Program Overview

MPhil/PhD Accounting

The MPhil/PhD Accounting programme at the University of Lincoln is designed for individuals who wish to pursue original research in the field of accounting.

Programme Overview

Doctoral candidates on this programme pursue original research with the goal of making a significant contribution to knowledge in, and understanding of, their chosen field. As a postgraduate researcher, you can become an integral part of our research community, working with leading academics whose research has gone on to impact business, policy, and society on an international scale.

Key Features

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

How You Study

Normally, PhD students register for an MPhil, and within 12 months (24 months for part-time study) they are expected to transfer to the PhD programme. This transfer requires the production of a detailed research proposal, which the candidate will be expected to defend at a transfer viva. The formal transfer is subject to approval by the University's Research Committees.

Students are assigned a supervision team consisting of a Director of Studies (first supervisor) and usually one second supervisor. Students are expected to work independently on their research projects under the advice and direction of the supervision team.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the vast majority of your time will be spent in independent study and research. You will have meetings with your academic supervisors; however, the regularity of these will vary depending on your own individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and the stage of your programme.

Research Groups and Topics

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. We strongly recommend that you take a look at the research groups within Lincoln International Business School and individual staff research interests so you can see how your proposed research aligns with our research. Research is organised primarily around six research groups which draw together staff from across disciplinary boundaries within the School.

Research Groups

• Marketing Research Group: Bringing together both early-career and well-established researchers who are contributing to a wide range of marketing-related studies.
• Regional Innovation and Enterprise Research Group: Delivering locally, nationally, and internationally funded projects aimed at investigating the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the developments of regions.
• Responsible Management Research Group: Developing new knowledge in ways that improve the understanding of responsible management as a concept and as practice in multiple contexts.
• Visitor Economy Research Group: The Visitor Economy Research Group brings together research focused on the areas of tourism, mobilities, hospitality, heritage, events, and leisure.
• Community Organisation Research Group: Researching community organisation, self-organisation, and development within Third Sector organisations, multi-agency networks, and community groups.
• Lincoln Economics, Accountancy, and Finance Research Group: Facilitating the creation and diffusion of policy-relevant research and the development of research skills in the University, the local community, and wider society.

How You Are Assessed

Students are required to demonstrate adequate and appropriate progress usually on an annual basis. A PhD is awarded based on the quality of your thesis and your ability in an oral examination (viva voce) to present and successfully defend your chosen research topic to a group of academics. You are also expected to demonstrate how your research findings have contributed to knowledge or developed existing theory or understanding.

Entry Requirements

Normally, candidates should hold a 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent in a relevant subject. You should also hold a Master's degree, or international equivalent, at merit or above.

While academic credentials are important for a successful application, we also pay great attention to the fit of students to both the programme and the research interests of our academic team. Applicants are assessed based on their previous academic performance, the quality of their research proposal, and the availability of suitable members of staff to supervise the chosen research topic.

International students will require English Language at IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each element, or equivalent.

Programme Fees

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. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our advisors.

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.

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.