Course summary
The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments. At Lincoln, this is informed by academics who are considered to be at the forefront of their respective fields in welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition, and the range of specialist facilities available includes aquatic and reptile facilities, an insectary, and a bioacoustics laboratory. Students can benefit from training courses provided by the University to develop key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their PhD supervisors, students will 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. Under the guidance of your PhD supervisors students will also be expected to 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 (e.g. how to work in a molecular laboratory or conduct animal cognition experiments), 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. 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.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4668 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4668 | Year 1 |
| International | £16700 | 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