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
Engineers provide the critical link between scientific discovery and the practical application of knowledge to meet the needs of business and society. Researchers in the School of Engineering can benefit from the expertise of our academics and award-winning industry links. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas relevant to today's engineering industry.
Opportunities are available in a variety of areas relevant to today's engineering industry including health monitoring and diagnostics, robotics and automated systems, communications, networks, and embedded systems, power systems, sustainable energy systems, combustion and fuels, big data, material manufacturing, computational modelling in computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, and laser diagnostics.
The School of Engineering's expertise is centred on core disciplines of industrial digitalisation and system intelligence, and sustainable energy and power systems. Throughout these programmes, students will have the chance to collaborate with industry on projects that can deliver tangible benefits to employers, the sector, and society.
A range of training programmes are offered to support students' development and enhance their skills. Research students are supported in publishing their work in conference proceedings and international learned society journals, and are encouraged to present their work as part of the University's research seminar series.
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 will be allocated two academic supervisors and the College Research Degrees Board will monitor their progress throughout the programme. Students will be encouraged to participate in our research seminar series and in the University's Doctoral School and training programmes. The School will also support students in applying for funding to attend conferences, and in publishing their work in conference proceedings and refereed journals.
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of students' time will be spent in independent study and research. They will have meetings with their academic supervisors, however the regularity of these will vary depending on their own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of their programme.
Opportunities are available in a variety of areas relevant to today's engineering industry including health monitoring and diagnostics, robotics and automated systems, communications, networks, and embedded systems, power systems, sustainable energy systems, combustion and fuels, big data, material manufacturing, computational modelling in computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, and laser diagnostics.
Specific research areas include:
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. You can find our more about our staff and our research activity on our School pages.
Students will be required to demonstrate adequate and appropriate progress on an annual basis. Final assessment is by an oral examination (viva voce) of a research thesis. Students 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.
How to Apply
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 may be agreed with your supervisor on an individual basis.
First or upper second class honours degree or a Master's degree.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.
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. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
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
Meet PhD student Sarah Reade, whose research at the University of Lincoln is focused on developing a walking robotic manipulator to help with the process of decommissioning large fusion nuclear reactors in the UK.
Meet Sarah Reade
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.
For more information about this course, please contact:
Dr Faiz Iqbal
FIqbal@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.
Explore Our Research