Programme overview
The PhD programme offers flexible supervision between the University of Nottingham Ningbo China and the University of Nottingham (UK). Students will be registered at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China, and graduates will be awarded a University of Nottingham (UK) degree, which is also recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education. Depending on the proposed area of research, students may be required to spend part of their studies at the University of Nottingham (UK). Supervision between the campuses will be settled for each individual student.
Research interests
Some possible (not exclusive) PhD supervision areas in the School of International Communications (you may also consider a combination of these areas).
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Disciplines/Fields
Media studies |
Cultural studies |
Internet studies |
Actor network theory |
Creative industries |
Digital media |
Game studies |
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Topics
Celebrity persona |
Political economy of celebrity |
Fan cultures |
Fan production and consumption |
Online swarms |
Meme warfare |
Blockchains and crypto culture |
The internet of things |
Anonymous online groups/online extremism |
Transmedia |
Media convergence |
Digital platforms |
Online video distribution |
Gender |
Sexuality |
Creative/Filmmaking Practices |
Cinema Studies (Indian/Bollywood, Asian, American) |
Celebrity Culture |
Screen Production and Performances |
Intangible Cultural Heritage (Folk and Cultural Traditions and Practices, Folk Festivals) |
Mobile & Online Storytelling |
Caste and Race Issues |
Multi-Media Exhibitions & Film Curation |
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Postgraduate Research Director
To discuss your research proposal and possible application, please contact Dr Vikrant Kishore at Vikrant.Kishore@nottingham.edu.cn
How to find a supervisor
For information about the specific research interests and publications record of academic staff within the School of International Communications please go to their personal profiles on the university website of the School under People.
Entry requirements
If you apply to a PhD programme, you will generally need to hold an honours degree at 2.1 and a masters at merit level or above in a relevant subject (or international equivalent).
The following will be considered when making an offer:
- academic performance during the undergraduate and postgraduate study
- research papers published in international academic journals
- quality of the research proposal
- research potential and attitude
- English proficiency
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all elements)
- PTE Academics: 71 (minimum 65)
- TOEFL (IBT): 87 (minimum 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements)
* Grades/scores are valid for a maximum period of two years prior to the date of registration.
Applicants from the following countries or have studied for a degree there (excl. split site degree programmes) are NOT required to submit any further evidence of English language ability:
- Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica;
- New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and the Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago; United Kingdom; United States of America.
How to apply
Key dates
We welcome top quality applications all year round. You are encouraged to apply for March, June or December but preferably September intake for induction purposes. To ensure you will be able to register on your intended date, please submit your application at least 2 months in advance.
2025-26 Academic year (for self-funded applicants)
Entries |
Application Deadlines |
Registration Dates |
Sep 2025 (MRes and PhD) |
10 June 2025 |
13 Sep 2025 |
How to apply
Our step-by-step guide contains everything you need to know about applying for postgraduate research.
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees are adjusted annually and are set for each individual degree. Please follow the Gradaute School's fee information for details.
Scholarships
The School awards a full PhD scholarship once a year. Note that competition for this scholarship is very strong and students are advised to explore additional external sources of funding. Please see the University's PhD scholarships pages for further information.
More information
Student Recruitment and Admission Office (before application submission)
Room 231, Trent Building
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China
E. admissions@nottingham.edu.cn
T. +86 (0) 574 8818 0182
Graduate School (after application submission)
Room 451-2, Trent Building
University of Nottingham Ningbo China
199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo, 315100, China
E. pgr@nottingham.edu.cn