Course summary
Social policy is concerned with how society provides for human needs and responds to social problems such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and crime. It focuses on the responses offered by a range of social actors including government, civil society, families, the market, the voluntary and third sectors. Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics, who have long-standing links to government, research organisations, and the voluntary sector. Opportunities for research are available across a range of topics in social and political sciences. Current students' research projects in the field of sociology include:
- Family Welfare Policy
- Covid-19 Socio-economic Shocks on Vulnerable Groups in Nigeria
- Female Labour Migration and Domestic Work in Lincolnshire
- Reducing Conflict in the Family Courts System
Modules
Staff have expertise for postgraduate supervision in the following: community care, housing and urban regeneration, poverty and social exclusion, social divisions (especially gender, race, disability, sexuality and age), the policy process, family policy and comparative politics.
Assessment method
Research degrees are usually awarded based on the quality of the students 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. Students enrolled on the MPhil programme will be given the opportunity to upgrade to a PhD. This will usually involve the submission of a report and an internal viva.
Entry requirements
First or upper second-class honours degree or Master's degree. Applicants for a research degree programme may be invited for an interview as part of the selection process. Prospective applicants are also invited to contact the School to discuss their proposed research project in advance of submitting an application.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| International | £7950 | Year 1 |
| England | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2415 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Full time and part time postgraduate research students will be invoiced the published set fee each academic year enrolled, up to the point of thesis submission.
Upon first enrolment, the full set fee is payable.
All continuing students are required to re-enrol on their anniversary of their first enrolment. The relevant set full time or part time fee is payable by all continuing students on re-enrolment.
A reduced 'writing-up' fee in the 12 month period prior to thesis submission may be applicable subject to your progress. After your Viva Voce examination, additional fees will be payable if a second Viva Voce examination is required.
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 the research proposal submitted and will be calculated on an individual basis. Any additional fees will be outlined in your offer letter, prior to accepting your place at the University of Lincoln.
Provider information
University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool
Lincoln
LN6 7TS