Brayford Pool
MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years
MPhil: 2-4 years. PhD: 3-8 years
Start Dates in October and February
MPhil/PhD in Conservation of Cultural Heritage offers you the opportunity to undertake an intensive study of a topic of your choice in the field of conservation and/or heritage studies, and to make an original contribution to scholarly understandings of your chosen subject.
While the emphasis is on your independent research, you will receive guidance from a team of academic supervisors who are connected to Lincoln's Centre of Conservation and Research: https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/hh/research/conservationresearch/.
Students can benefit from the research expertise of specialists working in conservation science, preventative conservation, digital heritage, heritage and climate change, the conservation of historic interiors, and critical heritage studies.
Strong links exist with other subjects and through an interdisciplinary research culture that facilitates collaboration with colleagues across a wide range of topics. Current research areas include archaeological conservation, paint and pigment analysis, and preventative conservation.
Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from expert academic staff
Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
Enrol in February or October each year
Over the course of your studies, you will be expected to complete an original piece of research that makes a contribution to the existing scholarship on, and knowledge of, the subject under scrutiny. You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your PhD project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas; in such cases, we will endeavour to support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study and research. You will need to take considerable responsibility for your studies, including time management, project planning and writing drafts of your work. You are expected to submit appropriate written work regularly to your supervisors and to act on the feedback received. Students will have regular meetings with their academic supervisor(s) who will discuss the development of the research, comment on written drafts, and agree the next stage of work.
Students have access to support and training to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at doctoral level, and for interpreting a wide range of evidence.
Research areas covered within the School include:
Current and Recent PhD topics include:
The University is home to Lincoln Conservation, a company that combines research, teaching, and commercial expertise. When opportunities arise, students may apply to work on live projects, providing the chance to gain professional experience.
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The assessment at this level of study takes the form of thesis of 80,000 words (PhD) or 40,000 words (MPhil), which is deemed to make an original contribution to knowledge, and to be suitable for publication (in whole or in part).
You will normally need to defend your thesis in an oral examination (viva), where you are expected to demonstrate an expert understanding of your subject, and to show how your research findings contribute to knowledge or build on existing understandings of the subject.
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or February, although alternative dates may be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis. When writing your research proposal, please take note of the following guidance:
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where the application can be discussed in more detail.
Applicants with appropriate proposals will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists, who will discuss with you in more detail the research proposal and your suitability to undertake it.
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
Master's degree in conservation or related subject. A first or upper second class honours degree with significant experience may be considered.
Vitally, you will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. This must demonstrate a suitable scope and focus, and an understanding of how your project makes an original contribution to the field of study.
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 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 6.5 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/.
For further advice on IELTS and the support available, please contact the International College by email at internationalcollege@lincoln.ac.uk.
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.
Explore Funding Options
A doctoral qualification may be regarded as the capstone of academic achievement and may mark the beginning of a career in academia. It may also offer professional development for those already working in conservation.
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.
For more information about this course, please contact:
Dr Rebecca Styler
rstyler@lincoln.ac.uk
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.
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