MPhil-PhD Research Degrees – Cultural, Communication and Computing Research Institute
Entry requirementsEntry requirements A good first degree from a UK institution (normally a first or upper second), or the overseas equivalent, to register for MPhil only or MPhil with the possibility of transfer to PhD. Only holders of a relevant UK masters degree, which had a substantial research training element can apply for direct PhD registration. The final thesis must be presented in English and the University can provide a preliminary course in English as a second language for overseas students – normally a British Council ELTS score or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score – if they are unable to attend for interview.
Academic titleMPhil/PhD Research Degrees – Cultural, Communication and Computing Research Institute
Course descriptionThe Culture, Communication and Computing Research Institute (C3RI) is a diverse multidisciplinary group which makes connections between the research traditions of • art • design and media production • communication studies • computing • engineering.
The Institute consists of two research centres • Art and Design Research Centre • Communication and Computing Research Centre.
We provide an environment in which each discipline can develop its own approach to research. At the same time we bring people together on questions that cut across traditional subject boundaries.
Research activity at C3RI
C3RI is Sheffield Hallam University’s largest community of researchers, with over 100 academics, researchers and technical staff. It has the University’s highest proportion of researchers rated 5 in the most recent national research assessment exercise.
Our work covers basic, strategic and applied research as well as research into teaching and learning. Much of it is through partnerships with businesses and professional collaborators.
Research is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Board, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, the European Union, commercial clients, charitable bodies and government.
We support a PhD research programme with over 40 students. The C3RI also maintains many knowledge transfer partnerships that support close collaboration between academics, researchers and industrial partners.
Design Futures
C3RI also houses Design Futures – a Yorkshire Forward Centre of Industrial Collaboration for Product and Packaging innovation.
Design Futures has had specialist design teams working exclusively on commercial consultancy services for several years. These teams have developed award winning, innovative solutions for many clients, some of which have been patented.
Associated careers
Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic careers and for professional specialisation within an existing or planned career. The rigorous analytical thinking they involve is also an attractive feature for potential employers of all kinds.
Course content
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Candidates are required to critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic, to demonstrate an understanding of research methods appropriate to their chosen field and to present and defend a thesis by oral examination.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
As MPhil plus PhD candidates are expected to make an independent and original contribution to knowledge.
Supervision
Each student is allocated a director of studies and a supervisor. Regular meetings between the student and supervisors are scheduled, with targets set for written and oral presentation of research progress.
Research training
All students are required to complete research training modules unless already studied as part of a masters degree. This has fee implications for part-time students, but is included in the full-time fee.
Training is followed by theoretical and textual research, analysis and writing, working closely with the supervisors. Students are expected to present seminar papers on their work and to submit written papers for comment. Students will also be expected to attend relevant seminars from the research seminar series.