Journalism and Communication

Program Overview

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The MPhil/PhD in Journalism and Communication at Birkbeck, University of London offers an interdisciplinary research program exploring journalistic and communicative dimensions of topics like agenda-setting, ethics, and media ownership. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, expert faculty, and access to research resources, preparing them for careers in academia, journalism, communication, and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

The MPhil/PhD programme in Journalism and Communication invites research proposals on the journalistic and communicative dimensions of agenda-setting, cities, conflict, ethics, media ownership, mis- and disinformation, professional ideologies, race, and related topics. This program is designed for those seeking to undertake an advanced postgraduate research degree in the field of Journalism and Communication.

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Objectives:

• To provide students with the opportunity to conduct original research in a stimulating and interdisciplinary environment.
• To help students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become independent researchers.
• To prepare students for a variety of careers in academia, journalism, communication, and related fields.

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Outline

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Content:

• Agenda-setting
• Cities
• Conflict
• Ethics
• Media ownership
• Mis- and disinformation
• Professional ideologies
• Race
• And other related topics

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Structure:

• The program is structured around a combination of individual research, seminars, lectures, conferences, workshops, and reading groups.
• Students are expected to meet regularly with their supervisors and attend research seminars and workshops.
• Students will also have the opportunity to participate in the College's graduate research training program.

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Course Schedule:

• The program is offered on a full-time or part-time basis.
• Full-time students typically complete the program in four years, while part-time students typically complete the program in seven years.
• The program is offered in the academic year, starting in October, January, or April.

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Individual Modules:

• The specific modules offered will vary depending on the research interests of the students and the availability of supervisors.
• Some possible modules include:
• The Media and Conflict
• Journalism and Democracy
• Media Ethics
• Media Ownership and Control
• The Digital Public Sphere
• Race and Representation in the Media
• Gender and the Media
• The Political Economy of Communication

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Module Descriptions:

• The specific content and delivery of each module will vary depending on the instructor.
• Students are encouraged to contact the program director for more information about specific modules.

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Assessment

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Assessment Methods:

• The program is assessed through a combination of coursework and a final dissertation.
• Coursework may include essays, presentations, and other assignments.
• The dissertation is a substantial piece of independent research that must be between 60,000 and 100,000 words in length.

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Assessment Criteria:

• The assessment criteria for coursework and the dissertation will vary depending on the specific module or assignment.
• In general, students will be assessed on their ability to:
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the relevant literature
• Conduct original research
• Communicate their findings effectively
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision.
• Students are expected to be active participants in their learning and to contribute to class discussions.
• The program also offers a range of research training and support resources, including workshops on research methods, writing, and presentation skills.

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Faculty:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally recognized researchers in the field of journalism and communication.
• The faculty has expertise in a wide range of areas, including media history, media theory, political communication, journalism studies, and digital media.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program offers a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
• A strong focus on interdisciplinarity
• A commitment to practice-based research
• A supportive and collaborative learning environment

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Careers

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Potential Career Paths:

• Academia
• Journalism
• Communication
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Government
• Non-profit organizations

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a variety of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
• Graduates of the program have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including:
• University professors
• Journalists
• Communication consultants
• Public relations officers
• Marketing managers
• Government policy advisors
• Non-profit organization leaders

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Other

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Highlights:

• This MPhil/PhD in Journalism and Communication is offered as part of a range of competitively awarded PhD studentships funded by support from UK Research and Innovation, charities, government, and external partners.
• The award-winning Birkbeck Cinema is central to the research culture.
• The Vasari Research Centre for Art and Technology integrates a wide range of digital culture research at Birkbeck, while making available equipment and systems to students, interns, and academics.
• As well as the Birkbeck Library, students will have access to the nearby Senate House Library, various libraries of the University of London colleges, the British Library, as well as other specialist collections and institutions in central London, including the British Film Institute library.

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• Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
• Full-time home students: £4,786 per year
• Part-time international students: £7,525 per year
• Full-time international students: £14,885 per year
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. Fees and finance PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs. We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.