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 & Film

Kerry 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 

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Entry requirements

Fees and funding

• Home students
• International students

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 £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.

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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.