PhD Media & Communications and Cultural Studies

PhD Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Prospective PhD applicants are expected to hold a taught Masters degree in a relevant subject area. The university typically requires a minimum of 55% as the standard for academic performance in the completed Masters program.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.0.
• TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 92 on the TOEFL is accepted, with no sub-score in any section falling below 20.
• PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.

Students must provide:

• Academic marksheets & transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• A personal statement - SOP
• Passport
• Other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some PhD courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

Goldsmiths University, nestled in the vibrant city of London, extends its academic excellence by offering a variety of scholarships specifically designed for international students pursuing PhD programs. These scholarships aim to recognize outstanding academic achievements and provide financial support, ensuring that deserving individuals can excel in their research endeavors.

Excellence Scholarships: Goldsmiths University awards Excellence Scholarships to exceptionally talented international PhD applicants. These scholarships are highly competitive and are granted based on academic merit and the potential for impactful research contributions.

Research Impact Scholarships: Designed to encourage research with real-world applications, the Research Impact Scholarships support international PhD students whose projects demonstrate significant potential for societal impact. This type of scholarship reflects Goldsmiths' commitment to fostering research that makes a positive difference in the world.

Arts and Humanities Scholarships: For PhD candidates in the arts and humanities disciplines, Goldsmiths offers specialized scholarships that recognize the unique contributions these fields make to academic and cultural landscapes. These scholarships aim to support scholars in their pursuit of groundbreaking research in these domains.

Social Sciences Scholarships: Goldsmiths acknowledges the importance of social sciences research in addressing contemporary global challenges. The Social Sciences Scholarships are tailored for international PhD students focusing on areas such as sociology, psychology, and anthropology.

Earning a PhD in Media & Communications and Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths positions graduates as highly skilled scholars with expertise in media analysis, cultural studies, and critical communication theories. The program not only prepares graduates for academic roles but also opens doors to diverse and influential career pathways within the dynamic and ever-evolving media landscape. 

University Professor/Researcher: Graduates may pursue academic careers as university professors or researchers, contributing to media and cultural studies scholarship through teaching, publishing, and mentoring students.

Media Analyst or Researcher: Graduates can work as media analysts or researchers for media organizations, think tanks, or research institutions, providing valuable insights into media trends, audience behavior, and cultural impacts.

Cultural Critic or Reviewer: Graduates may engage in roles as cultural critics or reviewers, contributing to newspapers, magazines, online platforms, or television, providing insightful commentary on cultural phenomena, media content, and societal trends.

Media Consultant: Graduates can become media consultants, advising businesses, organizations, or government agencies on media strategies, public relations, and communication campaigns.

Digital Content Strategist: Graduates may specialize in digital content strategy, working for media companies, digital marketing agencies, or content creation platforms to optimize online presence and engagement.

Media Production and Direction: Graduates with a practical inclination may pursue careers in media production, directing documentaries, films, or other media content that aligns with their research interests.

Cultural Policy Advisor: Graduates can contribute to cultural policy development by working for government agencies, NGOs, or cultural institutions, shaping policies related to media, communication, and cultural diversity.

Journalism and Editorial Roles: Graduates may work in journalism or editorial roles, contributing to newspapers, magazines, or online publications as editors, writers, or cultural correspondents.

Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can enter the field of public relations, managing communication strategies, building brand images, and handling media relations for corporations, nonprofits, or government entities.

Digital Marketing Manager: Graduates with a focus on digital media may pursue roles as digital marketing managers, overseeing online marketing campaigns, social media strategies, and digital advertising efforts.

Cultural Event Organizer: Graduates may explore roles in organizing cultural events, festivals, or conferences, bringing together diverse perspectives and fostering cultural exchange.

Media Advocacy and Activism: Graduates can engage in media advocacy and activism, working with NGOs or advocacy groups to promote media literacy, diversity, and ethical communication practices.