Information and disinformation in journalism and the role of reporters in public interest news and/or freedom of information.

Glasgow Caledonian University/ The Glasgow School for Business and Society https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/

Project Reference Number: GSBS/2022/004

Supervisory Team:

Director of Studies: Name:  Dr Ben McConville

Email: [Email Address Removed]

GCU Research Online URL: https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/ben-mcconville   

Second Supervsior: Name: Dr Douglas Chalmers

Email: [Email Address Removed]

GCU Research Online URL: https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/douglas-chalmers

Third Supervisor: Name: Julian Calvert (ECR)

Email: [Email Address Removed]

GCU Research Online URL: https://researchonline.gcu.ac.uk/en/persons/julian-calvert

Background

The Department of Media and Journalism at GCU is looking for a PhD candidate in the area of information and disinformation in Journalism.

The aim of the following project will be to investigate the role of reporters and news organisations in tackling information and disinformation and fake news; public interest journalism and/or freedom of information.

It will examine areas of journalism practice and/or outputs in relation to the above and in the context of the research theme of strong institutions in civil society.  

Key questions to be explored could be how reporters and journalism organisations: interact with information and disinformation; deal with fake news; play a part in creating strong institutions; perform public service roles; or deal with privacy and public interest in relation of freedom of information.

This is a funded studentship and as a PhD candidate you will be part of a vibrant team within a growing research community with interests across media and journalism. Our research profile can be viewed at: https://www.gcu.ac.uk/gsbs/aboutus/departments/mediajournalism/

The successful candidate must have academic ability (bachelor degree) and proven journalism skills, either through a relevant masters programme or industry experience of more than five years.

As with any research proposal we are looking for interesting questions framed in a way that is deliverable

You can find details of the application process here - https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchstudy/applicationprocess/

But essentially, it is to write a proposal, based on the guidelines above. There are some tips on writing a research proposal here; https://www.gcu.ac.uk/graduateschool/postgraduatestudy/phdstudyatgcu/writingaresearchproposal/

We have delivered industry-focused bachelor and masters programmes in Multimedia Journalism for more than 20 years and now have graduates working in broadcast, print and online news organisations across the UK.

How to Apply 

This project is available as a 3 years full-time PhD study programme with expected start date of 1 October 2022 

Applicants should possess an honours degree (2:1 or above) and/or Masters degree in a related area of study, demonstrating sufficient evidence of academic/research ability in their chosen research area. 

Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors for the project before applying. 

Candidates are required to submit a detailed proposal (of a maximum 2000 words) 

Applicants should apply for their preferred intake date using the full-time Media and Journalism link via the Application Process page.  

The closing date for applications is Monday the 21st February 2022.

Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview within four weeks from the closing date. 

Please send any other enquires regarding your application to: [Email Address Removed]