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
Researchers in the Lincoln School of Architecture and the Built Environment contribute to an interdisciplinary community working to advance knowledge and to address the emerging challenges facing the built environment industry. This programme is designed to support the career development of future construction science and management leaders.
MPhil/PhD Construction Science and Management is supported by the School's research themes, which include construction science, technology, materials, and management. Within this very broad area we examine issues such as climate change, innovations in construction science, contemporary and traditional building materials and techniques, fabrication efficiency, and the management of the construction process.
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
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring, and other support. Students are introduced to relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations in postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have 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 in the School can include construction science and management; sustainable built environments; cultural, social, and spatial characteristics of the built environment and communities; history and theory of architecture; urban design; and environmental design.
A structured programme of research skills training is designed to enable students to develop the competencies required for research and potential careers in research. Assessment normally takes place in the form of the submission of a final written research thesis.
An experienced supervisory team is appointed to offer expertise, support, and guidance on research and can support students in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work. There may also be opportunities to contribute to teaching in the School, following appropriate training.
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.
Key areas of research interest currently include:
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.
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.
However, applications are welcome at any point throughout the year, and enrolment can also take place at any relevant point. Alternative enrolment dates should be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis.
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 https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/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/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/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
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.
