An aerial view of Singleton Campus and the bay opposite
Professor Yan Wu

Professor Yan Wu

Professor
Media

Telephone number

+44 (0) 1792 513273

Email address

Office - 122
First Floor
Digital Technium
Singleton Campus
Available For Postgraduate Supervision

About

I work as a Professor of Media Studies in the School of Culture and Communication at Swansea University. I've been a Fellow of Higher Education Academy since 2017 and a Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales since 2025.  I have worked in both British and Chinese Higher Education sectors and conducted teaching and research in both countries. 

My research interests cover two main areas - Chinese media and communication and digital inclusivity in Wales. My research expertise in Chinese media and communication encompasses a range of issues including online communities, citizen journalism, social media in China, and China’s soft power communication. Meanwhile, I have also developed a series of research projects on digital media and inclusivity in Wales. The research constitutes a portfolio of projects, raising public awareness of communicative rights for people from marginalized communities in the digital age, supporting the on-going campaign for communication equality by the Welsh Government.

My funded research portfolio demonstrates both leadership, engagement and impact. I have served as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on projects funded by AHRC, the British Council, the Welsh Government, public broadcasters and other agencies. My academic profile is supported by an extensive publication record, keynote invitations, international conference presentations, external PhD examination and editorial board membership. My research has resulted in academic publications, as well as policy reports, public briefings, strengthened partnerships with government, industry and communities for sustained knowledge transfer. 

Areas Of Expertise

  • Social media in China
  • Citizen journalism in China
  • Media and public diplomacy in China
  • Chinese diaspora
  • Digital inclusivity
  • Digital advocacy

Career Highlights

Teaching Interests

Currently, I teach on a number of modules including Popular Culture and Alternative New Genres (UG); Media and Identities (UG), and Global Media (PGTM). I also contribute to team-taught modules.

As MA International Journalism Programme Director (2009–2020), I led sustained curriculum redesign to ensure responsiveness to the rapidly evolving media landscape.

I served as External Examiner and External Academic Lead at St George’s City University London (2021-2025) where I provided oversight of curriculum quality and national benchmarking. 

Research Award Highlights