Swansea University

Media Studies, Ph.D. / Ph.D. Distance Learning / M.Phil.

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

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 School of Culture and Communication 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.

Key highlights

  • Supervision by two experienced academics, with fortnightly first-term meetings
  • Staff belong to the Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities research group
  • Expertise spans film, global journalism, digital activism, migration and PR
  • Paid, trained opportunities to teach undergraduate tutorials from second year
  • Present research at departmental seminars and a postgraduate conference
  • Funding available, subject to approval, for conferences and research elsewhere

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — or above
  • Master's degree: Merit — PhD: Applicants for PhD must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level and a master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’.
  • Degree: 1st — considered case by case

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • University lecturer
  • Postdoctoral researcher
  • Media and communications researcher
  • Government communications officer
  • Journalist
  • Public relations manager

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £17,650 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide