Our Pioneering Research
For over forty years Ulster scholars of Media and Communication have been at the forefront of pioneering research-led learning in the field.
Today, the Centre for Communication, Media, and Cultural Studies has a rich research environment covering a wide range of discourses including politics and media, journalism, media history, consumer cultures, public relations.
In Collaboration with Industry
Many of our research community are not only actively involved in scholarly research, but also are practicing media production professionals, often collaborating with industry and researchers from other disciplines.
Research Themes
As dynamic centres for collective research activity, our research clusters provide a foundation for generating new ideas and innovative research practices, outputs, and societal engagement.
They support our commitment to inclusive and boundary-pushing research, from applied to ‘blue skies’ research, and they embrace our different perspectives, theoretical orientations, and methodological approaches.
Screen Futures
Explores how screen media and digital storytelling can address social, cultural, and personal crises through creative practice, ethical inquiry, and...
Communication and Culture
Examines how communication shapes cultural values, relationships, and social systems, connecting human interaction with emerging media technologies and real‑world contexts....
Media and Democracy
A research cluster analysing media, democracy, and representation, with work influencing NGOs, educators, community groups, policymakers, and cultural institutions....
Research Spotlight: SkateStopped
Highlighting how creative research can empower a community
The SkateStopped and Get Portrush a Skatepark projects strengthened the Portrush skateboarding community by highlighting their collective identity and DIY culture.
Through creative methods and hands‑on action, the initiatives built confidence and visibility among local skaters. Together, they helped the community develop a stronger, more unified voice.
Our People
Dr Noreen Giffney
Lecturer
Professor Richard Ekins
Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Cultural Studies
Dr Jim Donaghey
Lecturer in Digital Media
Adrian Hickey
Deputy Head of School of Communication & Media
Dr Alan Hook
Senior Lecturer in Interactive Media
Dr Stephen Baker
Lecturer in Film & Television Studies
Dr William Burton
Lecturer in Journalism
Dr Anthea Irwin
Lecturer
Dr Helen Jackson
Research Director - Communication, Cultural & Media Studies. School of Communication & Media.
Dr Maggie Long
Senior Lecturer
Dr Jolene Mairs Dyer
Lecturer in Media Production
Dr Conor McGrath
Lecturer in Public Relations
Dr Giuliana Monteverde
Lecturer in Communication
Professor Colm Murphy
Professor of Journalism
Leona O'Neill
Administrative Co-ordinator
Dr Robert Porter
Lecturer in Sociology
Kerry-Ann Porter
Lecturer in Communication
Dr Phil Ramsey
Lecturer
