The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication Studies is designed to facilitate the pursuit of scholarship of an original, independent and seminal nature in the discipline of communication. The programme will facilitate the student to evaluate seminal and current theories and models and demonstrate a rich understanding of the literature and research methodologies in the field. Through the programme, the student will be assisted in honing the research problem, developing the investigation with competence and rigour, and presenting the achievements and findings with intellectual maturity.

Programme Outline

The main work to be undertaken will be a research thesis of no more than 80,000 words. The student will be required to register for and successfully complete at least three (3) courses at the graduate level. These courses will be selected in consultation with the supervisor and subject to the approval of the CARIMAC Director. The PhD candidate will also deliver at least three (3) research seminars. The programme lasts for a minimum of three (3) years full-time, beginning in September.

Course Descriptions

There are no named courses in the PhD, however PhD candidates will select at least three (3) graduate level courses in consultation with their supervisors.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the PhD in Communication Studies are as follows:

• Approved graduate degrees awarded primarily for research.
• Taught Master’s degree provided that the Master’s programme included a research component of at least 25% of the total credit rating and the applicant achieved at least a B+ average or its equivalent;
• Approval of upgrade application;
• Such other qualifications and experience as the Board for Graduate Studies and Research may approve.

Applicants must provide a research proposal outlining the scope of the intended study at time of application.

Preparing Your Research Proposal

The research proposal is the centrepiece of your application. It is where you identify a researchable problem, situate it within the relevant literature, and outline a feasible study — and it is a key basis on which CARIMAC assesses your readiness for independent research. Treat it as a writing sample as much as a plan.

A strong proposal sets out a working title; an introduction and background; a clear statement of the problem; research questions or objectives; a focused literature review; a theoretical or conceptual framework; a proposed methodology (including draft research instruments and a draft informed-consent form where relevant); the significance of the study; a proposed timeline; and references in APA (7th edition) style. You should also name a first-preferred and a second-preferred supervisor and explain, briefly, how your project aligns with their published work. Your chief supervisor will be a member of CARIMAC; where specialist expertise is required, a co-supervisor may be drawn from another faculty or institution.

For full guidance on what each section should contain, how to identify a supervisor, and how to format and submit your proposal, download CARIMAC's Guide for Prospective Applicants.

At the doctoral level, the proposal should also make clear how the intended study will make an original, independent contribution to knowledge in the field.

[Download Guide for Prospective Applicants]

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