MA by Research
Media and Cultural Studies

Key Information


Full-time

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Entry Requirements

See More

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Dates in October, February, and May

Programme Overview

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.

Key Features

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

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How You Study

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.

Research Areas and Topics

Alongside our research groups, there is also a wide range of individual expertise in areas such as: 

  • Visual and digital culture
  • Media ecologies
  • Animation Studies
  • Sonic Culture
  • Horror studies
  • Game studies
  • Histories of media and communications
  • Cultural theory
  • Critical time studies
  • Post-humanism and continental philosophy
  • Intermediality
  • Post-digital 
  • Environmental photography and aesthetics
  • Documentary photography
  • Documentary film and media ethics
  • Social engagement
  • Activism in documentary practice
  • Media and heritage
  • Historical film and media

With film and television studies, research interests include:

  • Television histories
  • Gender and queer theory
  • Race and representation
  • Televisual fame
  • British cinema
  • African cinema
  • National and transnational cinemas
  • Exploitation/experimental/marginal cinema
  • Hollywood cinema and star studies
  • Children's film and television
  • Film and/as practice
  • Script
  • Screenwriting theory

How you are assessed

The submission required for this programme is a 25,000 word thesis.

Research Proposals

You will need to produce a research proposal as part of your application for this programme. This is a project outline identifying what you want to study, why you want to investigate this area, and how you intend to conduct the research. You are not expected to be the expert, but you will need to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the subject and where your research will make a valuable contribution to the topic. When writing your research proposal, please take note of the following guidance:

Writing a Research Proposal

A research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.

The research proposal should be 1,000–2,000 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/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
  • Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.

How to Apply

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.

How to Apply
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Entry Requirements 2024-25

Entry Requirements

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.

Programme Fees

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.

Programme Fees

Funding Your Research

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
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Career Development

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.

Doctoral School

Academic Contact

For more information about this course, please contact:

Dr Dean Lockwood
dlockwood@lincoln.ac.uk

Research at Lincoln

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
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The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.