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Communication, Cultural and Media Studies, Library and Information Management

100% of our impact is classified as outstanding (4*) or very considerable (3*). 100% of our environment is conducive to generating research that is world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). We are placed in the top 25% overall (outputs, impact and environment) for research classified as world leading (4*). We are ranked 4th in the sector for outstanding (4*) research impact out of 58 submissions and 10th for research environment classified as world leading (4*) out of 58 submissions.

Researchers in the Department of Communication and Media use interdisciplinary methods and new computational techniques to research some of the most urgent issues in digital media, from fake news and online gender-based and sexual harassment to wider social digital inequalities.

Our large and thriving department is outward looking, with experts on global film, international journalism and pressing social issues, such as migration, populism, nationalism, and climate change. Our expertise in visual media and arts is applied to the latest developments in the screen entertainment industries, games and Virtual Reality as well as the mediation of history and memory in photography, television and exhibitions. We work with well-known international and local organisations, from Ofcom and UNESCO to social media companies such as Twitter and Whatsapp, to museums, festivals and art institutions.

Our diverse projects include studies exploring the impact of reduced access to the arts during COVID lockdowns, harmful gender norms, the relationship between children's play and politics in Latin America, and online misinformation.

New research centres founded with colleagues from across the School and Faculty, along with our many early career researchers and increasing numbers of postgraduate students, make this an exciting and lively hub of new and impactful research.

Back to: Research Excellence Framework 2021