Our Pioneering Research
Communication, Media, and Cultural Studies at Ulster University has a rich research environment covering a wide range of discourses including politics and media, journalism, media history, consumer cultures, public relations.
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.
Studio Ulster
Home to the world's most advanced Virtual Production technology, where research meets real production.
This state-of-the-art facility sets the precedent in creative ambition and innovation within the entertainment industries and positions Northern Ireland as a leading centre of excellence in virtual production.
Research-informed Teaching
Every module, workshop, and supervision is shaped by active research.
- Dr Giuliana Monteverde draws upon her research in final year module Rethinking Communication, where she uses media and cultural theory to explore the cultural politics of pop-culture.
- Dr Mairs Dyer's research interests in documentary theory and practice and in feminist modes of production underpin her teaching in her current Documentary and Feminist Film Production modules, through, for example, the application of her concept of the Matrixial Screen Encounter, which uses psychoanalytic theory to conceptualize the intersubjective gaze in documentary filmmaking and offers a novel model of theorizing collective filmic authorship.
- Prof. Colm Murphy - Research conducted internationally on new methods to enhance the safety of journalists is used in the Investigative Journalism module to better equip students to report in hostile environments.
- Dr William Burton’s research examines how journalism shapes public understanding of history by analysing how major events are reported and interpreted. His work encourages students to critically examine the relationship between journalism, memory, and historical interpretation across different journalistic outputs.
Shape the Future with Us
Study for a PhD, collaborate on research, or partner with our research community.
Our Researchers
Work alongside our researchers on innovative projects that address real-world challenges and drive positive outcomes for communities, society, and business.
PhD Research Opportunities
Develop your research career within a vibrant and supportive research community at a university ranked 22nd in the UK for PhD researcher satisfaction.
Work With Us
Gain access to world-class research expertise and cutting-edge facilities through consultancy projects that deliver practical solutions, drive innovation, and strengthen your business.
