Program Overview

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.