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

About the project

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Key Course Details

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 5,238

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 5,450

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan 2027 | £ 5,238

Oct 2027 or Jan 2028 | £ 5,450

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan 2027 | £ 5,238

Oct 2027 or Jan 2028 | £ 5,450

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 2,619

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 2,725

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 2,619

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 2,725

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 2,619

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 2,725

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 5,238

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 5,450

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 2,619

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 2,725

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 18,550

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 19,500

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan 2027 | £ 18,550

Oct 2027 or Jan 2028 | £ 19,500

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan 2027 | £ 18,550

Oct 2027 or Jan 2028 | £ 19,500

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 9,300

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 9,750

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 9,300

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 9,750

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 9,300

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 9,750

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 18,550

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 19,500

Start Date | Tuition Fees - Year 1

Oct 2026 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2027 | £ 9,300

Oct 2027 or Jan, Apr or Jul 2028 | £ 9,750

• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus
• Location: Singleton Park Campus

Course Overview

A PhD or MPhil in Media Studies 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, 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. Our staff are members of the research group, Centre on Digital Arts and Humanities (CODAH). Our expertise includes:

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.

• 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

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Entry Requirements

Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.

MPhil: Applicants for MPhil must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

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’. Alternatively, applicants with a UK first class honours degree (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) not holding a master’s degree, will be considered on an individual basis.

English Language IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.

Reference Requirement

As standard, one reference is required before we can progress applications to the Faculty research programme, academic Admissions Tutor for consideration.

Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.

You may wish to consider contacting your referee to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference or alternatively, hold submission of application until a reference is sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee, requesting a reference on your behalf.

The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form .

Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.

References can be submitted to pgradmissions@swansea.ac.uk .

How you are Supervised

We take care to ensure that each MPhil/PhD student has the expert supervision required to complete their project within the candidature period. You will have a minimum of two supervisors based in the Department. Upon receipt of your application, we will identify supervisors whose research expertise matches your chosen topic.

You will usually meet your supervisors once a month, and possibly more often at critical stages of your candidature, including preparing for final submission. When you start the degree, you will work out a research plan with your supervisors. Nine months into your candidature, you will present a first piece of substantial writing (e.g. draft thesis chapter) and a detailed thesis plan. Thereafter, the University will assess your progress every 6 months. M.Phil students are eligible to apply for an upgrade to a Ph.D if they demonstrate the ability to perform at doctoral level.

No Provision

Unfortunately, there is currently no formal Welsh-medium provision on this course. If you would like to let us know that you are interested in pursuing an element of your course through the medium of Welsh, please email us to indicate your interest along with your year of entry and we will do our best to see what is possible.

Whilst this course does not offer academic content delivered in Welsh, the University can provide you with the following, and Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you:

To learn more about the above and all the opportunities available to you through the medium of Welsh, visit Academi Hywel Teifi's undergraduate pages .

• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh, English or bilingually.
• The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and your work will be marked in Welsh.
• A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
• One-to-one support through the medium of Welsh to improve your academic skills.
• An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence of your Welsh language ability for future employers, namely the WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg's Welsh Language Certificate.
• Opportunity to be a member of the Swansea University Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

Ph.D. 3 Year Full Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

January 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

April 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

July 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

October 2027 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

January 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

April 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

July 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

Ph.D. Distance Learning 3 Year Full Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

January 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

October 2027 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

January 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

Ph.D. Distance Learning 3 Year Full Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

January 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

October 2027 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

January 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

Ph.D. 6 Year Part Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

January 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

April 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

July 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

October 2027 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

January 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

April 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

July 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

Ph.D. Distance Learning 6 Year Part Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

January 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

April 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

July 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

October 2027 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

January 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

April 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

July 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

Ph.D. Distance Learning 6 Year Part Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

January 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

April 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

July 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

October 2027 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

January 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

April 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

July 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

M.Phil. 2 Year Full Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

January 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

April 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

July 2027 | £ 5,238 | £ 18,550

October 2027 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

January 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

April 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

July 2028 | £ 5,450 | £ 19,500

M.Phil. 4 Year Part Time

Start Date | UK | International

October 2026 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

January 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

April 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

July 2027 | £ 2,619 | £ 9,300

October 2027 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

January 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

April 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

July 2028 | £ 2,725 | £ 9,750

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Note: The 2027/2028 UK fee is indicative pending confirmation from UKRI.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page .

