This course provides an excellent research-based education to its doctoral researchers. Its mission is to guarantee the highest quality graduate research training in media and communications and to undertake original social science research in the field, emphasising in particular the relationship between media, technology and social change. Students will initially register for the MPhil and follow a taught programme involving coursework which is formally assessed. This normally includes compulsory taught theoretical courses in the Department, the Research Seminar in Media, Communications and Culture, and broad training in research methods together with specialist courses selected in discussion with their supervisors. This paper will include a substantive statement of the aims, theories and methods proposed for the thesis, a tentative chapter outline, an indicative bibliography and a timetable for its completion. Evaluation of this paper, together with an oral examination based on the thesis proposal and the submission of satisfactory coursework, will contribute to assessing whether students are permitted to upgrade from MPhil to PhD and continue into their second year.