Doctoral Programme
Our PhD programme draws on the supervisory expertise available within the Communication and Media Research Institute (CAMRI), which has a long-established reputation for producing world-leading research.
CAMRI is currently organised around four main research themes:
- Media Policy and the Public Interest
- Global Media, Decolonisation and Mobilities
- Communication, AI and Infrastructures
- Media Industries and Creative Labour
Additional supervisory expertise is drawn from the recently established Critical Visual Media Research Group within the School of Media and Communication.
We have around 25 supervising staff and around 40 doctoral researchers, whose projects critically explore the political, economic, social, and cultural significance of media and communication across the globe.
Areas we offer supervision on include (but are not limited to):
- AI, Data and Society
- Global Media
- Internet and Platform Regulation
- Journalism and News
- Media and Communication Policy
- Media and Migration
- Media and Digital Activism
- Media Audiences
- Media Diversity
- Media Industries and Production
- Political Communication
- Political Economy of Communication
- Public Diplomacy
- Public Service Media
- Social Media
- TV, Film and Screen Studies
The PhD programme and its doctoral researchers are a crucial part of the work of the School of Media and Communication, and we encourage all of our PhDs to participate fully in our many and varied activities and events.
We provide a platform for diverse, challenging research aimed at making a mark in the scholarly community and the wider world. We offer a range of facilities and support, including:
- designated doctoral rooms with computers;
- extensive library access, including 24-hour access for some of the academic year;
- research training;
- language training;
- training for teaching;
- career development training;
- studio and laboratory space;
- Funding to cover research costs;
- funding to attend conferences.
CAMRI staff members are some of the leading scholars in their fields, with national and international expertise in their subject areas and with considerable experience in supervising doctoral researchers. As such, they are well placed to provide the necessary academic support to CAMRI doctoral researchers.
Doctoral researchers are a valued part of the School community and, along with staff, take part in regular workshops and seminars organised by CAMRI or in collaboration with other schools within the university or with external institutions.
Doctoral researchers are also involved in a host of other activities such as reading groups, writing retreats, and annual PhD Research Symposia.
CAMRI doctoral programme graduates go on to successful careers in both academic and media professions.
The CAMRI PhD programme exists under the umbrella of the university’s Graduate School, and CAMRI researchers benefit from the training opportunities offered by the Doctoral Researcher Development Programme DRDP, some of which are delivered at university level and some in the schools. Researchers are expected to play a full part in the life of the research community across the university, including the annual Graduate School Festival.
The Graduate School website provides information on entry requirements, the application process, mode of study, fees and funding, and studentships.
Contact us
For an informal discussion with our head of Doctoral Studies, Alessandro D’Arma, or for more information about scholarships, please email: Alessandro D’Arma (A.Darma@westminster.ac.uk) and Ed Bracho-Polanco (E.Brachopolanco@westminster.ac.uk)