International students and part-time study: It may be possible for some students to study part-time under the Student Visa route. However, this is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category (e.g. Tier 1 or 2, PBS Dependant, ILR etc.). Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page .

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

Government funding is now available for Welsh, English and EU students starting eligible postgraduate research programmes at Swansea University. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up .

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

• Travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

How to Apply

Application Deadlines can be found on our Application Deadlines webpage.

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PhD Programme Specification

Award Level (Nomenclature) | PhD in Media and Communication

Programme Title | Media and Communication

Director of Postgraduate Research | Dr Joanna Rydzewska

Awarding Body | Swansea University

College/School | Culture and Communication

Subject Area | Media and Communication

Frequency of Intake | October, January, April, July

Location | Singleton Campus

Singleton Campus

Mode of Study | Full/Part time

Full/Part time

Duration/Candidature | 3/6 years

FHEQ Level | 8

External Reference Points | QAA Qualification Descriptors for FHEQ Level 8

Regulations | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation | N/A

Exit Awards | N/A

Language of Study | English

This Programme Specification refers to the current academic year and provides indicative content for information. The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision , either before or after enrolment.

Programme Summary

This PhD in Media and Communication Studies at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 100,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The PhD is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva voce). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences. There may also be opportunities to develop your teaching skills through undergraduate tutorials, demonstrations and seminars.

Programme Aims

This PhD programme will provide doctoral researchers with:

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 3 years duration full time (6 years duration part time). Doctoral researchers may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Assessment

Doctoral researchers for the PhD in Media and Communication Studies are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination (viva voce).

Doctoral Researcher Supervision and Support

Doctoral researchers will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Schools other than the ‘home’ School (other Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the doctoral research journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the doctoral researcher to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre).

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, doctoral researchers should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

Attitudes and values

Research Skills

Skills and Competencies

Progression Monitoring

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the Doctoral researcher is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the doctoral researcher’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the doctoral researcher’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system.

Learning Development

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors.

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable doctoral researchers to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage.

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating. There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Arts and Humanities and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the doctoral researcher in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the College of Arts and Humanities is developing a research culture that aligns with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment

Swansea University’s research environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia.

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself.

School of Culture and Communication

The School conducts world leading research in English, Creative Writing and Applied Linguistics; History and Classics; Politics and International Relations; Media and Communication; Education and Lifelong Learning; and Modern Languages and Welsh.

The School provides a vibrant research environment through conferences, seminars, workshops and training events organised by sixteen research centres and groups. As well as major disciplinary strengths, inter-disciplinary research is at the heart of what we do. We host an annual research conference open to all colleges, Research across Boundaries, and have particular inter-disciplinary strengths in Heritage and Development, Digital humanities and platforms, Medical humanities and wellbeing, and Global challenges.

The School is deeply committed to highly quality research which is intellectually innovative as well as having real world impacts. Research students and staff work closely together. As a result a strong culture has developed which provides a supportive and friendly environment for our thriving community of doctoral students from all over the world to develop as well-networked young researchers.

Career Opportunities

Having a PhD demonstrates that graduates can work effectively in a team, formulate, explore and communicate complex ideas and manage advanced tasks. Jobs in academia (eg postdoctoral research, lecturing), education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible. Examples include administrators, counsellors, marketing specialists, and researchers.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.

• The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.
• Entry and confirmation of candidature
• Main body of research
• Thesis and viva voce
• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge which is at the forefront of research through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.
• Disseminate new knowledge gained through original research or other advanced scholarship via high quality peer reviewed publications within the discipline.
• Apply research skills and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised.
• Conceptualise, design and implement a project aimed at the generation of new knowledge or applications within Media and Communication Studies.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Media and Communication Studies, often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
• Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of individual and cultural diversity, and the reciprocal impact in social interaction between self and others when conducting research involving people.
• Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media and events, including conference presentations, seminars and workshops.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and advanced academic enquiry.
• Develop the networks and foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement advanced research skills to a substantial degree of independence.
• Locate information and apply it to research practice.
• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional or equivalent environments.

