We are committed to offering PhD supervision for studies that explore contemporary issues in Journalism and news media.

We work closely with the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research and the Kent Law School along with the University’s Institute for Creative and Cultural Industries on interdisciplinary PhD studies. We welcome PhD applications that focus on (but need not be limited to) political communications, travel journalism, conflict reporting, ethics, media regulation, lifestyle journalism, election coverage, trust and social media.

We offer two research programmes. Our MA by Research entails producing a 40,000 word thesis on a one year full-time / two year part-time basis. Our PhD programmes demand a high level of research and analysis resulting in theses of 75,000 words on a three year full-time / five year part time basis.

About the Centre for Journalism

The Centre for Journalism was established in 2008. We run regular research seminars and through our close links with the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research and the Kent Law School, our students are part of an active and vibrant postgraduate community. Our students work alongside academics recognised as expects in their respective fields. We also work closely with the Graduate School who, through their Researcher Development Programme, provide a full programme of seminars and workshops on all aspects of postgraduate study.  

A lively and welcoming community spirit exists within the Centre. There are regular social events, seminars and masterclasses. Recent visitors have included: Amol Rajan, Media Editor of the BBC and Ed Conway, Economics Editor Sky News; Gavin Esler, former presenter of Newsnight; Jon Snow, presenter of Channel 4 News, Mark Thompson, former Director General of the BBC, Alex Crawford three times RTS TV journalist of the year, Stephanie Flanders former Economics Editor BBC and Stuart Ramsay Sky News chief Correspondent.