PhD Media

About the project

• Research

PhD Media

• Overview
• Degree details
• Our students
• Research
• Entry and fees
• Careers
• Facilities
• Supervisors
• Recently viewed
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Overview

The London School of Film, Media and Design offers a PhD in Media by individual research within the areas of expertise of the School’s teaching staff. These include media studies, media arts, media history and theory, and media archaeology.

Our faculty's combination of theoretical and practical research specialisms means we can support either a written or practice-based PhD in Media, which could include elements of archival research or film practice.

Many of our academics have highly active research backgrounds in a variety of subjects. We offer expert supervision across a wide range of topics. We are currently seeking applications for PhDs in the following broad areas:

Your PhD may be undertaken in a range of other areas, including photography, design, cultural studies and architectural theory. Many supervisors have a range of research interests and many have interdisciplinary approaches and belong to more than one research group.

See a list of potential PhD supervisors and read about their expertise in the " supervisors " section lower down the page.

This PhD is available for you to study:

As part of your application, please state whether you are applying for an online PhD.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

• feminist theory and philosophy
• gender, technology and work
• media arts, art and design history, cultural history, communication design, design and visual literacies
• media history and theory, media archaeology, gallery and museum studies
• media studies, media transformations, television, news and journalism
• promotional culture, branding, advertising and public relations
• photography history and theory, media and photography practice, photography and philosophy, literature and photography.
• full-time or part-time
• on-campus or online
• starting in September or February.

About your degree

During your PhD in Media, you will benefit from expert supervision by established researchers and practitioners, and join a growing community of outstanding doctoral researchers in the field of media.

Your PhD supervisory team may be composed of colleagues from across more than one research area, depending on your project.

Our online PhD allows you to undertake a postgraduate research degree from a location that fits with your lifestyle and commitments. As part of your application, please state that you are applying for an online PhD. As an online PhD student, you will not be required to visit the campus: all supervision, training, reviews and the viva voce examination are provided online.

An online PhD may not be suitable for all projects, and consideration will be given to the suitability of the research project and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus facilities.

PhDs are available for you to study full-time or part-time, online or campus-based.

All PhD students will have access to the University’s student support services , the Library’s e-resources collection and IT support services . You are also welcome to attend the annual doctoral students’ conference on campus.

A PhD is founded on independent research. You will undertake a systematic and in-depth exploration of your chosen topic to produce a substantial body of knowledge and make an original and important contribution to the subject area.

The support provided by your supervisory team will be vital to your student experience and scholarly advancement. You and your supervisors will have regular one-to-one meetings which will provide you with opportunities to develop your research topic and discuss your progress.

Based in the heart of Ealing, west London, you can make use of the excellent transport links to travel to the capital or further afield – ideal for attending research meetings and networking events.

If you would like guidance or more information about studying for a PhD in Media, please contact Professor Helen Hester and Professor Garin Dowd .

• PhD opportunities
• Support
• Networking

Research areas

• Adaptation and popular British genre fiction This PhD project with Professor Jeremy Strong will study a range of British written and screen texts from the overlapping genres of adventure and the thriller, including novels (and their adaptations) by Haggard, Buchan, Hope, Childers, Charteris, Household, Ambler, Fleming, 'Sapper' and Greene. Its object is to understand and frame these works in a national/historical context – spanning the late peak of Empire to its fall – and in terms of reading tastes, filmmaking practices and film-going choices. A variety of methodological approaches are possible, in part determined by the skillset of the successful applicant. However, likely avenues include: archival study of relevant publishing and production materials analysis of contemporary reviews, criticism and popular responses – including book sales data and box office information application of Adaptation Studies’ theoretical approaches to the corpus typological analysis of the evolving characteristics of the British hero

Adaptation and popular British genre fiction

• archival study of relevant publishing and production materials
• analysis of contemporary reviews, criticism and popular responses – including book sales data and box office information
• application of Adaptation Studies’ theoretical approaches to the corpus
• typological analysis of the evolving characteristics of the British hero
• Digital culture and emerging technologies LSFMD has particular research strengths in digital culture, including issues around the politics of work and ownership in a digital age. Staff have interests in the reconfiguration of time and space in digital cultures, the history and evolution of user-generated content, and the relationship between cinema and computational media. Previous doctoral research in the school has considered the automation of gestational labour, the design of care platforms, and digital consciousness raising on social media. A range of staff members are available to support work of this kind. Please consult our list of PhD supervisors below or contact Professor Helen Hester , who will be able to direct your enquiry to the most appropriate staff member.