MPhil Programme Specification

Award Level (Nomenclature) | MPhil in Media and Communication

Programme Title | Media and Communication

Director of Postgraduate Research | Dr Joanna Rydzewska

Awarding Body | Swansea University

College/School | Culture and Communication

Subject Area | Media and Communication

Frequency of Intake | October, January, April, July

Location | Singleton Campus

Singleton Campus

Mode of Study | Full/Part time

Full/Part time

Duration/Candidature | 2/4 years

FHEQ Level | 7

External Reference Points | QAA Qualification Descriptors for FHEQ Level 7

Regulations | Master of Philosophy

Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation | N/A

Exit Awards | MA/MSc by Research

Language of Study | English

This Programme Specification refers to the current academic year and provides indicative content for information. The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision , either before or after enrolment.

Programme Summary

This MPhil in Media and Communication at Swansea will enable you to undertake a substantial project led by your own interests. It is a highly respected qualification which can present a career in academia or a wider scope for employment in fields such as education, government or the private sector. A thesis of 60,000 words will be submitted for assessment demonstrating original research with a substantive contribution to the subject area. The Masters is examined following an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination or viva). You will acquire research skills for high-level work and skills and training programmes are available on campus for further support. There will be an opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars and conferences.

Programme Aims

This Masters programme will provide students with:

Programme Structure

The programme comprises three key elements:

The programme comprises of the undertaking of an original research project of 2 years duration full time (4 years duration part time). Students may pursue the programme either full time or part time by pursuing research at the University at an external place of employment or with/at a University approved partner.

Assessment

Students for the Masters in Media and Communication are examined in two parts.

The first part is a thesis which is an original body of work representing the methods and results of the research project. The maximum word limit is 60,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

The second part is an oral examination ( viva voce ).

Supervision and Support

Students will be supervised by a supervisory team. Where appropriate, staff from Schools other than the ‘home’ School (other Schools) within the University will contribute to cognate research areas. There may also be supervisors from an industrial partner.

The Primary/First Supervisor will normally be the main contact throughout the student journey and will have overall responsibility for academic supervision. The academic input of the Secondary Supervisor will vary from case to case. The principal role of the Secondary Supervisor is often as a first port of call if the Primary/First Supervisor becomes unavailable. The supervisory team may also include a supervisor from industry or a specific area of professional practice to support the research. External supervisors may also be drawn from other Universities.

The primary supervisor will provide pastoral support. If necessary the primary supervisor will refer the student to other sources of support (e.g. Wellbeing, Disability, Money Advice, IT, Library, Students’ Union, Academic Services, Student Support Services, Careers Centre).

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this programme, doctoral researchers should be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

Attitudes and values

Research Skills

Skills and Competencies

Progression Monitoring

Progress will be monitored in accordance with Swansea University regulations. During the course of the programme, the student is expected to meet regularly with their supervisors, and at most meetings it is likely that the student’s progress will be monitored in an informal manner in addition to attendance checks. Details of the meetings should ideally be recorded on the on-line system. A minimum of four formal supervision meetings is required each year, two of which will be reported to the Postgraduate Progression and Awards Board. During these supervisory meetings the student’s progress is discussed and formally recorded on the on-line system.

Learning Development

The University offers training and development for Doctoral Researchers and supervisors.

Swansea University’s Postgraduate Research Training Framework is structured into sections, to enable students to navigate and determine appropriate courses aligned to both their interest and their candidature stage.

There is a training framework including for example areas of Managing Information and Data, Presentation and Public Engagement, Leadership and working with others, Safety Integrity and Ethics, Impact and Commercialisation and Teaching and Demonstrating. There is also range of support in areas such as training needs, literature searching, conducting research, writing up research, teaching, applying for grants and awards, communicating research and future careers.

A range of research seminars and skills development sessions are provided within the School of Culture and Communication and across the University. These are scheduled to keep the student in touch with a broader range of material than their own research topic, to stimulate ideas in discussion with others, and to give them opportunities to such as defending their own thesis orally, and to identify potential criticisms. Additionally, the School is developing a research culture that will align with the University vision and will link with key initiatives delivered under the auspices of the University’s Academies, for example embedding the HEA fellowship for postgraduate research students.

