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
Lincoln School of Design brings together an engaged community of artists and creatives aiming to address applied design research problems in the profession, society, and more widely in the world. These include design for a changing population, new forms of production, and designing new cultural experiences.
Research students can explore broad areas including the history and theory of design, social design, interior design, and design creativity and practice. Research may be either thesis-based or practice-based.
A structured programme of research skills development is designed to enable students to develop the competencies required for their study and future career. An experienced supervisory team is available to offer expertise and guidance, supporting students in applying for funding, attending conferences, and publishing work. There may be opportunities for students to contribute to undergraduate teaching at the University, following appropriate training.
Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from academic staff
Benefit from research seminars and visiting academics
Enrol in January or October each year
Research students normally have two internal supervisors with specialist knowledge of their subject areas, and they have regular meetings with them for advice, monitoring and other support. Students are introduced to the relevant research methods through taught units and are encouraged to give presentations to postgraduate seminars, which are held regularly throughout the year.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent in independent study and research. Students will have meetings with academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of the programme.
Research students can explore broad areas including history and the theory of design, social design, interior design, and design creativity and practice. Research may be either thesis-based or practice-based.
Our comprehensive range of facilities is designed to provide a supportive environment for creative practitioners. Students have regular access to workshops, labs, studios and industry-standard equipment, as well as highly knowledgeable technicians. This environment can help students to develop their knowledge and skills, and complements our purpose-built design studios.
Application involves submitting a valid and feasible research proposal. Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and a subject specialist where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
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. Alternative enrolment dates should be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis.
Assessment is via the submission of a final thesis and, usually, by an accompanying oral examination. Practice-based research assessment is via a body of practice work, an accompanying written commentary on that practice, and an oral examination.
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
First or 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. 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.
Explore Funding Options
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.
Explore Our Research