Digital culture and emerging technologies

• Gender, technology and work LSFMD is able to support PhD projects on this theme, and boasts a ‘Gender, Technology and Work’ research cluster largely populated by doctoral researchers in the area. The school has particular expertise in: technofeminism the politics of reproductive technologies the history and future of domestic automation the role of technology in working time reduction feminist post-work politics Researchers in the school have written about the gender politics of emotional labour, media representations of the gig economy, the design of care platforms and the connections between environmental and anti-work politics. We welcome enquiries from applicants in this area, and recommend you contact Professor Helen Hester in the first instance to discuss your proposal.

Gender, technology and work

• technofeminism
• the politics of reproductive technologies
• the history and future of domestic automation
• the role of technology in working time reduction
• feminist post-work politics
• Media transformations This is an open call for a number of PhD students interested in examining transformations in media, particularly the relationship between media content and present and ongoing technological innovation and transformation. This could include: public relations management of 'extreme' events across media ( Dr Sumaya Alnahed ) the intersections of geopolitical change with changes in the media landscape (such as the shifting relationship between social media and 'mainstream' media ( Dr Sumaya Alnahed ) the adaptation and reworking of content and narratives across diverse media platforms ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd ) changing representations and experiences of space and place in the context of globalised media ( Professor Garin Dowd ) the reinvention of cinema in the context of new distribution and production technologies transformations in sexual practices and pornography in emergent media contexts ( Professor Helen Hester )

Media transformations

• public relations management of 'extreme' events across media ( Dr Sumaya Alnahed )
• the intersections of geopolitical change with changes in the media landscape (such as the shifting relationship between social media and 'mainstream' media ( Dr Sumaya Alnahed )
• the adaptation and reworking of content and narratives across diverse media platforms ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd )
• changing representations and experiences of space and place in the context of globalised media ( Professor Garin Dowd )
• the reinvention of cinema in the context of new distribution and production technologies
• transformations in sexual practices and pornography in emergent media contexts ( Professor Helen Hester )
• Posthumanism, transhumanism and xenofeminism We are well-equipped to supervise doctoral research in posthumanism and other intellectual currents exploring the future of the human and the humanities. This includes consideration of how the human is defined in relation to its carbon- and silicon-based others, and how speculations and anxieties regarding this future are depicted in media, literature and culture. We have expertise in post-cinema, the politics of non-human life, and the technomateriality of gender. If you are interested in one or more of these areas, you can consult our list of staff below to identify a suitable supervisor, or contact Professor Helen Hester , who will be able to direct your enquiry to the most appropriate staff member.

Posthumanism, transhumanism and xenofeminism

• Practice, theory and philosophy in film, photographic and screen arts This is a call for a number of PhD students interested in examining points of intersection between film and screen theory and film and artist film practices. Projects could focus on the moving image in all or some aspects of film studies, filmmaking, film theory, screen studies and gallery/museum studies ( Dr Matilde Nardelli ). Specific focuses may include: thought and theorisation as immanent to cinema and/or screen arts ( Professor Garin Dowd ) genealogies of film practice as theory intersections of filmmaking and theory in specific directors ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Professor Helen Hester ) film and photographic philosophical approaches to practices of theorisation ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya ) institutional critique in gallery-installed moving image art works ( Dr Matilde Nardelli ) The combination of theoretical and practical research specialisms in the School means we are able and happy to support either written or practice-based PhD work, which could include film or exhibition practice. Proposals in other areas of research are welcomed, including: advertising, graphic communication, public relations and museum studies; media and the Middle East; photography history and theory, new media and new media theory, critical and cultural theory; technologies, sex and gender; media archaeology; adaptation (novel-to-film and other forms of inter-medial and trans-medial traffic); genre studies and genre theory.

Practice, theory and philosophy in film, photographic and screen arts

• thought and theorisation as immanent to cinema and/or screen arts ( Professor Garin Dowd )
• genealogies of film practice as theory
• intersections of filmmaking and theory in specific directors ( Professor Jeremy Strong , Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Professor Helen Hester )
• film and photographic philosophical approaches to practices of theorisation ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya )
• institutional critique in gallery-installed moving image art works ( Dr Matilde Nardelli )
• Promotional cultures This call for MPhil/PhD applications relates to an ongoing research initiative at the University of West London, led by Associate Professor Dennis Olsen , exploring the representation of older adults and ageing in promotional communications. The overarching objective is to facilitate meaningful change within the creative industries regarding age diversity, equity and inclusion, thus shaping future promotional cultures. Research produced as part of this initiative so far has focused on the UK, Germany and Australia. Applications are invited which offer fresh insight into this socio-politically relevant topic via: intercultural/cross-country media investigations in under-researched countries (any rationale in terms of country selection should be informed by e.g. socio-demographic factors and accessibility) collaborative approaches in order to include creators (e.g. communications agencies, brands, casting agencies) and/or regulators (e.g. professional bodies) and/or older adults themselves as part of the discourse in the UK

