Media and communications research is developing rapidly, both theoretically and methodologically, in-keeping with the vast expansion in the penetration, technological diversity and social significance of the media globally. Media and communications research is essentially interdisciplinary, drawing on the theories and methods of a range of social science disciplines as they apply to the media, both old and new.
With 91% of its research output judged to be "world leading" or "internationally excellent" (REF 2014), the Department of Media and Communications provides an excellent research-based education to its doctoral researchers. Its mission is to guarantee the highest quality graduate research training in media and communications and to undertake original social science research in the field, emphasising in particular the relationship between media, technology and social change.
The original PhD offered by the department, focusing on the role of media and communications in contemporary society.
Students are required to attend in both first and second years of study, MC500 the Weekly Research Seminar for Media, Communications and Culture. They will also be required to attend and pass in the first year at least one full unit of advanced research methods training, MC5M2 Advanced Methods of Research in Media & Communications, which includes a choice of qualitative and quantitative research methods courses and workshops. Students on the MPhil/PhD in Media and Communications without the requisite closely related background in media and communications theory will be required, in addition, to attend and pass (by coursework only) MC408/418 Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications I and II.
Students are encouraged and expected to attend other graduate seminars and courses relevant to the subject of their research in their first, second and subsequent years.
The PhD for students who wish to focus on the role of new media in relation to innovation and literacy.
Students are required to attend in both first and second years of study, MC500 the Weekly Research Seminar for Media, Communications and Culture. They will also be required to attend and pass in the first year at least one full unit of advanced research methods training, MC5M2 Advanced Methods of Research in Media & Communications, which includes a choice of qualitative and quantitative research methods courses and workshops.
Students will be required, in addition, to attend and pass (by coursework only) two of the following:
MC402 The Audience in Media and Communications
MC409 Media, Technology and Everyday Life
MC413 New Media, Information and Knowledge Systems
MC418 Theories and Concepts in Media and Communications II
MC424 Media and Communications Governance
MC425 Interpersonal Mediated Communication
MC430 Data in Communication and Society
Students are encouraged and expected to attend other graduate seminars and courses relevant to the subject of their research in their first, second and subsequent years.
Students will be required to submit a full thesis proposal of 10,000 words to their Thesis Committee by 1 June in their first year Part-time students can submit their Proposal by 1 March in their second year. This paper will include a substantive statement of the aims, theories and methods proposed for the thesis, a tentative chapter outline, an indicative bibliography and a timetable for its completion.
Together with the examination or other assessment in MC5M2 Advanced Methods of Research in Media & Communications and in core theoretical taught causes as detailed above, this paper will form part of the evaluation process, and, together with an oral examination based on the Thesis Proposal, will determine whether students are permitted to upgrade from MPhil to PhD and continue into their second year.
All students will be expected to complete their PhD within 3 years or the equivalent for part-time students.
The Department's Doctoral Programme currently has approximately 35 PhD Researchers offering each of them the opportunity to develop their research skills and ideas in a global centre of excellence in media and communications research.
Dr Bart Cammaerts
Bart is Associate Professor in the Department of Media and Communications and Director of the PhD programmes.
Research Interests:
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Media, power and social change
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Communication and resistance
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Activism and mediation
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Alternative media and community radio
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PhD Students are assigned to a principal supervisor with requisite knowledge in the chosen field and to an appropriate second supervisor. Supervisors are normally members of the Department of Media and Communications faculty. If appropriate, a second or joint supervisor may be recruited from another department.
Each student will be assigned a Thesis Committee consisting of their two supervisors and a senior member of the Department's faculty as Chair. This committee will act as the review panel at the end of the first year of registration and in the decision to upgrade a student from MPhil to PhD. The Thesis Committee also provides feedback on draft chapters submitted at the end of the second year and remains responsible for over-viewing the student's progress in subsequent years
Please see our Academic Staff list to view potential supervisors.
Visiting Research Student status at LSE allows research students at other universities to spend up to one academic session at the School at the discretion of the department concerned. A supervisor is assigned to every Visiting Research Student.
Visiting Research Students in the Department of Media and Communications need to be research and doctoral students registered at another university and wishing to undertake some aspect of their research in the UK. Certain seminars and classes can be attended subject to the advice and approval of the supervisor and teachers concerned. All courses take place in the first two terms – taught course attendance is entirely optional. A full transcript of studies can be produced at the end of the period of study.
How to apply
The application procedure is to apply for the MPhil/PhD (as detailed in the Graduate Prospectus) but to use the application code for visiting status - P4E1 - Visiting Research Student in Media and Communications.
You should provide, as part of your application:a written proposal of no more than 2,500 words, which gives details of your proposed research question(s), the relevant literature and previous research in the field, research methods used and theoretical/conceptual framework to be adopted.
In addition to this, it is required that prospective Visiting Research Students outline the progress made in their PhD project and the reasons for the proposed visit to the Department of Media and Communications. This will enable us to make an informed decision about the proposal and it is equally important to establish if there are appropriate supervisors for your planned research (you will normally be allocated two supervisors). Faculty cannot be expected to provide feedback on proposals and students should submit a proposal that fully covers the elements required. However, it is advisable that prospective Visiting Research Students seek agreement from potential supervisors prior to submitting their official application.
The department also requires proof of Visiting Research Students' ability to work at the required level in English, as well as two academic references, one of which must be from your current principal PhD supervisor.