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
The Lincoln School of Creative Arts boasts extensive research expertise in the fields of drama, theatre, and performance studies where a team of academics offer continued supervision and support throughout. Areas of specialism include playwriting, dramaturgy, scenography, musical theatre, Asian performance, intermediality, and historiography, as well as practice as research and practice-based research.
Research students are invited to join one of the School's thriving research groups - Contemporary Theatre-Making, (Re) Constructing Musics and Intercultural Performance - and participate in the Critical Encounters Research Series alongside academic staff and other postgraduate students. Students will also be encouraged to present their work at national and international conferences and to publish their findings.
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
Our postgraduate research programmes enable independent specialist study, which is supported by regular supervisions with academic supervisor(s) to ensure that the programme of research is on track and meets the required standards. Supervisions are held monthly for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.
Progression points throughout the programme (Confirmation of Studies, Annual Monitoring Review and Transfer) allow students to present their work to colleagues within the School.
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. Areas of specialism include:
Students will produce an 80,000 word thesis on a subject agreed with their proposed supervisor(s).
Students completing a practice-based PhD will be required to produce a substantial body of performance or creative work and a thesis of between 25,000 - 40,000 words.
The thesis is examined by two examiners (one external to the School, one internal) and includes a Viva Voce (oral) examination.
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:
Normally we require a UK Masters degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject, or relevant professional qualifications and relevant experience in an associated area.
Please submit the following supporting information when making your application:
- a supporting statement (500 words). This should explain the motivation for studying your chosen programme.
- a research proposal (1,000-2,000 words). This proposal should:
In addition, you may want to:
Please note: a research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the staff profiles closely to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.
All suitable applicants will be invited for an interview, either in person or via Skype.
You can also explore some further guidance on our How to Apply page.
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.
First or upper second class honours degree and a Master's degree.
International students will also require English Language at IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 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 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.
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.
For more information about this course, please contact:
Dr Steve Klee
SKlee@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.
