Communication, Cultural and Media Studies Research Programmes

Summary

Ulster University pioneered the development of Communication and Media Studies in higher education, introducing one of the first communication and media studies degrees in the UK and Ireland in 1978. In REF 2021 an impressive 77% of our research was judged either world-leading or internationally excellent. We are particularly proud of our quality profile of our research outputs. Nearly tripling the amount of our world leading outputs during the last REF cycle, our research unit was placed 2^nd of the 9 research units in the faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and 4^th overall of the 18 research units across Ulster University as a whole.

Communication plays a central role in society and contributes to a vibrant economy. Our research is important to ensure communication is effective and impactful in the 21st century.

We welcome applications in the following areas:

• Public communication : the focus is on two areas- public service advertising (PSA): with PSA a significant driver of societal and economic well-being, the aim is to increase the knowledge of the factors that contribute to the efficiency/effectiveness of PSA. Government and Public sector in Northern Ireland: as a devolved nation of the UK, Northern Ireland has a number of Departments of the NI Executive, and a range of other public bodies, engaged in a range of communications activities to citizens. This area focuses on increasing our knowledge and  understanding of the Government and Public Sector in Northern Ireland and what impact does the consociational nature of politics in NI have on communication.
• Digital cultural heritage (DCH): this area focuses on community participation in the production of cultural artefacts and investigating the role of digitisation in capturing and preserving culture, in particular rural communities where the role of cultural activity is crucial in building community resilience.
• Psychoanalysis and culture: focuses on the use of the object relations tradition of psychoanalysis to analyse an aspect of our emotional and unconscious experience with cultural objects; 'cultural objects’ referring to film, art, literature, music, or immersive technologies.
• Metamodernist screen narratives and 21st century crisis: a growing area of interdisciplinary research producing innovative work engaging with emerging screen practices and technologies. The aim is to apply metamodernist theory and worldview to creative screen practice.

A comprehensive and articulate personal statement should be submitted along with a clearly defined research proposal detailing the background, research questions, aims and methodology of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.