Program Overview

MPhil/PhD Animal Behaviour and Welfare

The scientific study of animal behaviour and welfare furthers our understanding of why animals behave in the way that they do, and helps us learn how best to respond to the challenges that animals face when living in captive and wild environments. This programme provides students with the opportunity to conduct research in areas such as welfare assessment, animal management, evolutionary biology, and animal cognition.

Programme Overview

Students benefit from training courses provided by the University aimed at developing key skills in research. Under the guidance and advice of their academic supervisors, students will also be encouraged to present talks and seminars on their work both at the University of Lincoln as well as at national and international meetings and conferences, produce progress reports, develop their ability to write up work for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and, ultimately, to effectively communicate their research and thesis.

Key Features

• Conduct independent, original, and academically significant research
• Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
• Supervision and support from an advisory panel of academic staff
• Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
• Enrol in January or October each year

How You Study

This research programme relies on independent study and research, supervised by an advisory panel of academic staff. The nature of this research will be specific to the subject area, but is expected to investigate a novel question and provide a novel contribution to science.

Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme. After one year, if sufficient progress can be demonstrated, students have the option to transfer to a PhD programme.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent in independent study and research, but you might also attend seminars and other research activities. Students will have meetings with their academic supervisor at least once a month, but the precise frequency of these will vary depending on individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and stage of programme.

Research Groups and Topics

Research within the Department of Life Sciences is conducted within five research groups. The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area.

Research Groups

• Cancer and Ageing: This group pursues a collaborative approach to increase understanding of disease characteristically associated with ageing at the molecular level, to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Diabetes, Metabolism, and Inflammation: This research group is focused on innovative research in the area of diabetes and related cardiometabolic and associated inflammatory disorders.
• Evolution and Ecology: This research group works to understand the evolution and ecology of populations, species, and communities, across all levels of biological organisation, from genes through to ecosystems.
• Microbiology and Biotechnology: This group is working to answer fundamental questions relating to the characterisation, evaluation, and testing of microorganisms and viruses.
• Animal Behaviour, Cognition, and Welfare: This group comprises a team of internationally-renowned researchers working at the forefront of, and interface between, animal behaviour, cognition, health, and welfare.

How You Are Assessed

Students will have at least one formal meeting with their supervisors each month where progress will be discussed. After three months students are expected to provide an outline of their research proposal, which will be evaluated. Most students are initially enrolled on an MPhil programme, and after the first year they may apply for transfer to a PhD programme via a written report on which they will be orally examined.

Both the MPhil and PhD are awarded based on the quality of a student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend their research in an oral examination (viva voce). They are expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge, or developed existing theory or understanding.

Entry Requirements

• 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 refer to equivalent qualifications.
• 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.

Programme Fees

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. 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.

Funding Your Research

Loans and Studentships are available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities.

Career Development

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.

Duration

• Full-time: MPhil: 18 to 32 months, PhD: 27 to 48 months
• Part-time: MPhil: 36 to 64 months, PhD: 54 to 96 months
• Start Dates in October and January