Program start date | Application deadline |
2024-09-30 | - |
Program Overview
The PhD in Communication at City University London equips students with transdisciplinary research skills in advertising, strategic communication, public relations, and journalism. Through a flexible teaching approach, students work closely with supervisors to conduct original research and produce a significant dissertation, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, government, or independent consultancy.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The PhD in Communication at City University London is designed to equip students with the academic and professional tools needed to become independent, creative, and original thinkers.
The program emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach, encompassing advertising, strategic communication, public relations, and journalism.
Students will gain the skills necessary to:
- Conduct original, impactful research.
- Contribute to the advancement of knowledge and research within the field.
- Communicate research effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences. The program's structure allows students to work closely with a supervisory team whose expertise aligns with their chosen research topic. This fosters a supportive environment for developing research skills and acquiring specialized knowledge.
Outline:
The program commences with an initial registration as an MPhil/PhD student.
After completing a minimum period of registration (one year for full-time, two years for part-time), students become eligible to apply for upgrading. Upon approval, students embark on a research project culminating in a 75,000-100,000 word dissertation. This project must demonstrate a significant contribution to the field, satisfy peer review, and merit publication. The program is divided into several phases:
- Research skills development: The program offers various activities and modules designed to enhance research and writing skills, including:
- Training in specific research methods
- Instruction on academic writing and publication
- Practice in conducting presentations and defending research
- Dissertation writing: This is the central focus of the program, requiring students to conduct original research and produce a comprehensive dissertation under the guidance of their supervisory team.
- Defense: Students must defend their dissertation before a panel of examiners, demonstrating their mastery of the field and the originality of their research.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a multi-faceted assessment approach:
- Continuous assessment: Throughout the program, students engage in activities like presentations, writing assignments, and research proposals that contribute to their overall evaluation.
- Dissertation: The dissertation is the primary assessment tool, judged on its originality, clarity, and contribution to the field.
- Oral examination: Students defend their dissertation before a panel of examiners, offering an opportunity to showcase their deep understanding of the research and respond to expert questions.
Teaching:
The program features a flexible approach to teaching and learning, adapting to the individual needs of each student.
Elements of the program include:
- Individual supervision: Students work closely with a supervisory team to receive personalized guidance and support throughout their research journey.
- Training workshops: These workshops equip students with essential skills like research methods, academic writing, and communication strategies.
- Seminars and conferences: Students have ample opportunities to present their research and receive feedback from peers and experts in the field.
- Independent study: Students are encouraged to pursue self-directed learning, further deepening their understanding of their chosen research area.
Careers:
The PhD in Communication equips graduates with a diverse range of skills and knowledge, opening doors to various career paths:
- Academic careers: Graduates can pursue research positions at universities, research institutions, or other academic settings.
- Industry roles: With their communication and research expertise, graduates can find employment in various industries like advertising agencies, public relations firms, or media organizations.
- Government and policy: Graduates can use their research skills to inform policy and decision-making within government and non-governmental organizations.
- Independent consultancy: Graduates may choose to work as independent consultants, providing research and communication expertise to various clients.
Other:
The PhD in Communication program at City University London offers several unique benefits:
- Research strengths: The program is grounded in robust research fields like advertising, health communication, communication policy, law and ethics, political communication, social media, public relations, strategic communication, AI and innovation, conflict and crisis reporting, and gender, communication and journalism.
- Faculty expertise: Students benefit from the guidance of renowned academics with diverse expertise and involvement in cutting-edge research projects.
- Industry connections: The program fosters strong connections with industry partners, offering students valuable networking opportunities and potential career pathways.
- Vibrant community: Students become part of a dynamic research community, collaborating with peers, researchers, and academics across various disciplines.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Full-time Home/UK:£5,100 per year Part-time Home/UK:£2,560 per year Full-time International:£13,630 per year Part-time International:£6,810 per year
City University of London
Overview:
City, University of London is a public research university located in London, England. It is known for its focus on business, practice, and the professions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university is renowned for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing students with a high-quality learning experience.
Services Offered:
City University of London provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Library Services:
Access to extensive library resources, including books, journals, databases, and online resources.Moodle:
An online learning platform for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, and communicating with instructors.Email:
A university-provided email account for official communication.Staff Directory:
A searchable directory of staff members and their contact information.Term Dates:
Information on the academic year and term dates.Room Booking:
A system for booking rooms on campus for meetings, events, and other purposes.Schools and Departments:
Information on the various schools and departments within the university.Student Life and Campus Experience:
City University of London offers a vibrant and diverse student experience, with a strong emphasis on:
London Experience:
The university's location in London provides students with access to a wide range of cultural, social, and professional opportunities.Sports:
A variety of sports clubs and facilities are available for students to participate in, both competitively and non-competitively.Social Activities and Groups:
Numerous student societies and groups cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for social interaction and personal development.Student Wellbeing:
The university offers a range of support services to ensure students' health and wellbeing, including learning support, personal tutoring, and counseling.Career Development:
The university provides career guidance and support services to help students prepare for their future careers.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
City University of London is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Focus on Business, Practice, and the Professions:
The university's programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers.Location in London:
The university's location in the heart of London provides students with access to a wealth of opportunities.Vibrant Student Life:
City University of London offers a diverse and engaging student experience.Excellent Career Support:
The university provides comprehensive career guidance and support services.Academic Programs:
City University of London offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Business and Management:
Bayes Business School is renowned for its programs in finance, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.Law:
The City Law School is a leading institution for legal education, offering programs in law, international law, and legal practice.Health and Psychological Sciences:
The School of Health & Psychological Sciences offers programs in nursing, midwifery, psychology, and other health-related fields.Science and Technology:
The School of Science & Technology offers programs in computer science, engineering, mathematics, and other STEM fields.Communication and Creativity:
The School of Communication & Creativity offers programs in journalism, media, performing arts, and language studies.Other:
Merger with St George's:
City University of London has merged with St George's, University of London, forming a new institution called City St George's, University of London.Awards and Accreditations:
The university has received numerous awards and accreditations for its teaching, research, and commitment to equality and diversity.Global City:
City University of London is a global institution with a strong international presence.University of London:
City University of London is a member of the University of London, a federation of 18 independent colleges and institutes.Entry Requirements:
UK/EU Students:
- Hold at least a good 2.1 BA qualification or equivalent.
- Hold an MA qualification with at least Merit or an equivalent qualification.
- Have studied Media, Film, Television, Cultural Studies, or another relevant subject in the social sciences or humanities.
Non-EU International Students:
- Hold at least a good 2.1 BA qualification or equivalent.
- Hold an MA qualification with at least Merit or an equivalent qualification.
- Have studied Media, Film, Television, Cultural Studies, or another relevant subject in the social sciences or humanities.
- Meet English language requirements. (See below.)
Non-traditional applicants:
- Applicants without a traditional academic background will be considered if they can demonstrate substantial research experience or evidence of relevant professional experience or publication.
English Language Requirements:
- All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate a high standard of written and spoken English proficiency.
- Acceptable evidence includes:
- A degree from a British or other Anglophone university.
- A minimum overall score of 7.5 and no less than 7.0 in any of the subtests (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) administered by the British Council.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For non-native English speakers, a minimum overall score of 7.5 and no less than 7.0 in any of the subtests (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) administered by the British Council is required.
- Alternatively, a degree from a British or other Anglophone university may be accepted as evidence of English language proficiency.