Research profile
This PhD programme offers opportunities to either study for a traditional written PhD or to combine media theory with practical outputs, with recent doctoral researchers working with institutions like the Museum of London and the British Film Institute in the production of video essays, policy recommendations and multimedia exhibitions.
You'll benefit from access to London's media industry via our events programme of exclusive visits, guest lectures, and mentorship opportunities, equipping you for impactful careers in academia or the media sector.
Research culture
The research environment at Brunel University London offers PhD students a dynamic, interdisciplinary culture, focusing on media, communication, and social change. Centred around our departmental research group in 'Media, Culture and Politics', postgraduate researchers will engage with cutting-edge debates, professional development, and industry connections, preparing them for careers in academia or the media industries.
Research impact
Research at Brunel University London has impacted the understanding of the media's role in shaping society, power relations, and social justice movements. Work with UK and international news organisations, the British Film Institute, and social media companies has informed policy and empowered marginalised voices.
Research community
The research community is deeply interdisciplinary, with expertise spanning media, gender, class, politics, and social justice. Key areas include the cultural politics of gender, media's role in democracy, digital activism, and diversity in film and television. Faculty research critically engages with contemporary issues, influencing public debates, policy, and social change.
Examples of completed media research projects
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
Find a supervisor
Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team.
You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.
PhD topics
While we welcome applications from students with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:
Research journey
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here: Research degree progress structure.
Research support
Research support
Excellent research support and training
The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme. The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.
Library services
Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.
Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.
Find out more: Brunel Library
In addition to the academic support of your supervisory team, you will have access to a wide range of specialist training and resources. At the departmental level, this includes weekly research methods panels where experts from the department discuss with postgraduate researchers how they approach aspects of their own research and writing, along with access to the regular research seminars organised by the 'Media, Culture and Politics' research group.
For practice-based research, our Media Teaching Centre provides you with training, equipment and access to industry-standard studio and post-production facilities. You will have access to a range of professional cameras and audio recording equipment, along with a wide range of additional resources from lighting kits through to podcasting facilities, with full training provided in bespoke sessions.
We have twelve dedicated edit suites for use on individual or small group projects, powered by professional iMacs with dual-screen monitors and a dedicated sound system. You will have free access to the full Adobe Creative Cloud software with access to training in Adobe Premiere, Audition, and Photoshop.
All resources are supported by a dedicated team of specialist media technicians, who provide training and advice in the latest equipment and software and can assist you when you encounter any difficulties with your projects.
Careers and your future
You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.
In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.
Graduates often pursue careers in academia, conducting advanced research and teaching at universities. Others enter the media and communications industries, working in journalism, public relations, or digital media. Some focus on policy analysis, media consultancy, or social justice activism, leveraging their expertise to influence public discourse and drive societal change.
UK entry requirements
The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1).
An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.
Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and a research statement.
Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement here.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 7.5 (min 7.0 in all areas)
- Pearson: 73 (64 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 73% (68% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 108 (min 20)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/5 entry
International
£21,260 full-time
£10,630 part-time
UK
£4,786 full-time
£2,393 part-time
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
Some courses incur additional course related costs. You can also check our on-campus accommodation costs for more information on living expenses.
Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.
