PhD/MPhil Journalism

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.

Entry requirements

You should have an undergraduate degree with a second class (upper division) pass (or its equivalent) and a master’s degree in a related academic discipline.

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 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:

• Research Council studentship awards, if available.

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.

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

Research training is provided both within the Department and across the School of Communication & Creativity at City. Students take research modules from MSc Research Method programme that are suitable to their studies.

MA modules in Academic Practice are also available to students to provide them with relevant skills required for teaching in higher education and for overall career development. Further pedagogical skills are developed through teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels for those who secure teaching role.

The Department also runs a research seminar series in which doctoral students participate actively. At each stage of the PhD process, supervisors guide students to identify their individual training needs and direct them to relevant courses offered by City.

For more information about research degree training provision, please visit the City Doctoral College.

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.