PhD Politics

Our webinars, subject masterclasses, question and answer sessions, and student panel talks are a great way to discover what it is like to live and study at the University of Lincoln.

The active research base in the School ensures that Politics staff are involved in current debates and that students are made aware of new developments and issues in this exciting area. Each research student is supported by a programme of research training and by our staff.

Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects include:

• young people and politics
• EU nuclear energy policy
• the politics of food
• the 1984/85 miners' strikes
• fossil fuel infrastructure security in the Niger Delta
• Labour Party leadership

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Staff have the expertise for postgraduate supervision in the following areas:

• Politics
• Minority Rights
• Local Government
• Human Rights
• Women in Politics
• Policy Making
• Political Economy
• Voting Systems
• Petitions and Regulations
• Regulation of Welfare and Intelligence
• Citizenship
• Comparative politics
• Immigration politics
• Security politics
• Russian politics
• Politics and economic policy
• Climate change policy

Career and Personal Development

Graduates of the research programme have the opportunity to take positions as researchers or academics in institutes of higher education. Others may choose to use the experience for personal development and go on to careers in related sectors.

How You Study

Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by the thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis.

The School aims to provide considerable support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required. Where appropriate, additional supervisors may be provided. Students are asked to contribute to the department's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work wherever appropriate. Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent on independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisors at least once a month full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.

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

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.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

PhD: A Master's degree with a research component.

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.

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.

How You Study

Research students can enrol for MPhil or PhD awards. These degrees are normally undertaken wholly by thesis and can be carried out either on a full-time or a part-time basis.

The School aims to provide considerable support to enable students to become independent researchers. Students are required to follow a structured pattern of activity during which their progress can be monitored and encouraged. Students are allocated two supervisors and the emphasis is on providing whatever training is required. Where appropriate, additional supervisors may be provided. Students are asked to contribute to the department's research seminar series, are able to apply for funding to attend conferences, and are encouraged to publish their work wherever appropriate. Students may also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching, subject to the necessary training.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of time is spent on independent study and research. Students will meet with their academic supervisors at least once a month for full-time students, and every two months for part-time students.

Research Groups and Topics

The key to success in 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.

How You Are Assessed

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.

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.