Research Environment

Swansea University’s Research Environment combines innovation and excellent facilities to provide a home for multidisciplinary research to flourish. Our research environment encompasses all aspects of the research lifecycle, with internal grants and support for external funding and enabling impact/effect that research has beyond academia.

Swansea University is very proud of our reputation for excellent research, and for the calibre, dedication, professionalism, collaboration and engagement of our research community. We understand that integrity must be an essential characteristic of all aspects of research, and that as a University entrusted with undertaking research we must clearly and consistently demonstrate that the confidence placed in our research community is rightly deserved. The University therefore ensures that everyone engaged in research is trained to the very highest standards of research integrity and conducts themselves and their research in a way that respects the dignity, rights, and welfare of participants, and minimises risks to participants, researchers, third parties, and the University itself.

School of Culture and Communication

The School conducts world leading research in English, Creative Writing and Applied Linguistics; History and Classics; Politics and International Relations; Media and Communication; Education and Lifelong Learning; and Modern Languages and Welsh.

The School provides a vibrant research environment through conferences, seminars, workshops and training events organised by sixteen research centres and groups. As well as major disciplinary strengths, inter-disciplinary research is at the heart of what we do. We host an annual research conference open to all school, Research across Boundaries, and have particular inter-disciplinary strengths in Heritage and Development, Digital humanities and platforms, Medical humanities and wellbeing, and Global challenges.

The School is deeply committed to highly quality research which is intellectually innovative as well as having real world impacts. Research students and staff work closely together. As a result a strong culture has developed which provides a supportive and friendly environment for our thriving community of doctoral students from all over the world to develop as well-networked young researchers.

Career Opportunities

Having a Master of Philosophy degree shows that you can communicate your ideas and manage tasks. Jobs in academia, education, government, management, the public or private sector are possible.

The Postgraduate Research Office Skills Development Team offer support and a training framework for example in creating a researcher profile based upon publications and setting up your own business. The Swansea Employability Academy assists students in future career opportunities, improving CVs, job applications and interview skills.

• The opportunity to conduct high quality postgraduate research in a world leading research environment.
• Key skills needed to undertake advanced academic and non-academic research including qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Advanced critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and independent judgement.
• Entry and confirmation of candidature
• Main body of research
• Thesis and viva voce
• Demonstrate the systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge through the development of a written thesis.
• Create, interpret, analyse and develop new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship.
• Apply research skills and subject theory to the practice of research.
• Apply process and standards of a range of the methodologies through which research is conducted and knowledge acquired and revised.
• Make informed judgements on complex issues in the field of Media and Communication often in the absence of complete data and defend those judgements to an appropriate audience.
• Apply sound ethical principles to research, with due regard for the integrity of persons and in accordance with professional codes of conduct.
• Demonstrate self-awareness of individual and cultural diversity, and the reciprocal impact in social interaction between self and others when conducting research involving people.
• Respond appropriately to unforeseen problems in project design by making suitable amendments.
• Communicate complex research findings clearly, effectively and in an engaging manner to both specialist (including the academic community), and non-specialist audiences using a variety of appropriate media.
• Correctly select, interpret and apply relevant techniques for research and academic enquiry.
• Develop the foundations for on-going research and development within the discipline.
• Implement independent research skills.
• Locate information and apply it to research practice.
• Display the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment, including the exercise of personal responsibility and initiative in complex situations.

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Programme Disclaimer

The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after enrolment.

The information below is for students starting their courses in 2016 or later.

The University will not normally make very substantial changes to courses (for example, a change to the course title, significant restructuring, substantial change in course content, or the introduction of a progression hurdle) which would impact on students who have already begun their course. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to make such a change after acceptance of a place by an offer-holder. This will not happen less than 5 months before enrolment. The offer-holder will be notified of the change and will have the opportunity to withdraw their application and apply elsewhere.

Other changes could be made to course content, study location, delivery and teaching provision because of developments in the relevant subject, enhancements in teaching or assessment practice, requirements of external accreditation processes, changes in staffing, resource constraints or changes in the availability of facilities. Such changes will take account of the reasonable expectations of prospective and current students.

Research areas