You receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher. You’ll explore how to publish your research and establish an academic profile. You’ll present at 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.
Key Facts
- 79% of our research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
- Sheffield Hallam is also ranked in the top 12 of UK universities for the research environment supporting these disciplines.
Programme Structure
You learn through
- independent study
- project supervision
- active research
- researcher development training events
- level 7 research methods modules (as necessary)
- presenting your research at conferences and seminars
- participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
- writing and defending a doctoral thesis
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English Requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 130
- TOEFL iBT: 100
- PTE Academic: 67
- IELTS: 7
General Requirements
Applicants will need to provide evidence of:
- A relevant undergraduate degree qualification (2.1 or above)
- A relevant masters level qualification (Merit or above) with strong performance (60%+) in research related modules and dissertation. Note that studentship applicants must have all degree results in hand before applying
To apply, candidates must submit a fully complete online application including:
- A 1,500-word research proposal
- Degree certificates
- Module transcripts
- Details of two referees who can comment on your academic ability and readiness for PhD study
- Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 35,428 AUD/year (≈ 18,600 GBP/year)
- Domestic: 10,148 AUD/year (≈ 5,328 GBP/year)
Living Costs
Sheffield, United Kingdom: 1,057 – 1,861 AUD/month. The living costs include total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below are PhD scholarship opportunities for Media and Communications.
- Postgraduate Study Discounts – 2000 GBP, Deadline not specified, Merit-based, Sheffield Hallam University
- Performance Athlete Support Programme – 1350 GBP, Deadline 01 Sep 2026, Merit-based, Sheffield Hallam University
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program – Various benefits, Deadline 07 Oct 2026, U.S. government
- ServiceScape Scholarship – 1000 USD, Deadline 30 Nov 2026, ServiceScape
- ACES Scholarships – 3500 USD, Deadline 15 Nov 2026, ACES Education Fund
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility – Various benefits, Deadline not specified, OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
- Scholarships for PhD Students – 19000 GBP, Deadline not specified, Junhua Li
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship – Various benefits, Deadline 28 Feb 2027, Boustany Foundation
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship – 1000 USD, Deadline 31 Oct 2026, IvyPanda
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship – 1000 USD, Deadline 01 Mar 2027, Voice Talent Online
- Women Scholarship for International Students – 5000 USD, Deadline 28 Aug 2026, educations.com
- The PhD Prep Fellowship – 10000 USD, Deadline 01 Sep 2026, Admit Lab
- Dream Chaser Scholarship – 1000 USD, Deadline 13 Jan 2027, Salvado Law
- Scholarship for students with disabilities – 3000 USD, Deadline 31 Dec 2026, Anonymous Hope Fund
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids – 22500 GBP, Deadline not specified, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship – 1500 USD, Deadline not specified, IELTS from 6 to 9
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme – 12000 USD, Deadline 11 Jan 2027, The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