Promotional cultures

• intercultural/cross-country media investigations in under-researched countries (any rationale in terms of country selection should be informed by e.g. socio-demographic factors and accessibility)
• collaborative approaches in order to include creators (e.g. communications agencies, brands, casting agencies) and/or regulators (e.g. professional bodies) and/or older adults themselves as part of the discourse in the UK
• Rethinking the image This is an open call for PhD students interested in working in the broad fields of interest of several researchers in the school ( Professor Garin Dowd , Dr Matilde Nardelli , Dr Junko Theresa Mikuriya , Professor Helen Hester ). This call relates to the interrelations between the still and moving image, live and recorded images, sound and the screen, the idea of photography that has shaped its technological development, and how theoretical debates in photography or in relation to images more broadly can be reappraised in the current social, cultural and technological context. This call also relates to film spectatorship studies in fiction and documentary, accommodating approaches as diverse as cognitive theory, phenomenology and affect theory in the pursuit of exploring the link between film text, audience experience and viewing context. The combination of theoretical and practical research specialisms in the department means we are able and happy to support either written or practice-based PhD work, including in film, television, photography and media arts.

Rethinking the image

• Spatial politics and domesticity Several staff in LSFMD are available to supervise doctoral research in this area, with expertise in the city and its representations, the politics of housing and domesticity, and theories of architectural and interior design. We welcome applications relating to "the urban" in critical and cultural theory, feminist approaches to the built environment, and the exploration of labour in relation to spatial practice. Previous LSFMD research has addressed issues around the connection between inheritance and housing, the philosophy of communal spaces, and feminist practices of space making in the context of revolutionary struggle. A range of researchers are available to support your work. Please consult our list of PhD supervisors below, or contact Professor Helen Hester , who will be able to direct your enquiry to the most appropriate colleague.

Spatial politics and domesticity

To enable you to enhance your professional profile, we support you throughout your research degree by:

We provide structured research training, expert supervision and an environment where you can discuss your research with other PhD students and researchers.

We run seminars in research methods from the Graduate Centre, as well as an ongoing series of events and activities organised by Schools and Colleges. Specialist help with academic English for students for whom English is not their first language is available.

We contribute to national and international initiatives and promote collaboration and networking opportunities. We also encourage and support you to publish and disseminate your research in academic journals and via presenting papers at conferences.

We run an annual conference for doctoral students, where you are encouraged to present a paper about your research. As well as being an opportunity to discuss your work with other students, the conference is a chance to gain valuable experience in presenting your research and participating in open discussions with academic peers.

You will also find other opportunities such as postgraduate student seminars and forums within your specific subject area.

Once you start a PhD course at UWL, you become part of our research community. You will have access to a postgraduate common room, located at our Ealing campus on St Mary’s Road, where you will meet fellow researchers from other subject disciplines offering scope for collaborations or simply to discuss ideas, allowing you to be part of a vibrant research environment.

• providing research seminars
• organising doctoral events and activities
• facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities
• encouraging and supporting publication and dissemination of your research
• offering opportunities to gain teaching expertise and experience.

What our students say

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD

The staff members that I encountered were warm, welcoming and supportive of my studies. The relatively small size of the University’s postgraduate school created a close family/communal environment for both staff and students. This provided a good support system as I could quickly grow acquainted with the postgraduate team and other doctoral research candidates.

Abdulazeez Rotimi - PhD

Research Repository - Media

The Repository is a digital archive of research output by our academics and research students.

PRISM: Screen Media

The Public Research Institute of Screen Media is an interdisciplinary institute conducting research on the screen and media industries.

Research impact

Learn how our research has helped communities locally, nationally and internationally.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

The minimum entry requirements for a research degree are:

We look for individuals with:

Applicants should also submit a well-considered and persuasive research proposal, clearly outlining their aims, context and potential contribution to the field.

• Requirements: UK
• Requirements: International
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.
• a good first degree (First Class or Upper Second Class), or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• a Masters Degree (MA, MSc, MBA or MRes) with Merit, or equivalent postgraduate or research experience.
• Competence in written and spoken English is a pre-requisite for entrance to this programme.
• An IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 6.5 (with no element under 6.0).
• dedication to undertaking rigorous and meaningful research
• enthusiasm for contributing to academic and creative practice
• a genuine passion for their chosen subject area.

