PhD Classical Studies University of Lincoln

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Lincoln's doctoral programme in Classical Studies offers interested students advanced research opportunities in ancient Greek and Roman history and Greek and Latin languages, literature, and cultures. It is designed to prepare students to embark on careers in academia, teaching, the heritage sector, and the civil service, amongst many other fields.

Research students can benefit from a broad range of expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East.

The School of History and Heritage brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.

How You Study

Students have access to support and training to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at the doctoral level, and for interpreting a wide range of evidence. Students will have opportunities to receive tuition in relevant languages.

Over the course of your studies, you will be expected to complete an original piece of research that makes a substantial contribution to the existing scholarship on and knowledge of the subject under scrutiny. You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your PhD project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas; in such cases, we will endeavour to support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.

Students are required to produce appropriate written work which will be submitted to their supervisors for feedback and to agree on the next stage of work.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent on independent study and research. Full-time students currently meet with their academic supervisors once a month, and part-time students every other month.

The School of History and Heritage promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics, and staff-student reading groups, aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as provide opportunities for career development.

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 Areas, Projects, and Topics

Research students will benefit from a broad range of research expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East. Our interests include:

• Greek and Roman Historiography
• Alexander the Great
• Hellenistic History
• Roman London
• The Fall of the Roman Empire in the West
• Language and Literacy in the Western Mediterranean
• Gender and Women’s History
• Cross-Cultural Contacts and Exchanges

More broadly, the School of History and Heritage brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.

We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln by welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.

How You Are Assessed

The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis.

A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality and originality of the student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend the chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge in the subject area or developed existing theories or understandings.

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.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Relevant Master's degree (e.g. History, Classics/Classical Studies, Ancient History).

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 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.

Interviews

Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and a subject specialist where they can discuss the details of their research proposal.

How to Apply

New students are encouraged to enrol in October, February, or May to support their experience within the postgraduate research community.

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 the supervisor on an individual basis.

Career Opportunities

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research.