PhD Study : Alternative, Experimental and Political Media

Summary

Cinematic Arts at Ulster University is a new and vibrant area of research that combines theory and practice of moving image arts in the new digital media age. Applicants can propose practice-based research topics, cinema studies related research questions or focus on the uses of alternative media practices that involve moving image. Proposals are welcomed in a wide range of areas relating to staff research interests. With a combined experience of over fifty years in filmmaking, television production, animation and the creative industries, our experienced team of internationally established, research-active staff are able to offer supervision across a wide range of subjects and themes, from film history and national cinemas to contemporary filmcraft and emerging virtual reality technologies.

Where research proposals span various disciplines, a supervisory team can be assembled across schools and faculties to meet the needs of the projects. Our Alternative, Experimental & Political Media PhD provides you with an opportunity to study a range of specialist topics within the areas of media freedom, alternative media, media globalisation, media production and popular culture as resistance.

Proposals are sought in the following areas of staff expertise: alternative media; non-mainstream media forms, independently run and community focused media; online activism; political undercurrents of popular horror; and the relationship between violence, politics and resistance. Applicants are invited to make contact with us in advance of application to discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic.

Our experienced team of internationally established, research-active staff have the critical theoretical experience required to lead the supervision of a research degree in Political and Resistance Media. Their recent publications include: Alternative Media in Contemporary Turkey: Sustainability, Activism, and Resistance (2018); Make America Hate Again: Trump-Era Horror & The Politics of Fear (2020); Resist! Protest Media and Popular Culture in the Brexit-Trump Era (2020); Social Movements and their Technologies: Wiring Social Change (2016); and The Revolution will be Hacktivated (2016).

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Research project completion within taught Masters degree or MRES
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living