Fees & funding

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• Funding: UK
• Funding: International
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

Funding for postgraduate students usually comes from one or more of a range of key sources:

Find out more about funding opportunities .

Examples of most of these types of funding are included on the postgraduate studentships website (except for funding you may be able to obtain from your employer and self-funding).

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

We offer other generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. See our PhD scholarships and bursaries .

Please note that the following writing-up fees apply for the final year of full-time PhD study , a reduced amount from the standard fee per year:

Writing-up fees do not apply for the final year of part-time PhD study. The standard fee applies.

• research councils
• charities and trust funds, including those funded by the UK government
• higher education institutions
• overseas governments (international students only)
• employers
• professional and career development loans
• self-funding (including family funds).
• On campus PhD (Year 4): UK £1,900. International: £6,000
• Online PhD (Year 4): UK £1,000. International: £3,000.
• Fees for the 2027/28 academic year and onwards may be subject to change.
• Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course and you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year, except if otherwise stated.
• If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

For any overseas students, your first port of call should be grant-awarding bodies in your own country (e.g. The Ministry/Department of Education) and your local (or nearest) office of the British Council.

The British Council manage a small number of international studentship grants in some countries and should be able to tell you what other awards may be available to you - they also produce the sources of funding for international students guide.

The PhD Bursary is available to home and international students enrolling on a full-time PhD course in 2026/27. The Bursary consists of a £500 fee reduction in your first year of study and for each subsequent year of study, subject to successful progression, up to a maximum of 4 years.

Your future career

Studying for a PhD in Media enables you to develop an area of specialism that will give you an edge, whether you are planning to work in industry or to develop expertise to teach in academia.

During your PhD, you will also be learning transferable core skills that apply to jobs both in and out of academia, including:

By the end of your research degree, you will be able to articulately apply these skills to enhance your career path.

• written and oral communication
• research and information management
• public speaking
• project management
• leadership
• critical thinking
• collaboration
• analysis and problem-solving
• conflict resolution
• negotiation.

Job roles

• consultancy
• broadcast journalist
• content producer
• researcher
• production executive.

Graduate employers

• broadcasters
• think tanks
• media arts organisations
• galleries/museums
• film and TV streaming providers
• production companies
• market research companies
• PR and marketing organisations.

Media and communications facilities

Explore our media and communications facilities available for students at the University of West London.

Media Resource Centre

Our Media Resource Centre is available to all students at the London School of Film, Media and Design. We hold a variety of cameras, lights, sound equipment and recording devices.

The Paul Hamlyn Library

The Paul Hamlyn Library provides an extensive range of books, journals and digital resources, PC and Mac workstations and a variety of study spaces.

The Graduate School

If you are interested in studying for a PhD or Professional Doctorate, the Graduate School is here to support your research.

Rami Ranger House (Postgraduate Student Centre)

Rami Ranger House is a focal point for the University’s postgraduate and international students, providing dedicated space for social and learning interaction.

This building, which is three storeys high, offers spaces for collaborative working, socialising, supervision and mentoring on the ground floor. The first floor has work spaces for the postgraduate support teams to use, while the second floor provides guest accommodation for visiting scholars.

TV studio and gallery space

Our TV studio and gallery space can help you bring a range of projects to life. Our equipment includes a lighting grid, green and white screens, Ross Crossover Vision Mixer for live editing and audio and video recorder/playback devices.

Blast Podcasting and Radio Studios

Our Blast Podcasting and Radio Studios simulate contemporary commercial radio operations.

Photography studios

Our two photography studios are interlinked to allow for larger shoots, and they are equipped with Profoto flash lighting, high-end medium format digital cameras, background rolls and other tools needed to produce professional-grade work.

Media and communications

Our media and communications courses emphasise current trends in both traditional media and new media to equip you with the flexibility and skillset required for this exciting and fast-moving industry. Which media and communications degree is the best one for you?

Find out more

Discover seven reasons to study with us and how studying at UWL will support your future career.

Find out about student accommodation and the support for students.

Explore our campus and sites and book onto a campus tour or open day .

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

Rankings

• † Fees - the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the course. Fees are subject to change. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught international fees are subject to an annual increase.
• Teaching - your course will primarily be delivered in-person, however it may include delivery of some activities online, either in real-time or recorded.
• Testimonials - quotes are provided by current or former UWL students. These are mostly from the course but quotes from a UWL student on another course may be used if, for example, the course is new.
• Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
• Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming, however staff and course content may have since changed.
• Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route and a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
• The National Student Survey 2026 result is based on the average of all answers by the taught student populations.
• Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and after, 1992.
• PRES - rank out of 53 institutions.

Research areas