Start Dates in October and January
Welcome to the MA by Research in Design. The degree programme provides a supportive academic environment in which to conduct in-depth postgraduate study for one year (min 9 months) full-time, or two years (min 14 months) part-time, offering interested students research opportunities in all aspects of design theory, scholarship, and research. It prepares students to embark on further study at the doctoral level, as well as to prepare for careers in teaching and a wide range of other fields.
Conduct independent and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from academic staff
Benefit from research seminars and visiting academics
Enrol in January or October each year
Design research, also referred to as design-based research (DBR), involves the study of design principles and practices. It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by developing or testing theory through design-based interventions often in real-world settings. In this programme of study the focus is not about the production of a portfolio, but instead, on contextually situating and critically evaluating the value of a proposed design intervention/solution.
Research students will benefit from a broad range of design-based research expertise offered by our colleagues in the School of Design and Architecture including: Graphic Design, Typography, Book Arts, Product Design, Illustration, Design Thinking, Creative Advertising, Social Design, Material Culture, Diaspora and Placemaking, Fashion, Heritage, UX Design, Photography, Interior Design, Architecture and the Built Environment.
More broadly, the School of Design and Architecture brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both design and creative practice, more generally. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community. We foster academic links within and beyond the University of Lincoln through welcoming external speakers, hosting international conferences, and contributing to national and international research networks and projects.
The core of the programme is either related to a design project or investigates an aspect of Design-based research, for which you will submit a proposal at the application stage. Two supervisors will be identified. Students will meet monthly (full-time) or every alternate month (part-time) with their academic supervisors. Due to the nature of postgraduate research, a significant amount of time will be spent conducting independent study. This programme will be offered as an on-campus study. Students are required to produce a 25,000 word thesis that demonstrates their systematic and critical understanding of the body of knowledge in Design or related creative domain to which the research relates. The thesis will also need to show your application of knowledge, as well as the understanding and application of research and analysis techniques required in design related study. Thus, the programme prepares students to embark on further study at the doctoral level, as well as for careers in teaching, and a wide range of other fields.
Our comprehensive range of facilities is designed to provide a supportive environment for creative practitioners. Students have regular access to workshops, labs, studios and industry-standard equipment, as well as highly knowledgeable technicians. This environment can help students to develop their knowledge and skills, and complements our purpose-built design studios.
With the help of dedicated research skills sessions, and under the guidance of academic supervisors, students will be expected to produce a 25,000 word thesis which either investigates an aspect of the Design industry, Design Research, or is focused on a process of prototyping with the intention of testing this product with a targeted audience or sample group. This research might relate to a body of illustration work, a graphic design or advertising campaign, the prototyping and testing of an app, furniture, clothing, an interactive environment, and so on. We can support a wide range of design-based projects.
Please note: MA by Research in Design students are examined on the basis of a written thesis alone. However, where requested by a student or an examiner, a viva may be conducted.
Application involves submitting a valid and feasible research proposal. 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.
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or January. 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 should be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis.
Postgraduate Research Application Support
Find out more about the application process for research degrees and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page, which also features contact details for dedicated support with your application.
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 https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
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.
For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
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.
https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. 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 your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.
Loans and Studentships
Find out more about the options available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. 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.
Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities and make a tangible difference to the world around us.
