Frequently Asked Questions
Each year around 35 PGR Students enrol with LEC. Here are some of the questions applicants asked during the application process and before deciding to choose Lancaster.
We have grouped questions into three separate FAQs:
Application and Admission
What is a PhD?
As a PhD student you will be expected to pursue structured, supervised research into one of the many environmental research areas in which the Lancaster Environment Centre has expertise. At the end of your research study you will be expected to write an extended thesis, demonstrating evidence of your capacity to pursue scholarly research. The results of your research should make an original contribution to knowledge and be of a standard appropriate for publication.
What is a Masters by Research?
A Masters by Research (MSc-R) is a Masters concentrated on a specific research topic. There are no taught modules to complete. As with a PhD you will be expected to write an extended thesis, demonstrating evidence of your capacity to pursue scholarly research. The results of your research should make an original contribution to knowledge and be of a standard appropriate for publication.
How long does a MSc-R or a PhD take to study?
Full time MSc-R takes one year to complete. On a part time basis it takes 2 years to complete.
Full time PhD study takes a minimum of three years and maximum of 4 years. On a part time basis it takes 4 years minimum to 7 years maximum to complete.
Do you offer distance learning?
Lancaster University does not offer distance learning. We do however offer MSc-R or PhD Studying away where a student can study away, but will need to have regular meetings with their supervisors by skype or phone. It is recommended that the student visits LEC at least once a year. This mode of study must be agreed upon between applicant and supervisor from the beginning.
When can I start my MSc-R or PhD studies?
Research students may be admitted at any time of the year, on the 1st of the month for fee purposes. However, the standard months for admission of students are October, January and April. LEC holds intro events at the beginning of each of these months. If your research or funding dictates that you start at a different time to the standard months then this is possible and can be discussed at the time of your application.
Can I visit LEC?
There are no LEC Open Days for MSc-R or PhD applicants, however individual visits are welcomed. If you wish to visit LEC please contact the LEC PG office with a selection of dates and which supervisors you wish to talk to. You can also contact supervisors directly to discuss your research plans. Supervisor details are available from LEC Academic Staff.
Do you have any agents in overseas countries that I could talk to about the programme in which I'm interested and my application?
The University has a number of agents and representatives based overseas who are very willing to advise on our programmes. They are fully trained and well informed about all our programmes. Please feel free to contact them directly for further information on study opportunities at Lancaster University, completing your application, visa information and issues regarding scholarships and financial support.
In countries where we do not have a representative office, further information can be obtained from the British Council.
Is there a deadline for MSC-R and PhD applications?
There is no deadline for MSc-R and PhD applications. With certain funded positions there will be application deadlines, so please read the funded MSC-R or PhD adverts carefully to avoid missing these.
English is not my first language - do I need to take an English Language test such as TOEFL or IELTS?
Information on English Language requirements are available from Postgraduate Applications: English Language.
Do I need to provide a research proposal along with my application form?
We will require a research proposal on the area/s you are interested in studying. This will be used to help us determine who will be the most suitable potential academic supervisor for your research. This is the starting point to find a suitable supervisor who will then if interested may contact the applicant to discuss the proposal and intended research, meaning your proposal is not your permanent topic for your PhD studies and open to negotiation. It is recommended that your proposal contains:
Do I need to provide confidential references and transcripts with my application form?
If you apply online your referees will be contacted to obtain a reference. Your referees may also forward their references directly to the FST PG Admissions office. References can be provided on official notepaper with authorised signatories; referees do not need to use the University's reference forms. At least one referee needs to comment on your academic suitability for your chosen programme(s).
We also need to receive full transcripts for your degrees and language qualifications. If you have not already graduated, please upload partial transcripts.
Please ensure that these supporting documents are either uploaded as part of your application or are emailed to the FST PG Admissions office or posted to:
Postgraduate Admissions
Faculty of Science and Technology
Lancaster University
Lancaster
LA1 4YR
UK
Can I scan and send all supporting documentation via email?
Using our on-line application system you can upload your supporting documents as part of the application process.
Will you accept an email CV and research proposal instead of an application form?
We can make an initial assessment of your suitability if you provide a FULL CV and a FULL research proposal, but we need an official application and transcripts and full research proposal to make a decision on your suitability and on whether we can supervise in your research area.
How long will it take for a decision to be made on my application?
