PhD in Media and Cultural Studies
Newcastle University offers one of the most prestigious research degrees in Media and Cultural Studies in the UK. With an emphasis on originality, creativity and passion, the PhD programme is designed to provide a rich and fulfilling post-graduate experience. Central to that experience is the expertise and commitment of the leading academics with whom students undertake research. The PhD supervisory team offer students an exciting and stimulating engagement with some of the most contemporary, significant and influential areas of study.
Undertaking a PhD in media and cultural studies provides student with access to a wide range of professional, academic and social opportunities. Students will become part of the Media and Cultural Studies team contributing to a vibrant learning community. They will have the opportunity during your studies to present papers to conferences, to write articles for academic journals, contribute articles to edited collections and other publications. Alongside this, students will have the opportunity to enrol on a nationally recognised teaching in Higher education qualification, design and deliver lectures and host undergraduate and post-graduate seminars. At the same time, they may want to contribute to existing forums such as the Northern Network of Cultural Studies, the Research Group in Film and Media, the Gender Research Group. Alternatively, students may wish to work with other postgraduate students on existing study groups or develop their own areas of interest.
No matter what stage in their career, doctoral studentd at Newcastle University will be recognised as part of the next generation of academics. With this in mind, the Media and Cultural Studies team will ensure that doctoral students' skills are cultivated and enhanced to reach their maximum potential, resulting in groundbreaking successful and rigorous scholarship.
Areas of Study
Gender, the body and culture; multiculturalism and ethnic difference; Feminist Theory and popular culture; and the transnational politics of emotion and affect; Masculinity, education and culture, childhood, romance, intimacy and sexuality; Critical Discourse Studies; extremist political discourse; rhetoric and argumentation; visual rhetoric; Media and cultural theory , psychoanalysis; Critical race studies and Black Atlantic studies; Globalisation, nationalism, ethnicity, Central and East European media.
How to apply
One of the most important elements of the application process is submitting a research proposal. The co-ordinator of Postgraduate Research Programmes, Dr Chris Haywood (c.p.haywood@ncl.ac.uk), is available to discuss the content of the proposal such as its aims, subject focus or methodological approach. We encourage students to make their application through the University’s online application system. For further information on applying, read the guidance on the online application process from the Postgraduate Online subject list, Media and Cultural Studies.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of merit at Masters level (or equivalent). In some exceptional cases we may accept students directly from an undergraduate degree. Although we consider students from any disciplinary background, we especially welcome applications in the fields of media studies, feminist theory, cultural studies, psychoanalysis, sociology, film studies, ‘race’, diasporas and ethnicity, queer theory, education, politics, human geography, gender studies. Of key importance is that your research proposal links with the research foci of the Media and Cultural Studies supervisory team.
Applicants whose first language is not English require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 90 (Internet-based), or equivalent. The British Council organizes regular language tests in most countries. Newcastle University's INTO Centre provides a comprehensive suite of courses to enable students to improve their English skills, from foundation level to intensive pre-sessional English language courses.
Fees and Funding
Information on the costs involved in Full time and part time PhD programmes can be found on the University's Funding and Finance page. There are at present no School based scholarships available.