhD: A Master's degree with a research component.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
MPhil: First or upper second class honours degree or Master's degree.
PhD: A Master's degree with a research component.
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.
Dr Andrew Defty - Associate Professor
Andrew teaches on a range of modules within the School of Social and Political Sciences. He has made numerous contributions to national and local radio on topics ranging from voting in the Eurovision song contest to House of Lords reform.
Academic Staff ListHow to Apply
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February or May.
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.
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.