MPhil/PhD Health and Social Care Research Opportunities

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The MPhil/PhD programme provides candidates with an opportunity to develop advanced and specific knowledge in a particular field of study. Students will have the freedom and flexibility to choose and develop their own subject area and enhance highly transferable research and project management skills.

The postgraduate research team within the School of Health and Social Care are committed to providing the best possible experience. Students are able to work alongside experienced academics who can help guide them through the research process and offer support on personal and professional development in order to maximise career opportunities on graduation.

Students are able to meet with and discuss their project with other research students both within the School and across the University. There are regular opportunities to attend research seminars hosted by the research groups within the School and wider College. The School also has close ties with the University's central Doctoral School, which provides a wealth of training programmes for all research students and the chance to present work at the annual research showcase.

Key Information

Full-time

• MPhil: 1.5-3 years.
• Ph.D.: 2-4 years

Part-time

• MPhil: 2-4 years.
• PhD: 3-6 years

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

How You Study

As this is a research degree there is no formal taught content on the programme. Students will work with a carefully selected supervision team who will support them to develop their subject and research methods knowledge and executing their research project.

Full-time students are expected to meet with their supervisors at least 12 times in a calendar year (six times for part-time students). The length and frequency of supervision meetings will depend on existing research experience, the preferred approach of the student and supervisor, and the stage of the study. In between meetings, students are expected to study independently. Ph.D. students need to be self-motivated and able to use their initiative to identify and address their own learning needs.

Projects and Topics

Alongside our research groups, we have an extensive range of individual expertise within the school. Below are some of the research areas where members of the team have particular expertise and would be happy to take on new students:

• Health economics
• Healthcare workforce planning and development
• Trauma, critical, and emergency care
• Pre-hospital care
• Mental health
• Addiction
• Hospital-acquired infections
• Health inequalities
• Teaching and learning in health and social care
• Nurse education
• Public health and health promotion
• Inter-professional education and multi-agency working
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Service evaluation, transformation, and quality improvement

Examples of recent research projects include:

• Prevalence of mental health disorder in a probation population.
• Self-management in people living with and beyond cancer in a rural and urban setting.
• Improving pain management in pre-hospital care.
• Supporting asylum seekers through effective social work practice. A case study in Sao Paulo.

How You Are Assessed

This programme is assessed by the submission of a written thesis (maximum 80,000 words), and normally an oral examination (viva voce). Students will be examined by two examiners, one internal to the University and one external. Following the oral examination, it may be necessary to undertake some amendments to the thesis in order to completely satisfy the criteria for the award.

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 Ph.D. program via a written report and they will be orally examined.

Both the MPhil and PhD are 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 theory or understanding.

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research. A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills that can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. PhDs and research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion.

The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.