Media Studies: Fully Funded ESRC Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) PhD Studentship in the Journalism and Democracy Pathway

Funding providers: ESRC WGSSS and Swansea University

Subject areas: Journalism and Democracy

Project description: 

Media, Communications and Public Relations at Swansea has been consistently recognized for its excellence and is placed right at the top in UK league tables for various elements of its delivery. Priding itself on a strong sense of community, staff and students are involved at the cutting edge of the study of contemporary media and its impact. Our mix of esteemed practitioners and globally acknowledged scholars have expertise across a broad range of sub themes within the Journalism, Democracy and Digital Media pathway. 

For example, while we attend to the traditional aspects of print and broadcast journalism and the way that these cover key areas such as politics, conflict, financial affairs, the climate crisis and sport, our expertise extends into alternative digital news media, fact checking, disordered information, hate speech, racism and misogyny. Colleagues have extensively researched social media and all its dimensions, the metaverse, virtual and augmented reality, the wider implications of surveillance and technological interventions into all elements of contemporary life. We have strong impact in the fields of digital access for minority groups and the ways that news and journalism are both governed and regulated, and overarching all of this, our film and TV studies scholars offer insight into how all such elements are represented to wider audiences. Our public relations scholars are research active in looking at both the corporate functioning and the more disruptive elements within that profession, and how organizations digitally manage and maintain crises and brand identities. We would welcome applications that tap into these themes and add new and important dimensions.

Studying a Media PhD at Swansea combines the benefits of accessing the most up-to-date experts in “media” in its widest sense with becoming part of a close-knit community of scholars who prioritize community and collegiality.

Eligibility

To receive ESRC studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. 

Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.  

The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation. 

We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent.

Funding Details

Funding Comment

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship. 

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant, worth up to £940 per year.

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