Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: See fees section below
International/EU: £8,865 per year -
How long will I study?
3 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Course summary
- Undertake Masters level research into an approved topic in media, communication, or film studies on a programme with outstanding student satisfaction ratings
- Develop the knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective researcher
- Study within the excellent research environment of the Centre for Culture, Media and Society, delivering critical insight and real-world impact
Develop and implement a research project with experienced supervisors specialising in cultural heritage, industries and institutions, film and TV, digital culture and technologies, identities, anti-racism, and applications of VR.
Knowledge Transfer Partnership Associates can enrol for an MPhil based on the project developed with the host company.
How you learn
At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive.
79% of our research in Communication, Cultural and Media Studies was assessed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in REF2021. SHU is ranked in the top 12 of UK universities for the research environment supporting these disciplines.
You will work with a supervisory team with expertise in your research area who help you to define and plan your research project, agree associated training requirements, and provide direction while supporting you to develop as a researcher. You will join a dynamic community of postgraduate researchers and have opportunities to share your work.
You learn through:
- independent study
- project supervision
- active research
- training events and workshops
- presenting your research at conferences and seminars
- participation in lively debate and discussion with your peers
- writing and defending an MPhil thesis
You will receive training on professional standards in research practice, including ethics and project management, and how to enhance your personal effectiveness as a researcher. You will have an opportunity to present at one of 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.
Your learning is supported by access to:
- a dedicated Postgraduate Research Tutor for Media, Communication and Film Studies and PGR Administration team
- a library research support team and 24-hour access to library facilities
- SHU Academic Skills Centre
- the University English Scheme for international students
- a programme of support for student wellbeing
Students who are based overseas may be able to study for an MPhil by Distance Learning, subject to establishing a satisfactory distance learning agreement as part of the application process.
Course leaders and tutors
Dr Kerry McSeveny
Senior Lecturer, Postgraduate Research Tutor - Media, Communication & FilmKerry is a Research Fellow in the Communication and Computing Research Centre. Her research uses a range of qualitative approaches and encompasses a wide variety of … Read more
Applied learning
Networking Opportunities
Throughout your course you will have opportunities to interact with academics and specialists in your field. Funds are available for you to present your work in professional academic settings at international and national conferences and we will encourage you to submit papers and seek opportunities to publish and engage different audiences with your research. All our postgraduate students make a vital contribution to the intellectual life of the University from the earliest stages of their research.
The Centre for Media, Culture and Society hosts a stimulating seminar series featuring established academics and practitioners in the field and national conferences such as Fear 2000
CCRI is a partner in the AHRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Heritage.
Live projects
Projects in this area explore and offer real world critical insights on cultural, social and media practices and institutions and contemporary issues. Some projects are developed in collaboration with external partners e.g., Sheffield’s Doc Fest, the Stanley Kubrick archive, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and the National Trust.
Future careers
A research degree is an essential qualification for researcher roles.
You also develop a range of transferable skills which are applicable to roles in e.g.,
- education
- cultural and creative industries
- media
- heritage sector
- publishing
- third sector
- local government
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
The community of researchers in the Culture and Creativity Research Institute has access to a dedicated office space to work in, which we also use to host community writing sessions.
The university has specialist research, media and film facilities including production equipment, recording studios, edit suites, VR studio and screening facilities at 'The Void' film lecture theatre, which boasts cinema-standard 4K digital projection and two 40-year-old Westrex 7000 35mm projectors. Two libraries provide 24-hour access, and a dedicated library research support team offer expert advice and training on all aspects of information and publishing.
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.
Entry requirements
All students
Please contact the relevant research area or centre to enquire about the entry requirements for this MPhil. Where English is not your first language, you must also show evidence of English language ability.
All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.
You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Find out more about the University’s research areas and staff or search for members of staff by keyword.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £8,865 per year. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa).
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Media, PR and journalism courses (PDF, 331.5KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
