On the PhD/MPhil, you will join our internationally renowned Journalism department, whose expertise includes editors of leading academic journals, receiving a high level of support from your supervisor.
Research centres and groups
Key information
| Starting date | Deadline for application |
|---|---|
Duration
Overview
You will be joining our internationally renowned Department of Journalism, whose staff includes experienced industry professionals and leaders in media research.
External assessors and students praise the high standard of research and the support of supervisors on our research degrees. A high percentage of our research graduates publish their theses in peer-reviewed journals and books.
Our faculty has expertise in topics including:
- History
- Ethics
- Law and regulation
- Practices and processes in a digital context
- Effects of/on globalisation
- representation and democratisation
- business and leadership
- scholarship of teaching and learning in journalism.
We are especially interested in research proposals around journalism practices.
Our students often have the opportunity to teach, and after graduating may enter academia or return to senior roles in the media sector.
Structure
Students on graduate research programmes are initially registered for the degree of MPhil. Promotion to registration to PhD is not automatic, but contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a review process.
This normally takes place towards the end of the first year of registration for full-time candidates. The review process for part-time candidates will take place towards the end of the second year. If the outcome is satisfactory, the student will be upgraded to PhD.
The programme will conclude with submission of your research in the form of a PhD thesis. You will attend a viva voce examination in front of at least two examiners, at least one of whom will be external to City.
For full details about City, University of London's PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students.
Requirements
Entry requirements
You should have a track record of high academic achievement, demonstrated by a good undergraduate degree with a second class (upper division) pass or equivalent. A Masters-level degree in an academic discipline related is advisable.
In exceptional cases, professional qualifications and experience in the proposed research area may compensate for the lack of a Master's degree.
English requirements
For students whose first language is not English, the following qualifications will meet the English language requirement for entry to a postgraduate course of study:
- A first degree from a UK university or from the CNAA.
- A first degree from an overseas institution recognised by City as providing adequate evidence of proficiency in the English language, for example, from institutions in Australia, Canada or the USA.
- GCE O-level/GCSE English language or English literature, grade C minimum.
- Cambridge ESOL CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English) at grade C or above.
- An overall score of 7.0 in the English Language Testing System (IELTS) including 7.0 in writing with a minimum of 6.0 for each other subtest.
- Other evidence of proficiency in the English language which satisfies the board of studies concerned.
For more information see our English language proficiency requirements at City.
Visa requirements
If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.
The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:
- Students on courses of more than six months
- Students on courses of less than six months
- Students on a pre-sessional English language course.
For more information see our main Visa page.
Fees and funding
Full-time UK:£4,680 per year
Part-time UK:£2,340 per year
Full-time Overseas/EU:£12,480 per year
Part-time Overseas/EU:£6,240 per year
Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination. Fees are subject to review each year and may vary during your period of registration.
City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research.
Support for PhD study
Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities such as:
Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.
Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.
Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.
Postgraduate Doctoral Loans
The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.
This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.
For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page.
2020 Commonwealth Master’s PhD Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s PhD Scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). These Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. They are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.
Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships are for candidates from low and middle income Commonwealth countries. These scholarships will allow you to undertake full-time taught Master’s study at a UK university.
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for candidates from less developed countries and fragile states in the Commonwealth. These scholarships for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.
Candidates are advised to read the terms and conditions carefully and to ensure they meet the full eligibility criteria as stated in the terms and conditions. For full details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK website.
Academic support
City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research.
Supervision
Each of our research students is provided with a supervisory panel, including a designated lead supervisor.
Training
Students on graduate research programmes are initially registered for the degree of MPhil. Promotion to registration to PhD is not automatic, but contingent on the satisfactory outcome of a review process.
This normally takes place towards the end of the first year of registration for full-time candidates. Part-time candidates will normally have their review process towards the end of the second year. If the outcome is satisfactory, the student will be upgraded to PhD.
The programme will conclude with submission of your research in the form of a PhD thesis and attendance at a viva voce examination. The examination will be in front of at least two examiners. At least one of whom will be external to City.
For more information, please see the visit the City Doctoral College.
How to apply
We accept applications on an ongoing basis for entry in late September. There is no formal application deadline, but it is advisable to apply as early as possible due to the limited availability of supervisors.
To apply online, you will need to submit the following supporting documents:
- Your research proposal (max 3 sides of A4)
- Official work e-mail addresses (not private ones) for two academic referees (or one academic and one professional referee where appropriate)
- Copies of your degree transcripts and certificates (originals or certified copies).
- Proof of your English language proficiency (if applicable).
For more information please see how to prepare your research proposal.
When this information is received the application will be assessed by the relevant academic staff. Further information or an interview may be required. The applicant will be contacted if this is the case. The outcome will be reported to the applicant as soon as is practicable.
