Students are provided with a flexible and tailored structured research programme within the Centre for Media Studies, including the development of transferable research skills, specialist knowledge and professional practices. Upon completion of this programme, students will have achieved competence in relevant areas of research, and demonstrated specialist knowledge and skills in their own area of research as well as in knowledge transfer and effective academic communication. This programme will equip them with the professional skills necessary to pursue academic and research careers.
An applicant wishing to undertake a research degree should submit a research proposal in writing, and consult with the Centre on the general suitability of the research topic and on the availability of an appropriate supervisor before submitting an application.
Career Options
A PhD in the Department of Media Studies provides the opportunity for an academic career teaching and researching in Media Studies, Digital Media and associated disciplines. It also provides an excellent platform (depending on precise specialisation) for a career in policy and research development or within the varied media industries themselves.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
Maynooth University
Maynooth University, Maynooth,
MAYNOOTH,
Kildare,
W23 F2H6, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
January 2025
Maynooth University
Maynooth University, Maynooth,
MAYNOOTH,
Kildare,
W23 F2H6, Leinster, Republic of Ireland
Media Studies is an extremely interdisciplinary subject, and we welcome applications from candidates from a variety of other disciplinary backgrounds. Applicants should hold a BA (2:1 or higher) in Media Studies or another cognate discipline from the Humanities or Social Sciences. An MA in Media Studies or another cognate discipline from the Humanities or Social Sciences is preferred. Applicants without an MA will be required to register initially as MLitt students, transferring to the PhD register on approval after a period of study. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
IELTS - 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band; TOEFL internet-based test iBT: 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in all other sections; Pearson Test of English - 63 with no less than 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section; Duolingo English Test (DET) - 120 with no less than 110 in literacy, conversation, and comprehension subscores and no less than 95 in production. (This lower production subscore applies to non-EU applicants only), Cambridge Proficiency Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English. Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Cambridge Advanced Cert. - 176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); ETAPP - C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2); Oxford Test of English - 140 with no less than 125 in each skill; Trinity College London ISE - ISE III with at least merit in each skill category.
Closing date: Rolling. Applications are welcomed throughout the year, for registration in September and January of each academic year.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Maynooth is an internationally esteemed ‘young’ university with a rich heritage, offering an excellent student learning experience.
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