Media and Communications

Overview

Become an expert in a particular area whilst studying in a rich, multidisciplinary environment. Benefit from excellent facilities, including access to UoE’s Digital Humanities Lab, the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum, computer labs and podcast studios. Take part in research seminar series, and lectures by visiting speakers. Explore issues and develop skills that are central to everyday life in the 21st century including how to communicate clearly and effectively to specific audiences using specific technologies. Our experts can offer supervision in a wide variety of topics (see research overview below)

Research Overview

Digital communications technologies and social media platforms are central to our everyday reality in the 21st century, and we live in a world saturated by media content. Studying for a Media and Communications PhD at Exeter will allow you to develop deep specialist knowledge in an area of your choice. You will develop skills in key research methodologies and gain theoretical knowledge in your quest to be a productive scholar and critical citizen.

The research expertise of the academic staff not only spans a wide variety of subjects and methodological traditions across the broad field of Media and Communications but are based within the vibrant interdisciplinary environment of the Department of Communications, Drama and Film which shares expertise, research events, and resources across disciplines.

Our experts can offer supervision in a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to:

• Advertising and branding
• Algorithmic cultures
• Celebrity studies
• Communications and the climate crisis
• Communications and the environment
• Communications infrastructure
• Community and grassroots media
• Digital activism
• Gender and the media
• Global communications
• Media and creative industries
• Media and cultural theory
• Media and democracy
• Media and migration
• Media and nations
• Media and politics
• Media and social class
• Media and social movements
• Media and sport
• Media archeology
• Media audiences
• Media ethics
• Media history
• Media industries
• Media policy
• Nostalgia and cultural memory
• Popular culture
• Slow computing
• Social media
• The internet
• Video games

How to Apply

Students applying to enter directly into the MPhil/PhD programme would normally be expected to have a Masters degree with Merit or equivalent in a related subject, or other relevant qualifications such as a doctorate in another subject.

Requirements for International Students

If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.

English Language Requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E : view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

Fees and Funding

Fees 2025/26

• Home: £5,006 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
• International: £23,500 full-time

For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.

Current Funding Opportunities

Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our funded centres.

Supervision

• Supervisors: all research students have a primary and a secondary supervisor who provide regular, high-quality advice, support and direction in their academic endeavours. They will work closely with their supervisors to develop, investigate and write-up a project at the cutting edge of Media and Communications research.
• Mentor: each student will also be assigned a mentor who will take on a pastoral role and mediate on any problems that arise during the period of study. Your mentor will keep in regular contact and will provide background stability and support.

Facilities

The College of Humanities has undergone a £3.2 million HEFCE-funded refurbishment in recent years, providing new state-of-the-art facilities for all subjects.

• The Digital Humanities Lab is a state of the art facility offering unique spaces, equipment and training for staff and students in Media and Communications studies. A specialist team conducts and supports innovative Digital Humanities research and offers training and teaching. The Lab undertakes the digital preservation and display of historic material and artefacts using advanced technologies.
• The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture holds a wide-ranging collection of more than 70,000 film related artefacts. The collection is accessible for all postgraduates to use as a research and study resource. Housed in the University’s state-of-the-art study facility, the Research Commons, the diverse collection includes objects relating to the history of the moving image. These include optical toys, magic lantern slides, a Lumière cinematograph; film publicity such as posters from the Hollywood era to contemporary film; material on film stars such as Charlie Chaplin, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn; and material on animation, particularly Disney films.
• The university library also has significant holdings in the area of Media and Communications including books, journals and more than 10,000 hard copies of films and television programmes.
• All postgraduates enjoy access to excellent computing facilities and common spaces where postgraduate students can meet and work together in reading and discussion groups.

Careers

Graduates from Media and Communications PhD programmes enter myriad careers, including but not limited to:

• University teaching and research
• University administration
• Communications management
• Advertising and branding
• Film
• Television
• Social media management
• Culture industries
• Third sector
• Marketing
• Public relations
• Reputation management
• Journalism
• Publishing
• International relations

University of Exeter

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Overview:

The University of Exeter is a public research university located in Exeter, Devon, England. It is a member of the Russell Group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in the fields of law, business, and environmental sciences.

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Services Offered:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Student website:

Provides access to information and resources for current students.

ELE (Exeter Learning Environment):

An online platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.

Email web access:

Allows students to access their university email accounts.

Payment portal:

Enables students to make payments for tuition fees and other expenses.

MyExeter (student app):

A mobile app that provides access to various student services and information.

Library:

Offers a comprehensive collection of books, journals, and other resources.

SID (Student Information Database):

A system for managing student records and accessing personal information.

Timetable:

Allows students to view their class schedules.

Programme and module information:

Provides details about academic programs and courses.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Exeter offers a vibrant and diverse student experience. Students can expect:

Active student societies:

A wide range of clubs and societies cater to various interests.

Sports facilities:

The university has excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields.

Campus events:

Regular events and activities are organized throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and social gatherings.

Accommodation options:

The university provides a variety of accommodation options for students, both on and off campus.

Wellbeing services:

The university offers a range of support services for student wellbeing, including counseling and mental health support.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Excellent academic reputation:

The University of Exeter is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK.

World-leading research:

The university is renowned for its research, particularly in areas such as environmental sciences, law, and business.

Vibrant student life:

The university offers a diverse and engaging student experience with a wide range of clubs, societies, and events.

Beautiful campus setting:

The university's campuses are located in picturesque settings, with easy access to the city of Exeter and the surrounding countryside.

Strong career support:

The university provides excellent career support services to help students find employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Exeter offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

English, History, Classics, Philosophy, Music, Drama, and more.

Social Sciences:

Law, Politics, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, and more.

Science and Engineering:

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and more.

Medicine and Health:

Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and more.

Business and Management:

Business Administration, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, and more.

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Other:

• The university has three main campuses: Streatham Campus, St Luke's Campus, and Penryn Campus.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong focus on environmental issues.

• The university has a strong international reputation and attracts students from all over the world.

• Academic Programs:

  While the context mentions some general disciplines, it does not provide a detailed outline of the key academic programs and strengths of the institution.