Overview

The Media and Cultural Studies MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University offer students the opportunity to engage in original research and contribute to the vibrant learning community. The university's media and cultural studies team has a strong PhD culture, and the research environment supports world-leading, internationally excellent scholarship.

Qualifications Explained

The MPhil and PhD programs are available in all subject areas, with the MPhil requiring a 40,000-50,000 word thesis and the PhD requiring a substantial piece of work (80,000-100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

The program is delivered through flexible attendance, agreed upon between the student and their supervisors, depending on the requirements of the research project. Assessment methods include a thesis and viva, with opportunities to present papers at conferences, write articles for academic journals, and contribute to edited collections.

Your Development

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development program is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements.

Your Future

The Careers Service at Newcastle University is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers. The university also supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading. The university is also ranked among the top 125 for Social Sciences and top 150 for Communication and Media Studies.

Facilities

Postgraduate research students in media and cultural studies benefit from dedicated research suites within the School of Arts and Cultures.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the MPhil and PhD programs vary depending on the student's residency status and the program's duration. The university offers a range of scholarships, including the Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships, to support EU and international students.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the MPhil and PhD programs include a 2:1 honors degree or higher in a related subject, such as cultural studies, communication studies, or media studies. PhD applicants also require a Master's degree at Merit standard or higher. English language requirements apply to international students.

How to Apply

The application process involves submitting a research proposal, which should link to the work of a supervisor or research group in the School. The proposal should be submitted along with the application, and international students may need to pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.

Research Areas

Staff research expertise crosses multiple aspects of Media and Cultural Studies, including:

• Celebrity: Dr. Gareth Longstaff, Dr. Bethany Usher
• Critical Studies of the Environment: Dr. Tina Sikka
• Cultural Politics of Food: Dr. Tina Sikka
• Democracy and Political Communication: Dr. Joss Hands, Prof. Darren Kelsey, Dr. Majid Khosravinik, Dr. Tina Sikka, Dr. Florian Zollmann, Dr. Mercy Ette
• Digital Media Studies and Activism: Prof. James Ash, Prof. Darren Kelsey, Dr. Joss Hands, Dr. Majid Khosravinik, Dr. David Bates
• Film Practice: Dr. Geetha Jayaraman, Dr. Ian McDonald, Dr. Alastair Cole, Dr. Raisa Sidenova
• Gender, Identity and Media: Dr. Chris Haywood, Dr. Gareth Longstaff, Dr. Tina Sikka, Dr. Sarah Hill
• Gender, Health, and Science: Dr. Tina Sikka
• Journalism: Dr. Murray Dick, Dr. Darren Kelsey, Dr. Florian Zollmann, Dr. Bethany Usher
• Masculinity/Masculinities: Dr. Clifton Evers, Dr. Chris Haywood, Dr. Gareth Longstaff, Dr. Graeme Mearns
• Media and Myth: Prof. Darren Kelsey
• Mobilities and Media: Prof. James Ash
• Museums, Culture, and Heritage: Prof. Areti Galani, Prof. Rhiannon Mason, Prof. Andrew Newman, Prof. Chris Whitehead
• Pornography and Representation: Dr. Gareth Longstaff, Dr. Chris Haywood
• Public Relations: Jonathan Ward, Dr. Ramona Slusarczyk
• Queer Studies: Dr. Clifton Evers, Dr. Chris Haywood, Dr. Gareth Longstaff, Dr. Michael Waugh
• Race and Ethnicity: Dr. Tina Sikka, Dr. Majid Khosravinik
• Social and Cultural Dimensions of Pollution: Dr. Clifton Evers
• Sport and Leisure: Dr. Clifton Evers, Prof. Darren Kelsey

Contacts:

• Prof. James Ash
• Dr. David Bates
• Dr. Alastair Cole
• Dr. Murray Dick
• Dr. Mercy Ette
• Dr. Clifton Evers
• Prof. Areti Galani
• Dr. Joss Hands
• Dr. Chris Haywood
• Dr. Sarah Hill
• Dr. Geetha Jayaraman
• Prof. Darren Kelsey
• Dr. Majid Khosravinik
• Dr. Gareth Longstaff
• Prof. Rhiannon Mason
• Dr. Graeme Mearns
• Dr. Ian McDonald
• Prof. Andrew Newman
• Dr. Raisa Sidenova
• Dr. Tina Sikka
• Dr. Ramona Slusarczyk
• Dr. Bethany Usher
• Jonathan Ward
• Dr. Michael Waugh
• Dr. Florian Zollmann

Important Information

The university reserves the right to make changes to the program, including the tuition fees, due to significant disruption or in response to Covid-19. The Academic Experience page provides information about the university's study experience for the academic year. The terms and conditions and student complaints information give details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programs, modules, or university services.

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Outline:

• Structure: Flexible attendance with schedules determined by the student and supervisors.
• Modules: A wide range of project options are available, with the possibility of proposing your own topic.
• Research Areas: Celebrity, Critical Studies of the Environment, Cultural Politics of Food, Democracy and Political Communication, Digital Media Studies and Activism, Film Practice, Gender and Media, Gender, Health, and Science, Journalism, Masculinity, Media and Myth, Mobilities and Media, Museums, Culture, and Heritage, Performance, Pornography and Representation, Public Relations, Queer Studies, Race and Ethnicity, Social and Cultural Dimensions of Pollution, Sport and Leisure.

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Assessment:

• Methods may include: Thesis, Viva.
• Specific methods vary depending on chosen modules.

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Teaching:

• Attendance is flexible and determined by student and supervisor.
• Supervision is provided by academics with expertise in various research areas.

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Careers:

• Graduates have the potential to pursue careers in a wide range of areas, including: research, teaching, media and cultural industries, public relations, policy, and more.

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Other:

• The program is part of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences researcher development program, which aims to help students perform better as researchers and boost their career prospects.
• The School of Arts and Cultures provides dedicated research suites for postgraduate research students in media and cultural studies.

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Overview:

Newcastle University is a public research university located in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. It is known for its high-quality research and teaching, and its commitment to social justice and engagement.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to students, including: *

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Careers Service:

Provides guidance and support with career planning, job applications, and internships. *

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Library:

Offers extensive resources, including books, journals, databases, and study spaces. *

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Student Support:

Provides a variety of services to help students succeed, including academic support, counseling, and disability services. *

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Accommodation:

Offers a range of on-campus accommodation options, including halls of residence and self-catered apartments. *

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Sport:

Provides access to a variety of sports facilities and activities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Newcastle University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can get involved in a wide range of clubs and societies, attend events and lectures, and enjoy the city's nightlife and cultural attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High-quality research and teaching:

Newcastle University is consistently ranked highly in national and international league tables.

Strong focus on employability:

The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.

Vibrant and diverse campus community:

Students can enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment.

Excellent location:

Newcastle is a thriving city with a rich history and culture.

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Academic Programs:

Newcastle University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a variety of disciplines, including: *

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Science, Agriculture & Engineering

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Humanities & Social Sciences

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Medical Sciences

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Other:

• The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social justice.
• It is home to a number of research centers and institutes, including the Centre for Ageing and Inequalities and the Centre for Data.
• Newcastle University is a member of the Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.