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, Platforms 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 School of Media and Communication, and we encourage all our PhDs to participate fully in our many and varied activities and events.
We welcome high-quality applications to join our thriving community of researchers.
For queries about any aspect of the application process, or to discuss where your research idea might fit within our specialisms, please include both of the following contacts as recipients in the same email:
- Dr Alessandro D’Arma, School PhD & DRDP Co-ordinator, email: [email protected]
- Dr Ed Bracho-Polanco, School DRDP Coordinator and PhD Admissions Tutor, email: [email protected]
View profiles of our staff and news of our research and activities on the CAMRI website.
How to apply
You can find more information about study options on our Mode of study page.
PhD via MPhil
The majority of students will apply via the PhD via MPhil route. You can read more about the application process and entry requirements on our How to apply page.
Distance Learning
If you intend to apply for a research degree by distance-learning, you will need to demonstrate that you have appropriate local support for the duration of registration – please refer to the information on our Distance learning page.
PhD by published work
If you intend to apply for a PhD by Published Work please refer to the information on our PhD by published work page as the application process differs from the normal MPhil/PhD. Before applying, you should first make contact with the relevant academic for an informal discussion of your publications. You should only submit a formal application at this stage.
Apply now
Apply for the following subjects
- Media and Communication
Apply to our research degrees using the links below.
You'll be able to select your subject area in the 'Supporting Information' section of the application form.
September 2027 start
| Mode of study | Apply now |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD full time with a January 2026 start date |
| Part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD part time with a January 2026 start date |
| Distance learning full-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD part time with a January 2026 start date |
| Distance Learning part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD distance learning course with a September 2026 start date |
| PhD by Published Work part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD by published work with a January 2026 start date |
January 2028 start
| Mode of study | Apply now |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD full time with a January 2026 start date |
| Part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD part time with a January 2026 start date |
| Distance learning full-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD part time with a January 2026 start date |
| Distance Learning part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD distance learning course with a September 2026 start date |
| PhD by Published Work part-time | Apply nowApply for MPhil/PhD by published work with a January 2026 start date |
Studentships
The Graduate School and each of the academic schools at the University of Westminster are committed to doctoral programmes which encourage and make possible excellent research. As part of this, we are committed to offering a range of studentships.
Find out about current studentships being offered across the university on our Studentships page.
Research centres and groups
Find out more about research based in the School of Media and Communications