Media and Communication Studies, Ph.D.

COURSE OVERVIEW

A PhD or MPhil in Media and Communication at Swansea enables you to undertake a substantial project led by your own passions and interests.

It represents a highly respected qualification which can present a pathway to a career in academia, or widen your scope for employment in fields such as media and communication, education, government or the private sector.

The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time.

You submit a thesis of up to 90,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva).

In both programmes you will undertake original research, supervised by our expert, culminating in a thesis that makes an original contribution to the field of media and communication.

Our staff are members of the research group, Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities (CODAH).

Our expertise includes:

• Film studies, in particular European cinema and Hollywood
• Global media, journalism and international communication
• Digital media and social activism
• Migration and communication
• Digital media

• The history and philosophy of technology

• Public Relations, Branding and Marketing

You will be closely supervised by two experienced academics with relevant expertise throughout the course of your project. This takes the form of fortnightly meetings in your first term and meetings at regular agreed intervals beyond.

You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of media and communication, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the College of Arts and Humanities Postgraduate conference.

You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment. Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.

Career Opportunities

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.