Course summary
Conserving biodiversity and avoiding the extinction of species are huge global challenges. It has never been more important for scientists to understand organisms and ecosystems, how they have evolved, and how they respond to the threats they face. This programme provides students with the opportunity to research issues affecting individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems, including how organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how these processes are affected by human activities. Students benefit from training courses provided by the University aimed at developing key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their academic supervisors, students will also be encouraged to present talks and seminars on their work both at the University of Lincoln as well at national and international meetings and conferences, produce progress reports, develop their ability to write up work for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and, ultimately, to effectively communicate their research and thesis. Beyond learning how to conduct research and the specialist skills that students are expected to develop within their subject discipline, the process of studying for a research degree can provide transferable skills in problem-solving, time management, independent and team work, and communication.
Assessment method
Each student will have at least one monthly formal meeting with their supervisors where progress will be discussed. After three months students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated. After the first year they may apply for transfer to a PhD programme via a written report and they will be orally examined. Both the MPhil and PhD are awarded based on the quality of a 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.
Entry requirements
First or upper second class honours degree in a relevant subject. If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements 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. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills If you are an overseas student, you may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate in order to enrol on this course. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £2415 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £2415 | Year 1 |
| International | £8850 | 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