Dublin City University

The School of Communications at Dublin City University is now inviting applications from qualified candidates for up to four PhD Scholarships.

The School of Communications at DCU is home to almost 1,000 students at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels. With a tradition stretching back almost 40 years, the School is defined by excellence in both teaching and research in journalism, multimedia and communications studies. In the QS global subject rankings in 2020 DCU was in the top 200 of almost 4,500 universities worldwide in the area of communications. DCU is ranked number 1 nationally in Communications & Media Studies.

The School’s academics undertake research that contributes to national and international debates and to public policy formation. They have also led research projects supported by national and international funders.

This cutting-edge research is across a range of (inter)disciplinary fields including (new) media studies, media history, journalism studies, science communication, political communication, social media studies, film and television studies, music industry studies, advertising, and cultural studies. In the past five years, the School has supported approximately 40 doctoral students to achieve PhD awards through this scheme.

The School now has an opening for up to six funded PhD scholarships (across a four-year duration). As well as a tax-free stipend of €16,500 plus fees, we also support our students with funding for conference travel and offer PhD students opportunities to gain teaching experience.

In this call, we invite applications in the following areas / themes:

Online Political Dialogue: Fellowship(s) in this area will focus on understanding online political discussions and especially the communicative processes underlying the speech (both on social media and in more structured environments). The PhD fellow will use quantitative techniques to examine citizens' political dialogue with a particular focus on the use of non-emotional and emotional arguments. There is an opportunity to be part of a new H2020 project with significant networking and other opportunities. Candidates proficient in quantitative research methods, or those interested in learning them are welcome to apply. (For more information, contact Prof. Jane Suiter – jane.suiter@dcu.ie)

Emerging Media Forms: Fellowship(s) in this area will ideally focus on emerging media forms that move beyond traditional screens and linear forms. Possible research topics include (but are not limited to): spatial audio and music (e.g., ambisonics in virtual or physical spaces); embodied or somatic experiences in emerging media forms; emerging media in themed and immersive spaces (e.g. museum/interpretive/heritage centres, tourist attractions and theme parks). Traditional or practice-based applications are welcome. (For further information, contact Dr. Declan Tuite – declan.tuite@dcu.ie)

The Global Music industries: Fellowship(s) in this area will ideally focus on the political economy of the music industries. Possible research topics include (but are not limited to): music and copyright; the music industries in the context of an evolving digital environment; gender dynamics in the music industries; music industries policy; music and the media. (For further information contact Dr. Jim Rogers – jim.rogers@dcu.ie)

The Role of Digital Media in Advancing Twenty-First Century Learning: Fellowship(s) in this area will ideally focus on the role of digital technologies in advancing C21st learning competences in either primary or 2nd level education or both. Possible research topics include (but are not limited to), (i) digital assessment for learning, (ii) mobile learning (iii) augmented Reality/virtual Reality (iv) classroom 2.0, Covid-19 and changing educational practices. The ideal candidate will have a multidisciplinary background in teaching/training and educational technology/multimedia. (For further information, contact Dr. Miriam Judge - miriam.judge@dcu.ie)

NB. Applications should consist of a 2,000 word research proposal as well as a brief CV detailing academic qualifications and professional experience to date.

NB. Applicants must contact the relevant supervisor prior to submitting an application.

NB. All applications should be submitted to Ms. Eileen Myers, Secretary, School of Communications, DCU (eileen.myers@dcu.ie), clearly indicating the theme under which they are applying.

All scholarships are due to commence on 01st October 2021.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 31st March 2021.