Program Overview

Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing Postgraduate Research Degrees

Postgraduate Research in Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing

The University of Portsmouth offers postgraduate research degrees in Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing, providing students with the opportunity to explore their research interests in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Types of Research Degrees

The university offers the following types of research degrees in Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing:

• PhD: A traditional PhD program that allows students to conduct original research under the supervision of experienced academics.
• MPhil: A research degree that is similar to a PhD but with a shorter duration and a more limited scope of research.
• PhD by Publication: A postgraduate research degree based on research that has already been undertaken and published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with the university.

PhD and MPhil Projects

The university offers a range of pre-approved funded and self-funded PhD projects in Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing. Students can also submit their own research idea and find a supervisor whose research interests match theirs.

Funded Projects

There are currently no funded PhD projects available in this area. However, students can visit the university's pages on funding their research degree for more information.

Self-Funded Projects

There are currently no pre-approved self-funded projects available in this subject area. However, students can submit their own PhD proposal and find a supervisor whose research interests match theirs.

Submit Your Own Idea

Students can submit their own research idea and find a supervisor whose research interests match theirs. They can search for a PhD supervisor on the university's website and contact them to discuss their idea.

PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is a postgraduate research degree based on research that has already been undertaken and published (excluding self-publishing) before registering with the university. Eligible research outputs include peer-reviewed academic papers, complete books or chapters in anthologies, and other materials accepted for publication, exhibited or performed.

Duration, Fees, and Funding

What Do My Tuition Fees Cover?

Tuition fees cover the cost of the postgraduate research program, including registration, tuition, supervision, and examinations. They also include bespoke training, professional development courses, networking, and research support through The Doctoral College.

How Long Will My Research Degree Take?

• MPhil: 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time
• PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time
• PhD by Publication: 1 year part-time

How Much Will My Degree Cost?

Tuition fees vary depending on the start date and student status. For more information, please visit the university's website.

Bench Fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables. These fees will be added to the standard tuition fee.

Funding Support

MPhil full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Postgraduate Loan (UK/EU students only). PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the Government Doctoral Loan (UK/EU students only).

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for a PhD or MPhil include an upper second-class honors degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, or a master's degree in an appropriate subject. Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications may be considered. All applicants are subject to interview.

If English is not the student's first language, they will need English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Support and Facilities

When students join the university, they will be supported by The Doctoral College, alongside their assigned supervisory team. The Doctoral College will help them become part of the university's thriving, collaborative research community and help grow their skills as a researcher through the Graduate School Development Programme.

What Can a Postgraduate Research Degree Do for My Career?

A postgraduate research degree demonstrates to potential employers that the student is an intelligent, capable, and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership, and creativity.

Research Areas

The university's research in Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing is focused on the following areas:

• Journalism and media writing: The impact of journalism and media on society, and the role it plays in shaping how we understand politics, social justice, human rights, and civic engagement.
• Creative writing: Different kinds of writing, their benefits on wellbeing, and how societal issues can be presented and resolved through literature.