Media and communications PhD
Media and communication studies is a multi-faceted research area that examines the ways in which the media represent and influence our social, cultural and political lives. Research in media and communications critically analyses the role of media institutions, as well as the changing landscape of media industries and cultural production.
The University of Brighton’s School of Media fosters a thriving community of theorists and practitioners in the development of new knowledge around media cultures, technologies and practices. Our research examines audiences and reception, television and screen studies, digital media, gender and communication, communication and democracy, as well as media history, policy and law. We are ideally placed to offer supervisory support in this diverse and complex area, drawing on the methodologies from both the research staff at the school and related disciplines university-wide.
Research is supported through specialist centres and groups. Our researchers are involved at an organisational level in the Centre for Digital Media Cultures, the Centre for Spatial, Environmental and Cultural Politics the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender; also the Cultural Informatics Research and Enterprise Group, Screen Studies Research and Enterprise Group and Photography in Practice; Photography in Theory Research and Enterprise Group.
Through these specialist centres and groups, research expertise covers a wide range of topics that engage with critical issues around media and communication. Critical investigations of media phenomena or practice-based work through digital arts and sciences, photography and film can also be aligned to cross-disciplinary work with, for example, arts practices, architecture, heritage technologies, cultural studies, human geography, politics and philosophy.
The School of Media supports PhD students to research their area of interest across a wide spectrum of media and communication research, drawing on the expertise of cutting-edge research at the School of Media.
Campus Information
City campus
Our City campus is in the cultural heart of Brighton, a short stroll from the beach and the pier. The nearby Phoenix Brewery halls of residence are home to 300 students. The city centre is just a short walk away, including the popular Kemp Town, Hanover and Queens Park areas.
Intakes
- Jan
- Sep
Application Processing Time in Days: 10
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
The Careers team is here to support you from your first day at the university.
We can help you decide what career is right for you, develop the skills you will need to follow it, and get a job when you finish your studies.
We can also offer support and advice about placements, volunteering, mentoring and business startup.
The Careers team are offering their full range of services, including one-to-one appointments remotely. These mainly take place via the Microsoft Teams app If you are having any issues with setting up Microsoft Teams please get in touch.
Work and further study
Vacancy service
Make the most of our vacancy service, social media, paper and media resources.
Careers advice
Decide what career is right for you. Help with CVs, applications and interviews.
Resources for finding a job
Find graduate jobs, part-time work, and location-specific work.
Meet employers
Meet employers at careers fairs and events organised throughout the year.
Postgraduate study
For students considering postgraduate study at Masters level or higher.
PSW Opportunity
- 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
- 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
For applicants whose first language is not English, the minimum standard of English competence accepted is normally equivalent to the following International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores:
- Normally we require an overall score of 6.5 with 6.5 in reading and writing, 6.0 in listening and speaking. There are exceptions to this and they are as follows:
- research degrees in Arts and Humanities and Health Professions require 7.0 overall, 7 for writing, and none below 6.5.
- research degrees in Brighton Business School and the School of Sport and Service Management: 7.0 overall, 7 for writing, and none below 6.0.
- research degrees in Engineering, and Environment and Technology require a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- All SELT (Secure English language tests) must have been obtained within the preceding two years of the course start date.
Important information regarding changes to the approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) list:
The University of Brighton will continue to accept non-SELT tests such as ‘IELTS Academic’ and ‘Pearson Test of English Academic’, as long as your test results meet the course requirements.
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Doctoral Degree/PhD
- Duration: 04 Year
-
Total Tuition Fee:
60504 GBP
Average Cost of Living: 13632 GBP /year
Application Fee: N/A