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Program Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Elif Akçalı
Contact: [email protected]
PhD in Communication Studies
The PhD in Communication Studies program aims to train students into researchers who have advanced theoretical knowledge in communication, are equipped with strong research skills, and make original contributions to their field. Students complete the program as scholars who follow current scholarship in the area they wish to specialize in, have a strong command of the literature, are methodologically grounded, and are also able to generate new research questions related to media, design, cinema, politics, culture, representation, and visuality, while critically evaluating social and technological transformations. The program treats media platforms, communication tools, and cinema and screen productions as fields of research shaped at the intersections of art, design, technology, industry, politics, society, aesthetics, and culture. This interdisciplinary framework is further enriched by the research areas of the faculty members.
Why Should I Apply to This Program?
- To deepen your expertise at the doctoral level within an interdisciplinary framework in media, communication, design, cinema, or screen studies
- To gain the theoretical and methodological foundation necessary to develop an independent and original research project and turn it into a doctoral thesis
- To work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields in a vibrant academic environment
- To have the opportunity to take part in national and international research projects, publication processes, and academic networks
- To make an original contribution to critical knowledge in a variety of topics including media, culture, politics, design, cinema, visual culture, and representation
Research Opportunities
The program offers its students not only a course-based education but also a research-oriented academic environment. Faculty members affiliated with the program conduct projects supported by various national and international funding bodies such as TÜBİTAK, ERC, COST, and Horizon. Under suitable conditions, doctoral students may take part in such research projects and gain academic experience. Students who wish to apply for funding for their own projects are also supported. In this respect, the program enables students to develop their dissertations within broader research networks and publication processes.
Program Structure
The program consists of coursework, the doctoral qualifying process, the dissertation proposal, and the doctoral dissertation. Students who successfully complete a total course load of 60 ECTS credits become eligible to take the qualifying exam. After this stage, they are awarded the doctoral degree once they successfully complete the dissertation proposal, dissertation monitoring committees, and dissertation defense. Click here to review the curriculum in detail.
The language of instruction is English.
Application Process
Before applying, it is recommended that you review the program curriculum and the work of the academics involved in the program, contact faculty members who may be able to supervise the dissertation topic you wish to pursue, and indicate the name of your prospective dissertation advisor during the application process.
In addition to a statement of purpose, a research project proposal, and letters of reference, applicants must also submit a sample of academic writing when applying to the program. Click here for detailed information on application requirements and the application calendar.
Please get in touch with the Graduate School if you have further questions regarding the application process, calendar, and other administrative matters.