What you'll learn
The first area is related to the changing contextual factors of crises themselves. The crises are becoming more complex, and the line between natural disasters (as floods, landslides, wildfires and extreme temperatures) and man-made disaster (as massive displacement and migration of civilians, energy crises) is becoming blurred with the acknowledgement of the negative impact of human activity on nature. Corporations and nations are accused of irresponsible behaviour and of provoking the crisis, whether it is financial, social or environmental. The rapid flow of information means that a seemingly insignificant misstep can quickly become a major local or even global crisis. Thus, research is needed to explore the question how risk-based approach may help to stay at the cutting edge of the crisis from its very beginning and keep up with the diverse audiences and their sentiments throughout the crisis.
The second area is related to crisis communication, as a social interaction that takes place online. The digital world and new media have rapidly transformed the field of crisis communication, as media are based not only user-generated but also AI-manipulated content. Omnidirectional communication such as social networking sites, podcasts, blogs, etc., empowers to create and manipulate content. As a result, communication has become less controllable and audiences often receive ambiguous and uncertain information. It is therefore necessary to assess the new risks arising from this trend, and consider how they contribute to and hinder the overarching goal of crisis communication: reducing harm.
These and other areas are becoming relevant in the changing contexts of crisis and crisis communication. Thus, research in this field would considerably contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of communication.
The selected Risk-Based Approach in Crisis Communication (Communication and Information) candidate at VILNIUS TECH will work on the PhD thesis under the supervision of Prof. dr. Rasa Smaliukienė. The successful applicant will have to attend scientific conferences, meetings and internships in the other universities.
Programme Structure
Curriculum includes
- Independent research under supervision;
- Courses for PhD students (approximately 30 ECTS credits);
- Participation in research networks, including placements at other, primarily foreign, research institutions;
- Teaching or another form of knowledge dissemination, which is related to the PhD topic when possible;
- The completion of a PhD thesis.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 70
IELTS: 6
Other requirements
General requirements
- Postgraduate diploma (or higher)
- The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.
- You must take verified copies of the entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.
- At least 2 reference(s) must be provided.
- Certified copies of the Master’s degree diploma and its supplement with grades or higher education equivalent to it;
- Curriculum Vitae (CV);
- List of scientific publications and their copies or research proposal (if scientific publications are not included);
- Copy of a personal data page of a passport or a copy of a personal ID;
- Other documents that an applicant wants to submit.
- FCE (First Certificate in English): A
- CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): C
- CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): C
- B2 Certificate in English
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees
International: 20,541 AUD / year (approx. 12,680 EUR / year)
Part-time studies (6-year): 8,453.00 EUR per year
Living costs
Vilnius, Lithuania: 794-1,387 AUD / month
Funding
The PhD studies can be financed by the companies or enterprises financial resources or a PhD student‘s personal finances.
