PhD Postgraduate research in Media and Communications

Program Overview

PhD Postgraduate Research in Media and Communications

Overview

The Wolverhampton School of Creative Industries is a buzzing city school in the centre of the UK offering a dynamic and stimulating environment for PhD study.

Award

PhD

Start Date

Variable start date

UCAS Code

Course Specifications

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Course Length

• Full-time (4 years)
• Full time Distance Learning (4 years)
• Part-time (8 years)

Campus Location

• University: City Campus
• University: Online Distance Learning

School

School of Creative Industries

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Why Choose This Course?

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Science. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest with you but, before doing so, it is important to determine whether or not we can offer research supervision in your chosen area. Please follow the link shown below to review our current areas of research supervision.

The aim of our research programmes is to give each student the best possible foundation from which to launch further research and career development. We help our students to develop the relevant research skills and methods and also support the development of related skills such as IT, presentation and career planning.

This approach, together with the relevant research expertise and resources support the completion of high-quality research degree programmes.

What's Unique About This Course?

This PhD

• Comprehensive Research Training & Support – The programme provides extensive training in research skills, IT, presentation, career planning, and scholarly writing, preparing students for academic and professional success.
• Expert Supervision & Research Networks – Students benefit from experienced supervisors and opportunities to collaborate with established researchers across the Faculty of Arts, Business, and Social Science.
• Vibrant Research Environment – Supported by dedicated research centres like the Centre for Film, Media, Discourse, and Culture, which has an international reputation for excellence in media, film, and digital studies.
• Industry-Relevant Research Opportunities – The PhD aligns with industry needs in media, film, broadcasting, and cultural studies, enhancing career prospects in academia, media production, journalism, and the creative industries.
• Funding & Conference Opportunities – The University provides financial support for students to present at conferences and conduct research visits, fostering academic engagement and professional development.

The University of Wolverhampton

• Research Excellence & Impact – The University is known for strong research outputs with real-world applications and global relevance.
• Diverse & Inclusive Community – Wolverhampton welcomes a large international student body, promoting an inclusive learning environment that supports students from all backgrounds.
• Strong Industry Links & Employability Focus – The University has strong partnerships with industries, ensuring students gain practical experience and graduate with career-ready skills.
• Modern Facilities & Resources – Students benefit from state-of-the-art research facilities, digital media studios, libraries, and industry-standard technology.
• Central UK Location with Great Connectivity – Situated in the heart of the UK, Wolverhampton offers excellent transport links to major cities like Birmingham and London, providing access to a vibrant cultural and professional landscape.

What Happens on the Course?

The PhD programme in the School has the following three milestones:

• Registration
• Progression
• Examination

Registration

Applicants who satisfy the entry requirements are encouraged to complete the online 'Expression of Interest' form. If the initial application is satisfactory, a conditional offer will be issued and a potential supervisor will be allocated who will provide guidance on the research proposal development. An interview will take place when the final draft of the research proposal is submitted for approval. The granting of the interview does not imply that the applicant will necessarily be admitted to a research degree programme.

Subject to the satisfactory interview and the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) being satisfied that: a) the research proposal is sound and has the potential to deliver a postgraduate research award; and b) the proposal is appropriately resourced, the applicant will be admitted to the research degree programme.

PhD Supervisors - Media and Communications

• Dr Frances Pheasant-Kelly
• Dr Robert Geal
• Dr Maria Urbana
• Dr William Pawlett
• Professor Meena Dhanda

Potential Career Paths

Successful completion of your PhD opens up a range of career opportunities and demonstrates your proven skills as a researcher. In Film, Media and Broadcasting, having a PhD is now an essential element for those looking to develop a career in lecturing or research within higher education. As well as demonstration of your research skills, a PhD shows your extensive knowledge of a particular field in an applied and rigorous manner that is attractive to employers.

In addition to developing competence in a range of intellectual skills that can be advantageous to the majority of occupations, a PhD in Film or Media is academically relevant to careers in the arts and media, leading to employment in arts administration, film archiving, film and media research, film journalism, filmmaking, animation, photography, film event management, and teaching.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Why Wolverhampton?

