Media & Broadcast - Research

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, media and misinformation, gender and media, media, religion and culture, memory and nostalgia studies.

Graduate

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



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

How to Apply

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



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

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.

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.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability.



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