The Department of Media and Communication offers two types of research degree: PhD and MPhil. Candidates for these degrees must complete a programme of primarily research-based study supplemented by some additional, individualised training completed during the first 12 months of study. Research students represent an important part of the research environment of the Department. Each student works closely with members of the academic staff who share their research interests. They are also admitted as members of the Department’s research groups.   

Research Interests of some of our current PhD students 

Course Structure 

Completing a research degree requires commitment and dedication. You must produce a written thesis of up to 50,000 words to be awarded the MPhil and an 80,000 word thesis is required for the PhD.

The minimum and maximum periods of registration are: 

*This excludes the one year writing up period

Supervision

Every research student is allocated one or more usually two supervisors with whom they meet regularly. Supervisors will explain the Department’s policies and procedures for research degree study, advise you on your project, help you to plan your work, set goals and deadlines, and discuss with you any specific training needs you may have. Students can decide when they would like to submit their thesis for examination, but supervisors will advise on whether they believe the work is ready for examination. Progress is monitored by a Department Thesis Committee. 

Facilities for Research Students

The Department is able to provide shared office space for research students. Access is provided to telephone, computing (including email) and printing facilities within a dedicated PhD room.  Fax is available within the Main Department.

The department encourages and advises research students on how to get involved in the wider scholarly community through attendance at conferences and getting their work published. Regular briefing sessions are also provided to research students on all major aspects of research degree study. 

Further Information

Applicants are invited to visit our Departmental research pages and also to take a look at the individual research interests and publication profiles of staff members. These can be found on each staff member’s web page.   

You are also welcome to contact members of staff directly if you have queries about research degree study and staff members’ own research interests. For general information about PhD/MPhil study at the Department of Media and Communication please contact Ellen Puurman:

Telephone +44(0)116 252 3863

Next step: Request an information pack and prospectus