The School of Creative Industries offers a vibrant and stimulating environment for MPhil/PhD students. It includes the CFMDC - The Centre of Film, Media, Discourse and Culture, which has a well-established and proven track record of research and dissemination. Staff publish their work extensively, exhibit creative works and present at conferences globally and aim to bring their research to a wider community.

The Department especially prides itself on the levels of support provided to postgraduate research students in the course of their MPhil/PhD journey. Our academics are very committed to their subject areas and meet regularly with their supervisees to support them at all stages of the project; from inception to completion.

Our postgraduate research students have the opportunity to hone their research skills through participation in a comprehensive range of training events organised by both the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Science and the University’s Doctoral College. This training gives you a broad range of academic and transferable skills that are not only vital to completing a PhD but are also relevant to academic employability and to the screen industries. For example, research students will learn how to present papers at conferences and write for scholarly publication. Postgraduate research students will also be encouraged to participate in conferences, both internal and external, and have opportunities to contribute to the University’s seminar programme. Funding can be provided for research visits and for students who wish to present their research at conferences, both in the UK and abroad.

The Centre for Film, Media, Discourse and Culture, which encompasses the Digital Technology, Theory and Practice Research Group, has an international reputation for excellence across a range of subjects and our staff are happy to receive inquiries regarding potential research topics. Our principal areas of research are:

• Animation
• Documentary filmmaking
• Terrorism, hate crime and 9/11 in film and media
• Fantasy and science fiction film and television
• Women directors
• Animal performance in film
• Science, medicine, health communication and sensation and tactility in screen representations of the body
• Film festivals
• Adaptation and writing formations
• Discourse of male suicide and representations of trauma
• Critical theory
• Religion and yoga cultures
• Media and communications and multiplatform journalism
• Television studies and Internet studies
• Media sociology and digital sociology
• Digital media, technology and culture, and participatory art
• Broadcast journalism
• Media and political theory
• Social media
• Fine art, photography and performance
• Experimental and mainstream moving image practice and theory

What Skills Will You Gain?

• Advanced Research Skills – Develop the ability to conduct independent and original research in film, media, and broadcasting, applying rigorous methodologies.
• Critical Analysis and Theoretical Application – Gain expertise in critically evaluating and applying media theories, film studies, and cultural discourse to contemporary and historical topics.
• Academic and Scholarly Communication – Enhance skills in presenting research at academic conferences, writing for scholarly publications, and contributing to the wider research community.
• Industry-Relevant Expertise – Acquire knowledge and practical skills relevant to careers in arts administration, film archiving, journalism, filmmaking, photography, and media research.
• Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives – Engage with diverse cultural and theoretical frameworks, benefiting from an international research environment.
• Professional and Collaborative Development – Participate in training events, seminars, and research groups that support professional growth and networking.
• Practical Application of Research – Demonstrate the ability to produce a high-quality thesis that makes a meaningful contribution to the field of film and media studies.
• Teaching and Mentorship Experience – Gain experience in higher education teaching, mentoring, and knowledge dissemination, preparing for academic or industry roles.

Course Fees and Finance

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed.

Entry Requirements

Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

• a first or upper second class honours degree, or
• a master’s degree, or
• evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score (or equivalent) of 7.0, with no individual element less than 6.0. The only exemption to this is for students who are not required to do so as per UKVI regulations.

What Our Students Say

Find out about our Creative Industries Research Centres:

CADRE - Centre for Art, Design, Research & Experimentation.

The Centre for Art, Design, Research & Experimentation accommodates researchers within the Wolverhampton School of Creative Industries. It was established in 2006 to explore and develop the beneficial effect of art and design upon society. The Centre is clustered into three focused areas of research interests: Art Philosophy and Social Practice; Digital Technology Theory and Practice; Material and Theoretical Practice.

CFMDC - The Centre of Film, Media, Discourse and Culture

Research in CFMDC embraces both theoretical and practice-based elements of film, media, discourse and culture. Topics of interest include early US television, ranging from examination of anthology hosts through to actors such as Adam West and directors such as Wes Anderson, Kathryn Bigelow and Andrea Arnold.

Funding

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £30,301, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.

Studying in the UK: Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.

Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.

Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students

Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.

University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.

Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.