MPhil Media and Communications

Study Mode Full-time
Year of Entry 2023/24
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MPhil

Media and Communications

Conduct a period of intensive, supervised study where you will critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and demonstrate an understanding of suitable research methods.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £4,712 per year
    International/EU: £16,385 per year

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    2 Years

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Date

    When do I start?

    February 2024
    May 2024


Course summary

  • Undertake Masters level research into an approved topic in media, communication, or film studies on a programme with outstanding student satisfaction ratings
  • Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective researcher
  • Study within the excellent research environment of the Centre for Culture, Media and Society, delivering critical insight and real-world impact

 

Develop and implement a research project with experienced supervisors specialising in cultural heritage, industries and institutions, film and TV, digital culture and technologies, identities, anti-racism, and applications of VR.

Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associates can enrol for an MPhil based on the project developed with the host company.


How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

79% of our research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021.  SHU is ranked in the top 12 of UK universities for the research environment supporting these disciplines.  

You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your research area who help you to define and plan your research project, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as a researcher.  You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work.  

You learn through:

  • independent study
  • project supervision
  • active research 
  • training events and workshops
  • presenting your research at conferences and seminars
  • participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
  • writing and defending an MPhil thesis 

You will receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher.  You will have an opportunity to present at one of the Culture & Creativity Research Institute (CCRI) interdisciplinary conferences on the themes of research METHOD and research IMPACT, which provide a platform for focussed discussion on research process and practice and questions of application, audience, and impact. 

Your learning is supported by access to:

  • a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Media, Communication and Film Studies and PGR Administration team
  • a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
  • SHU Academic Skills Centre
  • the University English Scheme for international students
  • a programme of support for student wellbeing

Students who are based overseas may be able to study for an MPhil by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement as part of the application process. 

Course leaders and tutors

Dr Kerry McSeveny
Dr Kerry McSeveny
Senior Lecturer, Postgraduate Research Tutor - Media, Communication & Film

Kerry is a Research Fellow in the Communication and Computing Research Centre. Her research uses a range of qualitative approaches and encompasses a wide variety of … Read more

Applied learning

Networking Opportunities

Throughout your course you will have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field.  Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research.   All our postgraduate students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.

The Centre for Media, Culture and Society hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field and national conferences such as Fear 2000

CCRI is a partner in the AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Heritage.

Live projects

Projects in this area explore and offer real world critical insights on cultural, social and media practices and institutions and contemporary issues.   Some projects are developed in collaboration with external partners e.g., Sheffield’s Doc Fest, the Stanley Kubrick archive, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the National Trust.


Future careers

A research degree is an essential qualification for researcher roles.   

 

You also develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to roles in e.g.,

  • education
  • cultural and creative industries
  • media
  • heritage sector
  • publishing
  • third sector
  • local government

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

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Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Equipment and facilities

The community of researchers in the Culture and Creativity Research Institute has access to a dedicated office space to work in, which we also use to host community writing sessions.

The university has specialist research, media and film facilities including production equipment, recording studios, edit suites, VR studio and screening facilities at 'The Void' film lecture theatre, which boasts cinema-standard 4K digital projection and two 40-year-old Westrex 7000 35mm projectors. Two libraries provide 24-hour access, and a dedicated library research support team offer expert advice and training on all aspects of information and publishing.  

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Entry requirements

All students

Please contact the relevant research area or centre to enquire about the entry requirements for this MPhil. Where English is not your first language, you must also show evidence of English language ability.

All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Find out more about the University’s research areas and staff or search for members of staff by keyword.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £4,712 per year.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £16,385 per year. There will be a final writing up fee of £500.

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Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Doctoral student loans

Additional course costs

This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Additional costs for Media, PR and journalism courses (PDF, 251.7KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

Contact the relevant Research Institute through the doctoral school contacts' page

Apply now

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

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Why choose us?

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Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

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Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

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Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

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Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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