Communication, Cultural and Media Studies research
The University of Stirling has been a leader in communication, cultural and media studies research for over 40 years, producing interdisciplinary work that engages with national and international debates.
We’re represented on governmental, third sector and cultural committees and boards and have strong links with industry and academic partners worldwide. The Division hosts major conferences and takes the lead on new media initiatives, furthering enhancing our network of links and helping to create a vibrant environment in which staff and postgraduate students have unique opportunities to collaborate with industry decision- and policy-makers.
Our research
Digital media and cultures
Our experts are leading on innovative ways to develop knowledge on how digital media are transforming people’s lives and the communities in which they live.
Film Studies
We have a forty-year-long research tradition in the field of film research which we continue to foster and diversify through recruitment of international film research specialists.
International Journalism
We're researching international security and human rights, the politics of poverty, refugees and migrants, political communication in non-Western nations and more.
Media histories, heritage and archives
Developing, enhancing, researching and making accessible special collections either held at Stirling or within Scotland which have media and cultural history relevance to both academic and public audiences.
Promotional culture
We explore the cultural influence of brands on consumer behaviour and investigate digital advertising, applied public relations and social media marketing.
Scottish media, communications and cultures
Research in this area covers cultural policy issues related to the film, television and media sectors more broadly, as well as a specific focus on Scottish media practices, content and cultural identities.
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Research Spotlight
Find out how we shared Scotland's rich sporting history with audiences across the country in our popular "Hosts and Champions" exhibition.
Featured research
Focus on Scotland: a factual television festival
The University has established itself as the annual host for the hugely popular Focus on Scotland factual television festival. The festival brings together academic experts, top industry professionals and emerging talent to explore the issues central to the factual television industry.
Data Commons Scotland
An EPSRC-funded project bringing together issues around Open Data, digital platform design and the circular economy. Drawing from interdisciplinary expertise in HCI design, education, ethics and creative industries, we are conducting research and development activities that will prototype a linked Open Data platform with learnable functionality.
PhD opportunities in Communication, Cultural and Media studies
The Communications, Media and Culture Division offers a vibrant, supportive environment for postgraduate researchers. Take a closer look at the subject areas we offer PhD supervision in and find out how to apply.
English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism PhD
The University of Stirling has a long-standing reputation for excellence in Communications, Media and Culture research.
Our work encompasses research into screen and print media, digital media and social media, public communication and promotional culture, heritage and archives. We have research specialists in journalism and public relations in addition to researchers working on many aspects of media representation, media institutions, media and communications policy, and also on numerous relationships between media, culture and society.
As a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, you’ll be provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. You’ll also have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.
- Apply for PhD English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism
- Apply for MPhil English Studies and Film, Media and Journalism
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |
Film and Media Studies PhD
Communications and media research at Stirling has played an important role in the development of the research field both in the UK and internationally from the foundation of the original department in 1978. Of our research in Communications, Media and Culture, 100% of our research environment and 88% of our overall research WAs classed as world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. As a PhD student researching film and media studies at Stirling, you’ll benefit from all this expertise – and play a key part in contributing to it in a supportive, vibrant research environment.
As a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, you’ll be provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. You’ll also have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |
Public Relations PhD
Communications, Media and Culture at the University of Stirling had 100% of our research environment and 88% of our overall research classed as world leading or internationally excellent in the most recent Research Excellence Framework.
Our expertise in Public Relations has helped us build strong links with industry, giving PhD students the chance to both learn from and contribute to the latest thinking in the arena. We host regular visits from guest speakers and work closely with a range of international research partners – further contributing to a vibrant research environment that values your contribution as a Postgraduate researcher and supports you in your ambitions.
As a PhD researcher in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, you’ll be provided with access to dedicated research facilities as well as an opportunity to attend a range of research seminars and workshops within specialist research centres and collaboratively across multi-disciplinary subjects. You’ll also have access to a number of training opportunities, at University, Faculty and Divisional levels, including subject specialist training within postgraduate research seminars and other forums.
| Read more about how to apply and see entry requirements | What's the difference between a PhD and an MPhil? |