PhD Journalism University of Lincoln

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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.

We have a well-established research environment and students can benefit from the School's research expertise in areas including diaspora media, peace and conflict reporting, media history, literary journalism, class, and gender.

Students are provided with academic guidance and support by 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.

How You Study

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent on 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.

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 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 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

Master's degree for PhD and Master's degree and/or equivalent professional experience for PhD by practice.

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.

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

Example Research Areas:

• Media of diaspora
• Literary journalism
• Ethics and regulation of journalism
• International human rights and journalism
• Media History
• Documentary studies
• Class and gender

How to Apply

New students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May to support their student experience. 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.

Research Proposals

• A research proposal will only be considered if there are academics in the subject with an interest in your field. Please study the School Staff List (above) to make sure there is at least one member of staff whose interests intersect broadly with your own.
• The research proposal should be around 1000 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.

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 be the starting point for a career in academia or research.