PhD Psychology - Research Opportunities University of Lincoln

MPhil and PhD students are able to conduct independent research into an area of psychology of their choice and produce an extended thesis with guidance from two/three academic supervisors who have specialist knowledge of the subject area. Students can also receive training in the research methods relevant to their project and are expected to contribute to the School's research environment.

The PhD is the most advanced research degree in psychology. It is particularly suitable for students who want to pursue an academic career but it also gives a broad range of career opportunities. Students are usually enrolled in an MPhil/PhD degree in their first year and then transfer to a PhD degree at the start of their second year.

The School's active research base ensures academic staff are involved in current debates and that they are up-to-date with emerging developments in psychology. Research in the School is organised in three research groups (Forensic and Clinical Psychology; Perception, Action, and Cognition; Development and Social Behaviour) and two research centres (Autism Research Innovation Centre and Lincoln Cleep Centre).

Research Areas and Topics

The School of Psychology has a strong and growing reputation for fundamental and applied research with international impact.

Postgraduate research students are placed at the heart of our research activity. Our research is supported by a wide range of funding bodies, published in top-ranking journals, and presented at international conferences. The School fosters a vibrant and outward-facing culture and encourages members of the public and non-academic organisations to become partners and collaborators in our research.

Particular areas of research expertise in the School include:

• Development and social behaviour
• Forensic and clinical psychology
• Perception, action, and cognition
• Autism
• Sleep.

Career Opportunities

Students may choose to embark on an academic career or work within the industry or the public/private sector or charities.

The opportunities available will depend on the topic of the student’s research projects and on the set of skills students develop during the programme of study.

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 You Study

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, but the frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of the programme.

We encourage students to be actively involved in the research activities of the School, to improve their communication skills, and network, and to broaden their knowledge of the different areas of psychological research.

Students are expected to attend the weekly research seminars of the School and to take part in the meetings of their relevant research group or centre. They will also be asked to give at least two talks about their project to members of their group or centre, usually in the first and final year of their degree.

Students are expected to attend the 1-hour long weekly School seminar and the meeting of their research group or centre (both meetings are usually on Wednesdays).

The amount of time dedicated to self-study, meetings with the supervisors or training depends on the specific project.

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.

Facilities

The Sarah Swift Building is home to the Schools of Health and Social Care and Psychology. The building houses specialist teaching and research spaces for both Schools, as well as general teaching and learning facilities for the wider University.

How You Are Assessed

An MPhil or 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).

The oral examination is attended by two examiners (a member of the school not involved in the project and an examiner from another University), a viva chair and the student. The examiners are chosen by the Director of studies and the supervisory team, in agreement with the student; they read and review the thesis before the viva.

The viva chair is responsible for making sure the examination is conducted in accordance with University regulations. The students are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theories or understandings. Finally, they are expected to demonstrate that they can become an independent researcher at the end of the programme.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

A first or upper-second-class honours degree, or a Master's degree in a relevant subject.

Interviews

Applications for an MPhil/PhD are reviewed by the Postgraduate Committee of the School and then passed to the potential supervisors.

The applicant will attend an interview, in person or online, with at least two members of the School, usually the potential Director of Studies and a second supervisor. The supervisors will make a recommendation to the Post-Graduate Committee, based on the interview, the applicant’s CV, the feasibility of the proposed project and its financial costs. The applicant will be informed of the outcome of their application by the College Postgraduate Board.