University of Liverpool

Communication and Media

University of LiverpoolLiverpool, United Kingdom

Course overview

From political communication to discourse and culture, heritage industries to media and entertainment, and film and television to social media, the Department of Communication and Media produces cutting-edge research that links strongly with most key areas of inquiry in this major field of study. A PhD/MPhil in Communication and Media allows you to embrace the study of communication and media in an inclusive and comprehensive manner. TheDepartment of Communication and Mediais a leading centre for the study of how ideas are influenced, expressed and shared, currently ranked within the world top 75 for Communication (Shanghai Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2025).

Through ourresearch, we’re casting an innovative light on many aspects of the discipline, from how mass media influence democracy to how English is evolving as an international language. Our internationally acclaimed research feeds insights such as these directly into our teaching. We influence many fields, from politics and entertainment to healthcare and e-business.

As an outward-looking department, we maintain exciting, productive partnerships with industry, the arts and key creative venues in Liverpool, nationally and internationally. In research or as a student, this is the place to get your voice heard. When you undertake postgraduate research with us, you’ll benefit from: We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers.

This includes: Our research activity is conducted within fourresearch groupswhich share common interest in critical, interdisciplinary analysis of a variety of modes of mediated communication across social spaces and fields. The University of LiverpoolDigital Media and Society Institute(DMSI) brings together researchers from a range of disciplines to explore the role and impact of digital media in society today. (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) (Research Excellence Framework, 2021)

Key highlights

  • Independent research project supervised by one or more academic specialists
  • Training in research skills to prepare for doctoral study
  • Department ranked 5th in UK for Communication (Shanghai Rankings 2025)
  • Strong preparation for a PhD in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Research topics include digital media, journalism, film and computer games
  • Join an interdisciplinary community of active communication and media researchers

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — with EPQ
  • Degree: 2:2 — Postgraduate entry requirements: We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution.
  • A-level: BBB — to include with A in the EPQ; with EPQ
  • GCSE: 4/C — to include English, Mathematics
  • BTEC: DDM — application on its merits and may make offers
  • International Baccalaureate: 32 — overall with no score less t
  • Irish Leaving Certificate — H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
  • Scottish Advanced Highers: ABB — Irish Leaving Certificate: H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher: ABB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: B in the Welsh B…
  • A-level: AB — …welcome Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced: B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level.
  • Access to HE Diploma — with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • E. Allison Peers Masters Scholarship in Iberian and Latin American Studies

    The scholarship provides £5,000 towards fees, plus a £5,000 stipend, for students undertaking a Hispanic topic in any master's programme in the Department of Languages, Cultures and Film at the University of Liverpool.

    Up to £5,000

  • Health, Cultures and Societies Bursary

    The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hodgson Law Scholarship

  • Liverpool Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduates

    If you're an international student, you could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £7,000.

    Up to £7,000

  • Liverpool Law School Hong Kong Scholarships

    Two scholarships worth £1,000 each.

    Up to £1,000

  • Liverpool Law School LLM Bursaries

    Two bursaries worth £500 each for Home students. Two bursaries wroth £1,000 each for international students.

  • MA in Chinese-English Translating and Interpreting Scholarships

    Students awarded this scholarship will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Management School MBA Excellence Scholarship

    50% tuition fee discounts are available.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Manuel Irujo Scholarship in Basque Studies

    The scholarship provides approximately £5,000.

  • MusicFutures Scholarship for International Intellectual Property Law LLM

    Up to five scholarships are available, each worth £12,500 in the form of a tuition fee discount.

    Up to £12,500

  • Peter Astaire Memorial Scholarship in Beatles Studies

    Up to two awards are available in each academic year, with each award worth £4,000.

    Up to £4,000

  • Scholarships for MA Political Science and International Relations

    The Department of Politics is pleased to announce two £5,000 scholarships for students wishing to pursue the MA in Political Science and International Relations.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Master's in Public Administration and Policy

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Education

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Film Studies

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in History

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Translation

    Successful candidates will receive a fee reduction of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master's Programmes

  • University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

    £5,000 tuition fee reduction for the first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Journalist
  • Media researcher
  • Publishing editor
  • Communications manager
  • PhD researcher in communication and media

Cost of study

UK/Home: Full-time place, per year - £5,238; Part-time: £2,619 | International: Full-time place, per year - £25,350; Part-time: £12,650

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 University of Liverpool, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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