Mphil/PhD Social Sciences

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 60% or above as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 90 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 21.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 70 with no individual score below 65.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Lincoln, located in the United Kingdom, is fostering academic excellence and supporting international students in their pursuit of advanced degrees. Specifically, the university offers a range of scholarships tailored to PhD students, ensuring that talented individuals from around the world have the opportunity to engage in groundbreaking research within a vibrant academic community.

Vice Chancellor's Research Studentship: The University of Lincoln provides the prestigious Vice Chancellor's Research Studentship, which is a fully-funded scholarship designed to attract outstanding international candidates. This scholarship covers tuition fees, a stipend for living expenses, and a research allowance, enabling recipients to focus solely on their doctoral research.

Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Scholarship: Aimed at addressing global challenges, the GCRF Scholarship supports international PhD students undertaking research that contributes to sustainable development goals. This scholarship encompasses financial support for tuition, living expenses, and research-related costs, emphasizing the university's impactful, globally-relevant research.

International Alumni Scholarship: The University of Lincoln values its international alumni and acknowledges their potential to contribute to ongoing research endeavors. The International Alumni Scholarship is dedicated to supporting former international students who choose to pursue a PhD at Lincoln, providing financial assistance for tuition fees and living expenses.

Graduates from the MPhil/PhD program in Social Sciences at the University of Lincoln are well-equipped with advanced research skills and a profound understanding of societal dynamics. This program prepares graduates for diverse and impactful careers, allowing them to contribute to social change, policy analysis, research institutions, and various sectors that require expertise in social sciences.

University Professor or Lecturer: Many graduates choose academic careers, becoming university professors or lecturers. They teach, mentor students, and engage in cutting-edge research, contributing to the academic community.

Researcher in Think Tanks or Policy Institutes: Graduates can work as researchers in think tanks or policy institutes, contributing to policy analysis, social research, and providing insights to shape public policies.

Policy Analyst: Opportunities exist for graduates to work as policy analysts for government agencies or non-profit organizations. They contribute to policy development, evaluate the impact of policies, and provide recommendations for social improvements.

Social Researcher: Graduates may pursue careers as social researchers, conducting studies on various societal issues. They work for research institutions, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, contributing to evidence-based social interventions.

Community Development Officer: Those interested in community engagement can become community development officers, working with local governments or NGOs to implement programs that address social issues and enhance community well-being.

Human Resources Specialist: Graduates can apply their understanding of social dynamics in human resources roles. They may work as HR specialists, focusing on employee relations, diversity and inclusion, and organizational culture.

Social Policy Consultant: With expertise in social policy, graduates can work as consultants, providing advice to governmental bodies, NGOs, or international organizations on issues related to social welfare and policy implementation.

Criminologist: Those with a focus on criminology can become criminologists, working in law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, or research institutions. They may contribute to understanding crime patterns and developing effective crime prevention strategies.

Public Health Advocate: Graduates interested in public health can work as advocates, addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity. They may collaborate with public health organizations and community groups.

Social Entrepreneur: Graduates with an entrepreneurial spirit may choose to establish social enterprises, addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. They contribute to both societal well-being and sustainable business practices.

International Development Specialist: Opportunities exist for graduates to work in international development, contributing to projects that aim to alleviate poverty, promote human rights, and address social inequalities on a global scale.

Social Impact Analyst: Graduates can work as social impact analysts, evaluating the effectiveness of social programs, assessing their impact on communities, and recommending improvements for better outcomes.