Film, Media and Communication, Ph.D.

Overview

If you're ready to take your expertise in Film and Media into a postgraduate research qualification, look no further than Portsmouth.

At a time when society is increasingly shaped by the media we consume and create, our research is exploring how film and other forms of screen media shape people's attitudes and beliefs, and how it informs their daily lives.

Our research staff have specialisms in fandom and popular culture, history and theory of animation, Hollywood film, British film, digital content, horror, transmedia storytelling, adaptation, comics and film, Latin American film, transnational cinemas, gender and film, women's filmmaking, queer theory and film, and film and migration.

When you study for a postgraduate research degree with us, you'll be following in the footsteps of previous research students who've presented their work at international conferences, published their outputs in renowned journals, and worked at academic and commercial archives, including the British Film Institute (BFI), the National Archives, The Bill Douglas Centre, the BBC Written Archives and at Channel 4.

Our Doctoral graduates have gone on to careers across the cultural industries, while others have been appointed as post-doctoral researchers on projects funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and established successful academic careers across the globe.

What you'll experience

When you study for a PhD with us, you'll:

• get support from our Graduate School to develop your skills as a researcher and academic
• develop exceptional skills and knowledge
• learn from people at the forefront of their disciplines
• graduate with demonstrable proof of expertise in your chosen field
• study for 3 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time)
• write a thesis of 40,000 – 80,000 words, depending on your subject area

• complete a Viva Voce (an oral defence of your work)

Careers and opportunities

Once you complete your postgraduate research degree, you'll be a highly-skilled researcher with the knowledge and skills to make an impact in many different industries.

Your postgraduate research qualification demonstrates to potential employers that you're an intelligent, capable and motivated person, with provable abilities and experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, communication, leadership and creativity.

When you graduate with a PhD from the University of Portsmouth, you'll have a body of work and a prestigious qualification that can open doors to further research study – or to senior roles in your industry.

When you finish your PhD, our Careers and Employability service can help you put your skills to work in a rewarding career within your chosen field.

And for up to 5 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employability service can offer you help, advice and support as you advance in your career.