PhD English University of Lincoln

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The School of Humanities and Heritage offers advanced research opportunities in the subject of English.

Support and direction will be available from your supervisory team and students can benefit from the School's research expertise in areas including contemporary literature, 18th to 19th Century literature, medieval and early modern literature, women's writing, Gothic literature, and American fiction.

This dedicated doctoral training programme provides the opportunity to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at the postgraduate level.

Regular research seminars, symposia, and conferences provide a lively research environment in which students are encouraged to participate. An interdisciplinary research culture facilitates collaboration with colleagues across topics, and strong links exist with the Schools of Film, Media, Journalism, and Creative Arts.

How You Study

Studying at MPhil/PhD level takes the form of supervised individual research. Students work on one topic of their choice for the duration of the study period. It is expected that students submit appropriate written work regularly to their supervisors, to receive feedback on their submission and agree on the next stage of work.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent on independent study and research. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor(s), but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of the programme.

Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed.

How You Are Assessed

The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis.

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 theories or understandings.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Relevant Master's degree.

You will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The research proposal will allow us to judge the quality of the application and to decide whether we are able to supervise your project.

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.

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.

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.
• Clearly define the topic you are interested in and demonstrate an understanding of your research area.
• Include two or three research questions that you will explore in your research.
• Outline the range of research methodologies you will use to undertake the research.
• Include a provisional bibliography of primary and secondary sources.
• You might include a brief literature review of the key works that relate to your topic, particularly if this helps to exemplify the point below.
• Explain clearly how your research contributes to existing scholarship in the area; what gaps will it fill? How will it further knowledge of the area?
• Sketch out a provisional plan of work that includes research/archival visits and a timetable for the writing of chapters.
• Make sure the proposal is well presented with sections and subheadings and is free of errors.

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.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Research areas covered within the School include:

• 21st Century Literature
• 18th to 19th Century literature
• Life writing
• Women’s writing 18th to 21st Centuries
• American literature 19th to 21st Centuries
• Early modern literature
• Gothic literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Medieval literature

How to Apply

To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February or May.

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 upon with your supervisor on an individual basis.

Interviews

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.

Career and Personal Development

A doctoral qualification may be regarded as the capstone of academic achievement and may mark the beginning of a career in academia or research.