Postgraduate Research Programme
MPhil / PhD
Media and Communications Studies at Swansea University is part of the College of Arts and Humanities which draws students from countries all over Europe and the world. The School has an international reputation for research excellence with several subjects rated '5'in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE).
Media and Communication Studies is committed to teaching and research in a cross-cultural contex and has a number of innovative research programmes. The Economic and Social research Council (ESRC) currently funds collaborative research in the Department.
There are opportunities to study full-time or part-time, leading to awards of PhD and MPhil.
RESEARCH EXPERTISE AND SUPERVISION
Supervision is available across a wide range of research topics in media and communication studies organised into two research groupings: (1) European film and identity; (2) Digital media and technology; and also shared research clusters of Journalism Theory, Practice and Criticism and Media and Identity in Small Nations, with particular reference to Wales.
1. European Film and Identity |
European Film and Identity brings together substantial expertise in the history, theory and reception of European cinema and is engaged in a variety of provocative analyses of films, film-makers, movements and film-watching communities and nations in relation to literature, new media, politics and socio-political and geo-political contexts. Researchers are closely associated with the European Cinema Research Forum and the Studies in European Cinema journal from Intellect. This group features specific research strengths in German, Polish, Eastern European, Basque, Hispanic and Welsh cinema.
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2. Digital Media and Technology |
Digital Media and Technology combines research at the nexus between media history, theory and technological change, addressing key issues in the emerging global digital world. The group seeks to develop a critical understanding of networked digital media and online social practices and their social, economic and political dynamics in order to inform academic research, wider policy issues and public debates. The relationships between media technology, cultural form and the shift from 'atoms to bits' are addressed through a range of innovative methodological approaches together with a focus on placing these developments within a historical and social context.
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Shared Research Clusters |
Journalism Theory, Practice and Criticism Research associated with the Erasmus-Mundus scheme centres upon technology, war and global journalism, and incorporates work on moral panics and journalism theory, history and practice. Media and Identity in Small Nations, with particular reference to Wales
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The Department seeks to encourage cross-disciplinary research and welcomes postgraduate applications. If you have any informal/formal questions regarding your application please contact us.
Academic enquiries to:
Dr. David Berry
Tel. + 44 (0)1792 602633
Email d.m.berry@swansea.ac.uk
Administrative enquiries to:
Departmental Office
Tel. +44 (0)1792 513375
Email mediastudies@swansea.ac.uk
Research Initiatives
The Department’s major research initiatives include:
- The academic journal Studies in European Cinemas (Intellect)
- The academic journal Cyfrwng (Media)
- A British Academy funded Networks project in collaboration with the University of Leeds entitled Screening Identities: Reconfiguring Identity Politics in Contemporary European Cinema
- AHRC funded Postgraduate Research Training Programme in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth.
- The European Cinema Research Forum
Major recent events include two international conferences in 2006:
FILMS WITHOUT FRONTIERS: EUROPEAN CINEMA RESEARCH FORUM
A prestigious international conference on European cinema was held at the University of Swansea from the 30 June - 2 July 2006.
ENGAGING BAUDRILLARD: AN INTERNATIONAL, MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE
The first international, multi-disciplinary conference on the work of Jean Baudrillard was held in the University of Wales on the 4-6 September 2006.
How to Apply
Please complete the application form for postgraduate admission. Application forms and referee report forms can be downloaded online.
You should fill the relevant section or submit a research proposal of about 1000 words, which should include a discussion of your research question and the methodologies that you expect to use. This will help us to evaluate the degree of fit between your intended field of study and the School's research activities, the likelihood of completing the proposed project within the time limits allowed, and the current capacity of the School to supervise.
Please send any supporting papers with your application, such as photocopies of your degree certificate, transcripts of your studies or references.
You should indicate on the application form how you intend to fund your studies. You should also include completed referee report forms (or letters of reference) from two referees, each in a sealed envelope signed across the seal by the referee.
The completed the on-line Postgraduate Enquiry Form should be sent to:
The Admissions Office,
University of Wales Swansea
Singleton Park Swansea SA2 8PP UK
Tel: 01792 295358 Fax: 01792 295110
e-mail: J.A.L.Morgan@swansea.ac.uk
Financing Your Studies
Details of possible funding sources can be found on the University’s website: http://www.swan.ac.uk/Student_Records/Postgraduates/
Teaching Opportunities
There may be opportunities for research students to teach on some of the College's modules at undergraduate level as seminar leaders. The employment available is dependent on the College's teaching needs at any given time.
There is a limit to the amount of teaching research students can undertake. This is an average of six hours a week during any one academic year (for full-time PhDs), and includes class contact time, preparation time, assessment activities and any associated training.
Training will be provided for those research students undertaking teaching responsibilities.
More Information for Overseas Students
Further information about Swansea and Swansea University for overseas applicants can be found on the website: http://www.swan.ac.uk/marketing/InternationalOffice/
