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
Research students in Forensic Science have the opportunity to work alongside a multidisciplinary team in the School of Chemistry, and can benefit from strong links with industry practitioners.
Students have the opportunity to engage in the work to develop innovative methods and techniques to assist in solving crime and casework-related issues. Our team is currently engaged in high-profile studies including collaborative projects with the Centre for Applied Science and Technology at the UK Home Office.
Students have access to a range of training programmes to support them in their independent investigations, and an experienced supervisory team are on hand to offer advice and direction. Ongoing research projects in the School are focused on topics including the chemical analysis of legal highs, DNA analysis in forensic and archaeological contexts, and forensic toxicology.
Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from academic staff
Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
Enrol in January or October each year
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of students' time will be spent in independent study and research. Students 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 programme.
Our main research areas currently include drug analysis, explosives analysis, fingerprinting science, dye and pigment analysis, forensic anthropology, spectroscopic techniques (including Raman) and separation science, and surface analysis.
Recent research projects have included chemical analysis of fingerprints, analysis of legal highs, development of sensors for forensic applications, and development of colloids and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS).
The key to a successful research programme is to find a research subject that you are passionate about, and a supervisory team that have the expertise in this area. The first thing that all students should do is contact a member of staff who works in an area that you are interested in. Please visit the School of Chemistry pages to identify potential academic supervisors. You are invited to contact the supervisors that you feel are best suited to your research area to discuss the process further.
A research degree is usually awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and their ability in an oral examination (viva voce) to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic to a group of academics. 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. However, applications are welcome at any point throughout the year, and enrolment can also take place at any relevant point.
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 an MSc in a relevant subject.
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.
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. 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