PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Lincoln

The School of Pharmacy aims to produce passionate pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who are able to address many of the major healthcare challenges facing the world in the 2020s and beyond. Pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists have the potential to forge strong and unique bridges between science and healthcare to improve health outcomes, developing good relationships with patients, healthcare practitioners, and the pharmaceutical industry.

This research programme provides students with the opportunity to liaise with professionals in the pharmacy, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, and develop national and international collaborations. Previous research projects have involved work in the USA and across Europe and Asia. The School's research is focused on two main areas; Drug Discovery, Design and Delivery, and Clinical Pharmacy and Practice.

Postgraduate students in the School of Pharmacy can benefit from access to purpose-built laboratory space and specialist equipment, a wide range of training programmes designed to enhance research and transferable skills, and support from dedicated academic supervisors.

The School has strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and an important presence at the Lincoln Institute for Health. It collaborates with the Antimicrobial Research Group (AMR), the Community and Health Research Unit (CAHRU), and the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), as well as the Schools of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, and Chemistry, and Department of Life Sciences.

How You Study

Our research environment has been designed to support students through a specific framework. This covers all aspects of the postgraduate experience, including supervisor interaction, training, and access to facilities and allied support through the Postgraduate Research Lead and the Director of Research.

All postgraduate students are actively encouraged to prepare submissions to scientific journals in their field. Students are expected to present their findings at national and international conferences and to participate in internal research meetings.

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

Placements as part of the research programme may occur, primarily to conduct research abroad (subject to appropriate ethical approval) or to visit a laboratory to use equipment or learn new techniques.

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.

Research Area and Topics

Research in the School of Pharmacy is focused on two main areas:

Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery

This group aims to identify new drug targets, design and discover new drugs, and develop innovative approaches to drug delivery. The group is multidisciplinary and includes organic chemists, structural biologists, pharmacologists, and pharmaceutical scientists that utilise specialist technologies and methodologies. It collaborates with the Antimicrobial Research Group (AMR), the Community and Health Research Unit (CAHRU), and the National Centre for Food Manufacturing (NCFM), as well as the Schools of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics, and Chemistry, and Department of Life Sciences.

Clinical Pharmacy and Practice

This group aims to foster research collaborations with healthcare professionals, provide better medicines optimisation, and ensure personalised care. It collaborates with the Community and Health Research Unit (CAHRU), the Lincoln Institute for Health (LIH), as well as the Schools of Medicine and Health and Social Care.

How You Are Assessed

A 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). They are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theories or understandings.

How to Apply and Enrolment

All applicants, whether self-funded, seeking support through a fellowship scheme, or in receipt of employer sponsorship, are encouraged to approach the school and discuss a proposed topic. Applicants are welcome to approach individual staff members if they feel their research areas align. If an applicant is unsure which staff member could be an appropriate supervisor, the Postgraduate Research Lead is available to facilitate introductions to potential supervisors. All applicants are interviewed by potential supervisors to ensure the research topic can proceed.

Enrolment Dates

To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May.

In addition to meeting peers across the University who are starting their research programme at the same time, there is access to a central training programme designed around the first three months of study, and targeted support aligned to each stage of the postgraduate research journey. Alternative enrolment dates may be agreed upon with your supervisor on an individual basis.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

First or upper second class honours degree or Master in a relevant subject.

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.

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.

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.

Career Opportunities

This research programme provides an ideal platform for progression into the pharmaceutical, cosmetics or food industries, while others may choose to work in research or academia.