Journalism, Digital Media: ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) - Journalism, Digital Media and Democracy in Swansea

Communication sciences » Public relations

Organisation/Company Swansea University Department Central Research Field Communication sciences » Media studies Communication sciences » Public relations Communication sciences » Journalism Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 6 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/London) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Key Information

Open to: UK and international applicants

Funding Providers:ESRC Welsh Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS)

Subject Area:Journalism, Digital Media and Democracy

Project Start Dates:October 2027

* (Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates.)

**In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed a duration of three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.

Supervisors:This studentship is an ‘open’ award. Applicants must approach a potential supervisor prior to submitting an application. This is to confirm that there is appropriate supervisory capacity within the University and to discuss their draft application of which the supervisor must complete a section. Information on the research interests of our staff can be found on the Swansea University webpages. Short descriptions of each accredited pathway are available on the ESRC WGSSS website.

Mode of study: Full or part-time study is possible. Please note that full-time ESRC WGSSS studentship award holders cannot hold either a full-time job, permanent part-time job or temporary role for an extended period, during the period of their award. Part-time ESRC WGSSS studentship award holders cannot hold a full-time job.

Place of study:

• Swansea University (Singleton Campus)
• Swansea University (Bay Campus)

Project description:
Media, Communications and Public Relations at Swansea has been consistently recognized for its excellence and is placed right at the top in UK league tables for various elements of its delivery. Priding itself on a strong sense of community, staff and students are involved at the cutting edge of the study of contemporary media and its impact. Our mix of esteemed practitioners and globally acknowledged scholars have expertise across a broad range of sub-themes within the Journalism, Democracy and Digital Media pathway.

For example, while we attend to the traditional aspects of print and broadcast journalism and the way that these cover key areas such as politics, conflict, financial affairs, the climate crisis and sport, our expertise extends into alternative digital news media, fact checking, disordered information, hate speech, racism and misogyny. Colleagues have extensively researched social media and all its dimensions, the metaverse, virtual and augmented reality, the wider implications of surveillance and technological interventions into all elements of contemporary life. We have strong impact in the fields of digital access for minority groups and the ways that news and journalism are both governed and regulated, and overarching all of this, our film and TV studies scholars offer insight into how all such elements are represented to wider audiences. Our public relations scholars are research active in looking at both the corporate functioning and the more disruptive elements within that profession, and how organizations digitally manage and maintain crises and brand identities. We would welcome applications that tap into these themes and add new and important dimensions.

Our strong links with the media sector itself - via our own Industry Panel – ensures the contemporary nature of our activities and provides a wide range of internship and work experience opportunities. In sum, studying a Media PhD at Swansea combines the benefits of accessing the most up-to-date experts in “media” in its widest sense with becoming part of a close-knit community of scholars who prioritize community and collegiality. We have research methods experts covering both quantitative and qualitative methods, and the pathway lead is a former recipient of ESRC funding both as a student and a researcher and is heavily invested in maximizing the benefits of these excellent opportunities to develop stellar academic, industrial or public sector careers.

English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.5) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here English Language Requirements - Swansea University.

Additional Information

The studentship funded by the ESRC covers tuition fees and an annual tax-free living stipend in line with UKRI minimum rates (currently £21,805 for 2026/27).

Students also have access to a Research Training Support Grant.

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise of international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Eligibility criteria

To receive WGSSS studentship funding, you must have qualifications or experience equal to an honours degree at a first or upper second-class level, or a masters from a UK academic research organisation. Students with non-traditional academic backgrounds are also welcome to apply.

The WGSSS is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

If you have any questions regarding your academic or fee eligibility based on the above, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with the web-link to the scholarship(s) you are interested in.

Selection process

Please see our website for more information on the selection process.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh and any application submitted in Welsh will be treated no less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please refer to the University’s Welsh Language Policy on Awarding Grants. Please see our website for more information on the selection process.

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