Investigate an approved research topic during a period of supervised study and make an original contribution to knowledge in Media, Communication or Film Studies.
Undertake doctoral research into a specific topic of your choice relating to Media, Communication or Film Studies, on a programme with outstanding student satisfaction ratings.
Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an independent and effective researcher.
Benefit from specialist media research, production, and screening facilities.
Study within the excellent research environment of the Centre for Culture, Media and Society, delivering critical insight and real-world impact.
Develop and implement a programme of research with experienced supervisors specialising in cultural heritage, industries and institutions, film and TV, digital culture and technologies, identities, anti-racism, and applications of VR.

Networking Opportunities
Throughout your course you’ll have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field.  Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research.   All our doctoral students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Centre for Media, Culture and Society hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field and national conferences such as Fear 2000.

CCRI is a partner in the AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Heritage.

SHU doctoral students are also supported to enter the national ‘3-minute thesis’ competition.

Live projects
Doctoral projects in this area explore and offer real world critical insights on cultural, social and media practices and institutions and contemporary issues.   Some are developed in collaboration with external partners e.g., Sheffield’s Doc Fest, the Stanley Kubrick archive, the Sheffield Hospitals Trust, the National Trust.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

79% of our research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Sheffield Hallam is also ranked in the top 12 of UK universities for the research environment supporting these disciplines.

You’ll work with a supervisory team with expertise in your research area who help you to define and plan your research programme, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as an independent researcher.  You’ll join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work at SHU and beyond.

You learn through

• independent study
• project supervision
• active research
• researcher development training events
• level 7 research methods modules (as necessary)
• presenting your research at conferences and seminars
• participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
• writing and defending a doctoral thesis

 

You receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher.  You’ll explore how to publish your research and establish an academic profile.  You’ll present at the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact.

Your learning is supported by access to

• a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Media, Communication and Film Studies and PGR administration team
• a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
• SHU Academic Skills Centre with sessions specifically for doctoral researchers
• the University English Scheme for international students
• a programme of support for doctoral student wellbeing

A PhD is an essential qualification for academic careers in

• research
• lecturing in further or higher education

 

You develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to roles in areas such as

• cultural and creative industries
• media
• heritage sector
• publishing
• third sector
• local government
• education

 

Typically, applicants should hold an undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and a relevant master’s qualification (or expectation of the same) at merit or above in a relevant subject, and with strong performance (2.1 or above) in research related modules. We may consider applications from candidates with an exceptional performance (1st class) in an undergraduate degree only. 

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an IELTS score of 7.0, with 7.0 in all components (or equivalent). Please note that your test score must be current, i.e., within the last two years.

Applicants must submit a 1,500-word research proposal with their application form and documents. Suitable candidates are invited to an interview and will be asked to give a short presentation about their proposed research. 

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their research interests to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our expertise.

Students who are based overseas may be able to study for a PhD by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement, as part of the application process.