Communication, Cultural & Media Studies - Research

Overview

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, placing our research unit 2nd of the 9 research units in the faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and 4th overall of the 18 research units across Ulster University as a whole.

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.

How to Apply

We are delighted that you are considering Ulster University for your research studies.



Get full details on the application process and further guidance on how to apply, and what you will need to upload as part of your application (see "Application Date Weblink").



Once you have identified supervisors, discussed a research proposal and are ready to make an application, please apply using the online application system (see "Application Weblink").



Ulster University welcomes applications from all sections of the community and from persons with disabilities. It is University policy to assess all applications using academic criteria and on the basis of equality of opportunity and you should be assured that reasonable adjustments will be made should you require them.

Careers and opportunities

PhD graduates are recognised by employers to hold valuable transferrable skills, as the nature of the degree trains candidates in creativity, critical inquiry, problem solving, negotiation skills, professionalism and confidence.



The most recent Ulster survey of PhD graduates found that 92% had secured employment within the first year since graduation (HESA Destination of Leavers Survey 2015), and while two thirds end up in the Higher Education or Research sectors, the range of skills acquired equips the remainder for employment in a wide range of contexts.