PhD Postgraduate research in Media and Communications

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

The Centre for Film, Media, Discourse and Culture also has an ongoing programme of conferences, public lectures and seminars and offers access to a range of archives and research materials.

• 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.

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

 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: https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english. 

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.

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 £28,673, 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.

Research councils:

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

University Research Studentships:

Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

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

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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