Journalism PhD 36 months PHD Programme By Brunel University of London |TopUniversities
Programme Duration

36 monthsProgramme duration

Tuitionfee

22,320 GBPTuition Fee/year

Application Deadline

17 Jul, 2026Application Deadline

Main Subject Area

JournalismMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Journalism

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Journalism and Political Communication research cluster, which includes staff and postgraduate researchers, is at the forefront of some cutting-edge research in the subject areas. Much of the research is interdisciplinary, and we work closely with colleagues in the Department of Social and Political Sciences and the various research institutes at the College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences. We also have excellent connections with working journalists, politicians, and activists beyond the university.

Our latest research highlights our expertise, and we are particularly interested in attracting PhD candidates in the following areas:

  • Fake news, disinformation, and conspiracy theories (Anita Howarth)
  • AI-generated images and content in news and political communication (Anita Howarth)
  • Reporting migration (Billur Ozgul and Anita Howarth)
  • The role of images in journalism and political communication (Billur Ozgul and Anita Howarth)
  • Issues of social justice, including poverty, hunger, and asylum (Anita Howarth)
  • Health communication (Billur Ozgul)
  • Alternative and resistance media (Billur Ozgul)
  • Environmental communication (Anita Howarth)
  • Women in politics (Victor Jatula)
  • Media in Nigeria (Victor Jatula)

We also have specialist expertise in Europe, Africa, Turkey, and the USA.

Programme overview

Main Subject

Journalism

Degree

PhD

Study Level

PHD

Study Mode

On Campus

The Journalism and Political Communication research cluster, which includes staff and postgraduate researchers, is at the forefront of some cutting-edge research in the subject areas. Much of the research is interdisciplinary, and we work closely with colleagues in the Department of Social and Political Sciences and the various research institutes at the College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences. We also have excellent connections with working journalists, politicians, and activists beyond the university.

Our latest research highlights our expertise, and we are particularly interested in attracting PhD candidates in the following areas:

  • Fake news, disinformation, and conspiracy theories (Anita Howarth)
  • AI-generated images and content in news and political communication (Anita Howarth)
  • Reporting migration (Billur Ozgul and Anita Howarth)
  • The role of images in journalism and political communication (Billur Ozgul and Anita Howarth)
  • Issues of social justice, including poverty, hunger, and asylum (Anita Howarth)
  • Health communication (Billur Ozgul)
  • Alternative and resistance media (Billur Ozgul)
  • Environmental communication (Anita Howarth)
  • Women in politics (Victor Jatula)
  • Media in Nigeria (Victor Jatula)

We also have specialist expertise in Europe, Africa, Turkey, and the USA.

Admission Requirements

6.5+
59+
90+

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

17 Jul 2026
3 Years
Jan
Apr

  • Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
  • Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance

Tuition fees

Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
22,320 GBP

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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