PhD Postgraduate research in Media and Communications

Why choose this course?

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest with you but, before doing so, it is important to determine whether or not we can offer research supervision in your chosen area. Please follow the link shown below to review our current areas of research supervision.

The aim of our research programmes is to give each student the best possible foundation from which to launch further research and career development. We help our students to develop the relevant research skills and methods and also support the development of related skills such as IT, presentation and career planning.

This approach, together with the relevant research expertise and resources support the completion of high-quality research degree programmes.

Details of current and recent research degree topics include:

• Interactive multimedia in teaching and learning; instructional design; online and distance learning
• Social, political, and cultural aspects of narrated space in Film; the work of Nanni Moretti
• The nature of Public Service Broadcasting in a digital media environment and the impact of therapeutic culture on education policy and practice
• Franny Armstrong followed her film McLibel (2005) on the Macdonald's libel case by directing The Age of Stupid (2009), a box office docudrama on climate change. Currently working on a drama series on the undercover police's infiltration of the British activist movement.
• e-learning and studio based practice in art and design; user experience design in both work-based and educational contexts
• Works on the subject of the virtual and the imaginary, the experience of the avatar body and the use of virtual worlds for creative practice.

Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. In Film, Media and Broadcasting, having a PhD is now an essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.

In addition to developing competence in a range of intellectual skills that can be advantageous to the majority of occupations, a PhD in Film or Media is academically relevant to careers in the arts and media, leading to employment in arts administration, film archiving, film and media research, film journalism, filmmaking, animation, photography, film event management, and teaching.

Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either: a first or upper second class honours degree, or a master’s degree, or evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.