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Welcome to MPhil/PhD Social Sciences
Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics, who have long-standing links to industry, government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector.
Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include:
- the 1984/5 miners' strikes
- gender and violence
- preventive diplomacy
- educational inequality
- female labour migration
- the 21st Century free party scene
Welcome to MPhil/PhD Social Sciences
Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics, who have long-standing links to industry, government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector.
Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include:
- the 1984/5 miners' strikes
- gender and violence
- preventive diplomacy
- educational inequality
- female labour migration
- the 21st Century free party scene
Research Areas and Topics
Staff have expertise for postgraduate supervision a variety of research areas including:
- Gender and violence
- Fatherhood
- Family
- Terrorism
- Culture and inequality
- Sex work
- Rural community
- Homelessness
Further information about staff specialisms can be found on the web pages of the School of Social and Political Sciences.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Staff have expertise for postgraduate supervision in the following research areas:
- Gender and violence
- Fatherhood
- Family
- Terrorism
- Culture and inequality
- Sex work
- Rural community
- Homelessness
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.
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 appropriate 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, as well as the development of knowledge.
Students are asked to contribute to the School's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work and to develop links with appropriate external networks.
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge relevant to the student's subject area and research methods, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students can engage with external experts and advisors as necessary.
Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant portion of time will be 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 appropriate 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, as well as the development of knowledge.
Students are asked to contribute to the School's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work and to develop links with appropriate external networks.
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge relevant to the student's subject area and research methods, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students can engage with external experts and advisors as necessary.
Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant portion of time will be 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.
Entry Requirements 2022-23
MPhil: First or upper second class honours degree or Master's degree.
PhD: Master's degree with a research component.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
MPhil: First or upper second class honours degree or Master's degree.
PhD: Master's degree with a research component.
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.
Career and Personal Development
This programme can help students develop the high-level research skills and knowledge required to establish a career in fields related to their research. Some graduates may pursue roles in research, government, the criminal justice system, local authorities, and other public services, as well as academia.
How 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. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
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 ListDiscover 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.