MPhil in Faculty of Media & Communication

When you join BU’s MPhil in Media & Communication, you are embedded in a faculty that’s built around media practice, communication, animation, digital media — and offers access to real-world‑oriented research centres, technical resources, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. You get more than a classroom: you get professional‑level facilities and the freedom to produce original research or media work.

Here’s what your experiential learning could involve at BU:

• Access to multiple research centres & cross‑disciplinary supervision: The Faculty hosts research centres such as the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP), Experimental Media Research Centre (EMERGE), the National Research Centre for Computer Animation, and more  meaning you can conduct research in media production, digital media, animation, communication, journalism, law or social justice contexts with expert support. 

• Blend of theory‑led research and practical / creative output options: Although MPhil is primarily a research degree leading to a thesis (or practical + thesis), the faculty’s orientation allows for “media production” and “computer animation” among the potential research areas — meaning you could combine academic research with creative media output if appropriate.Access to technical tools, edit suites, and production resources: The wider Faculty of Media & Communication at BU offers production resources including on‑campus edit suites and network support for students working on media production — this same infrastructure is available to postgraduate research students, giving you real‑world media‑production capacity. 

• Flexibility of format — full-time or part-time, 18–36 months (or up to 72 months part-time): The MPhil programme offers flexible duration (full‑time or part‑time), which allows you to balance research projects, possibly practical media work, or even professional commitments while you study. 

• Opportunities for collaborative and cross‑faculty research: Because of the diversity of the research centres and the faculty’s broad remit (media production, journalism, communication, animation, law, social justice, etc.), there is strong potential for collaborative research projects  which can help you build networks, interdisciplinary experience, and work on real‑world societal or industry‑relevant challenges. 

• Transferable skills and career‑oriented research training: Pursuing the MPhil develops not only academic research skills but also project management, media research, digital media competencies, and communication useful if you plan to go into media industries, consultancy, research, academia, or creative production. 

If you complete the MPhil at BU, you’ll be well prepared for advanced research or academic work, possibly leading to a PhD or roles in media research, cultural analysis, or policy. Equally, the skills you build make you a strong candidate for media‑industry roles, consultancy, strategic communication, content‑development or digital media management.

Likely roles after graduation include:

• Media researcher / academic researcher / PhD candidate

• Policy analyst / communications consultant (media, digital rights, intellectual property)

• Content strategist / media‑industry analyst / digital media manager

• Specialist in animation, media production, journalism/media‑studies research

What BU gives you  and why it matters

• Access to strong, research‑leading centres: At BU you’re part of a faculty that hosts several active research centres  for example Centre for Excellence in Media Practice (CEMP), Experimental Media Research Centre (EMERGE), Centre for Intellectual Property Policy & Management (CIPPM), among others. Through these centres you get exposure to cutting‑edge research in media, animation, communication, digital technologies, law/policy and social justice. 

• Wide freedom to choose your research area: The MPhil allows you to work on a unique research project  whether that’s media production, journalism, communication theory, digital media, animation/visual‑media, media law or social‑justice oriented media studies — giving you flexibility to follow your passion.Cross‑disciplinary and real‑world impact orientation: The faculty’s research strategy emphasises real‑world impact  projects have addressed issues like digital‑technology futures, intellectual‑property in 3D printing, media and social justice, global security, etc.  That means your work could contribute to socially relevant debates, industry practices or policy  not just academic theory.

• Transferable skills valuable beyond academia: Doing an MPhil builds skills in research methods, critical thinking, media production or analysis, communication, project design  skills that are applicable in media organisations, content‑creation, consultancy, cultural institutions, digital platforms, or government/NGO settings. 

• Strong foundation for higher academic or professional ambitions: Because the MPhil is widely recognised as a precursor to a PhD, this path keeps doors open for teaching, scholarly research, or high‑level analytical roles in media/policy. 

Further Academic Progression:
After the MPhil, you’re well placed to apply for a PhD - Faculty of Media & Communication (or equivalent doctoral research) at BU or elsewhere, especially if you’re interested in contributing new knowledge in media studies, digital culture, animation, media law, or media & society. 

Alternatively  if you prefer to stay outside traditional academia  your MPhil and research profile could help you move into specialist or leadership roles in media‑policy think‑tanks, cultural institutions, digital media companies, content‑strategy firms, or as a consultant in media law, digital rights, or communication policy.