Brayford Pool
MPhil: 1.5-3 years. PhD: 2-4 years
MPhil: 2-4 years. PhD: 3-8 years
Start Dates in October, February, and May
The Lincoln School of Film, Media and Journalism offers research opportunities at the highest level of academic qualification: a PhD or a PhD by Practice.
Students are provided with academic guidance, expertise, and support from experienced supervisory teams. There is also a doctoral training programme to help students develop the research skills necessary for their study.
The School has strong links with professional industry bodies and benefits from regular guest speakers.
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 February, May, or October
Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisor, however the regularity of this will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of their programme.
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 an area that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further. Current specialisms include:
The PhD by Practice programme entails a practitioner producing a body of work accompanied by a written thesis. Appropriate records (aural, visual etc.) of the practice, together with commentaries, will then comprise the main body of the portfolio submitted in place of the thesis for examination. The thesis must establish, in a way that can be assessed by oral examination, that the portfolio constitutes a coherent body of original work that can stand alongside a more traditional PhD. Candidates for this award would normally be expected to complete the body of work during their period of registration.
A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality of the student's thesis and ability to present and successfully defend their chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). They 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.
You will need to produce a research proposal as part of your application for this programme. This is a project outline identifying what you want to study, why you want to investigate this area, and how you intend to conduct the research. You are not expected to be the expert, but you will need to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the subject and where your research will make a valuable contribution to the topic. When writing your research proposal, please take note of the following guidance:
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.
The research proposal should be 1,000–2,000 words in length.
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.
Master's degree for PhD and Master's degree and/or equivalent professional experience for PhD by practice.
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.
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.
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.
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.