This depends entirely on each individual application. Your application needs to be assessed by the PG Research (PGR) Admissions Tutor and could then be passed to several potential academic supervisors before a decision is made. Please note the application will not be passed onto the School until all supporting documentation has been submitted, if there is a reason why you cannot submit a piece of evidence please contact the FST PG Admissions office and they can see whether it will be possible to put it through without. Decision dates provided by the Faculty Admissions office are an estimate and many cases will take longer to reach a decision on.
Will I be interviewed for a place?
If you have applied for a funded MSc-R or PhD and are selected for interview, then your interview will take place at Lancaster. The majority of self funded PGR applicants are interviewed via phone or Skype unless you are local or close enough to visit.
How long do I have to accept my offer?
Faculty Admissions will normally provide you with a date to respond by. If you do not respond by this date and are still interested then your application will need to be re-activated. Therefore it is wise to accept the offer to keep your record active. If for some reason you are unable to join us for your studies then please let us know, there will be no penalty fee for accepting if you cannot attend Lancaster.
If your offer is conditional you will still be required to confirm whether you intend to accept the offer within 4-6 weeks. You will be sent reminders that you have conditions to meet. If you cannot supply the evidence for your condition you should inform the FST PG Admissions Office when these will become available (e.g. final degree transcript). As soon as you have met the condition of your offer you should provide us with the necessary documentation. This can be uploaded via the admissions portal directly into your application. Please note that for students requiring a VISA, a CAS number can only be provided once you hold an unconditional offer from the University.
Can I defer my offer if necessary?
Yes if your supervisor agrees. We allow a maximum of two deferrals before you will need to re-apply.
Do you offer any preparatory Language programmes?
Information on English Language requirements are available from POstgraduate Applications: English Language.
Fees and Funding
What are the fees for a Masters by Research (MSc-R) or a PhD?
Information on tuition fees is available from Student Based Services.
What is the cost of living in Lancaster?
Information on living costs and budgeting are available from Studnet Based Services.
Do you have any scholarships or bursaries for which I could apply?
Several funded PhD Studentships are available throughout the year. However Full studentship (fees and maintenance grant) are only available to UK and EU candidates who have been ordinarily resident in the UK throughout the 3-year period immediately preceding the date of an award. EU candidates who have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last 3 years are eligible for "tuition fees-only" awards (no maintenance grant). International applicants are not eligible for funded PhD’s unless stated.
Other possible sources of funding can be found on the main university Postgraduate Funding site which you are advised to check.
Can I pay my fees by instalments?
It is possible for you to pay your fees in two instalments, in October and January.
Life in Lancaster
Will I be able to live on the Lancaster University campus if I am accepted to study?
Yes - accommodation can normally be guaranteed in our Graduate College if you are a single overseas student and apply for accommodation before 15th August, or if you are a single student from the UK and EU and apply before 1st August. You can only apply for accommodation once you have firmly accepted a place (ie paid a deposit). Accommodation details and application forms are issued from April onwards.
If you have a partner, and especially if you have children, unfortunately we cannot make this guarantee but the University's Housing Office is very helpful in finding off-campus housing.
I have a family. Can you make accommodation arrangements for me?
We do have some family flats and double rooms on campus, but if you have a partner, and especially if you have children, unfortunately we cannot guarantee you on-campus accommodation but the University's Housing Office is very helpful in finding off-campus housing.
Can you help me get a visa?
LEC cannot ensure that you are issued with a visa. However, the University's International Student Services can provide information on applying for visas or extending visas.
I am an overseas student. Can I obtain paid work whilst studying at Lancaster?
If you are an Overseas student (from outside the European Economic Area) you are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during term time (provided you keep up to date with your studies), and full-time in vacations. 'Vacation' can mean the period between the end of studies and graduation, providing the student holds a current visa. More information.
If I am an overseas student, can I stay and work in the UK after I've graduated?
Nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) require a work permit from the UK government to be able to work in the UK. There are various categories under which a work permit can be obtained:
1. Under the International Graduates Scheme you may stay in the UK to gain work experience for up to 12 months after completing your Masters or PhD if you are from a country outside the European Economic Area.
2. The Highly Sjilled Worker scheme is a points-based scheme for which any non-EU person may apply, including students. Points can be gained for:
Students should only apply for this scheme if they can show that they have the required number of points. There is a points calculator to help candidates to work out if they qualify.
3. Under the main work permit scheme, a company can apply for a work permit for a non-EEA national to do a specific job, however the company has to satisfy the government that there are no EEA nationals able to do the job. As there is a plentiful supply of EEA graduates there is little prospect of getting a work permit for a standard graduate job and students in this category normally return to their home countries to seek employment after graduating.