Media & Broadcast - Research

Overview
The doctoral programme in media and broadcast offers opportunities for both critical and creative practice. Doctoral candidates can focus on ‘traditional’ historical, critical and theoretical studies resulting in an extensive written thesis, or concentrate on practice-led research. The media and broadcast programme presents an ideal opportunity for interdisciplinary research, connecting with areas both within and beyond the School of Arts, English and Languages.

There are three programme routes:
PhD in Media and Broadcast (Creative Practice)
The PhD (Creative Practice) results in a body of supervised creative work supported by a written critical component that places the creative output within the broader field of media and broadcast cultures and engages with appropriate critical approaches to this material. Particular areas of supervision expertise include documentary production and digital media.

PhD in Media and Broadcast (Critical Practice)
Doctoral candidates undertaking the PhD (Critical Practice) will develop advanced, original research relating to their chosen subject. Particular areas of supervision include the history of broadcast media and fantastic genres.

Each of the PhD routes can also be studied as an Integrated PhD. This has an additional first year involving a mix of taught modules and independent work intended to develop skills and knowledge to enhance and develop the doctoral project. It is particularly beneficial to candidates whose project involves a shift in discipline or interdisciplinary work. The Integrated PhD option must be selected during the application process.

MPhil
The MPhil offers candidates the opportunity to undertake either critical or creative practice at an advanced level in one of our areas of specialisation.

Subject Summary
The PhD in Media and Broadcast is your opportunity to focus on a research topic of your choice through critical or creative practice. Working with a supervisor with relevant academic and / or practical expertise, supported where appropriate by other members of staff, you will develop your own original contribution to the field. You will contribute to a developing interdisciplinary research area within the University.

Course structure
There is no specific course content as such, as the specific elements of your studies will depend upon your particular research focus and methodology. You will carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor, who will aid you in identifying appropriate training and development opportunities.

Over the course of study you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School. This will not only help you to develop skills of specific relevance to your particular research, but also engage with aspects of professionalising your PhD, supporting you as a researcher, an academic, and in a range of potential employment environments.

You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake an MPhil or a PhD is delayed until you have completed ‘differentiation’.

Differentiation takes place about 9-12 months after registration for full time students and about 18-30 months for part time students: You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification.

To complete with a doctoral qualification in the critical practice pathway you will be required to submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words. For the creative practice pathway, you will submit a significant piece or portfolio of original creative work, together with a substantial reflective essay placing that work into its relevant contexts. In both cases you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.

A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.

The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.

Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.

The part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.

If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

Graduate
A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in an Arts, Humanities or Social Sciences subject.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.

This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.

The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis, and any creative component, before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time

Entry Year: 2024/25

Career Prospects
Employment after the Course
For further information on career development opportunities at PhD level please contact the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Career Development Team on ahssdevoffice@qub.ac.uk / +44 28 9097 5175 Development Officers Cathy Wilson and Aileen Carson will be happy to provide further information on your research area career prospects.