Mass Media Communication (PhD.)

The teaching of students in the study programme Mass Media Communication in the 3rd cycle of studies focuses on the development of their independent scientific thinking. The educational process extends their knowledge and competences in relation to the addressable and adequate application of research methods in this field. The doctoral student will acquire a deeper understanding and apply the knowledge and methodological core of media and communication studies and related scientific disciplines in his/her own research. At the same time, he/she will orient himself/herself in current issues of theoretical and research reflection on mass media communication. This will give him/her a solid background for the development of his/her scientific personality. The PhD student is expected to demonstrate the ability to perceive and reflect scientifically on contemporary phenomena of mass media communication and the diverse activities of media institutions in relevant social, cultural, linguistic, economic, philosophical, ethical and legal contexts, which will enable him/her to carry out autonomous, paradigmatically complex scientific work and to participate in different types of scientific projects. The doctoral studies consist of a study, a scientific and a pedagogical part.

Doctoral student in terms of methodological reflection:

• He/she is proficient in media and communication theory and all its basic areas of research (research on media institutions, research on communication content, research on recipient groups and research on effects).
• Gain an overview of the latest findings, hypotheses, concepts, problems and unresolved issues in the field of media and communication studies, with a particular focus on mass media communication.
• Reflects on the position of media and communication studies within the system of sciences, demonstrates knowledge of mass media communication issues within the framework of interdisciplinary research, and becomes familiar with the various analytical, interpretive, and other research methods of his/her field and related disciplines, as well as the ways in which they are used.
• The student acquires critical thinking skills, is able to name and thematise current issues and independently find creative solutions.
• Applies the general aim of the study programme, acquired knowledge, methods, methodological and creative skills in the process of dissertation development and related research and solutions.
• Becomes an expert in the field of media theory and communication with a prerequisite for further scientific growth.

Graduates of the Media and Communication Studies major in the Mass Media Communication study programme at the 3rd level of study acquire a wide range of theoretical knowledge in the field. As the study is multidisciplinary, the graduate is equipped with a wide range of theoretical knowledge in the fields of philosophy, sociology, linguistics, cultural studies and verbal and artistic production with a focus on media. Theoretical knowledge in the field of social and media communication is the starting point for educational practices. Emphasis is placed on the development of practical skills and abilities that will enable PhD students to actively and creatively enter the scientific and research environment in their respective field and the processes of professional media communication. Graduates of the study programme in Mass Media Communication have the opportunity to become familiar with the methodology and ethics of scientific work, to acquire the latest knowledge about the current state of scientific knowledge in the sphere of media and communication studies and to expand the current level of knowledge in the theory and practice of media communication through independent scientific research work. Furthermore, he/she acquires the principles of independent and team scientific work, strategies of scientific problem formulation and research objectives, systemic aspects of new solutions, as well as the procedures of interpretation of scientific work and presentation of the results of his/her own research.

Theoretical knowledge

Graduates of the 3rd cycle of the study programme in Mass Media Communication are familiar with the theory and history of their own field and study programme, have a thorough overview of the theoretical and methodological aspects of media communication, are oriented in the broad social science background related to the field (sociology, philosophy, linguistics, cultural studies) and acquire the foundations of professional ethics. He/she acquires a grounding in media and communication theory and an understanding of all the basic areas of research (research on media institutions, research on communication content, research on audiences and research on media effects and influences). Gain an overview of the latest findings, hypotheses, concepts, problems and unresolved issues in the field of media and communication studies, with a particular focus on mass media communication. The student has a high level of proficiency in the various descriptive, analytical, interpretive and other related research methods used in the field and related disciplines, and is able to adequately apply and apply them to the study of a particular issue. The student has the ability to work interdisciplinarily to develop interdisciplinary frameworks in media and communication studies.

Practical skills and competences

A graduate of the Media and Communication Studies programme in Mass Media Communication at Level 3 is theoretically and professionally prepared to work effectively in different types of media and other media institutions. He/she is able to lead a research team, plan team tasks and is competent to teach specialised subjects at university. Develops critical thinking skills, acquiring the ability to select, name and thematise current and relevant research problems and to find creative and constructive solutions.

Additional knowledge, skills and competences

A graduate of the 3rd cycle of the Mass Media Communication study programme is able to work effectively as a team member, use the knowledge of empirical research in pedagogical, research and professional practice, use a foreign language in his/her field at the level of professional communication, keep in touch with modern developments in his/her discipline and autonomously continue his/her own professional development. During his/her studies he/she acquires the principles of scientific work, the ability to apply research results to practice, methods of scientific problem formulation, ethical principles and innovative strategies of scientific activity, the ability to create scientifically and bring new ideas, and the competence to present the results of his/her own and collective research activities at home and abroad.

• Researcher in educational institutions, universities, research institutes and research centres in Slovakia and abroad,
• expert in the development of projects focused on innovations in media communication,
• expert in the field of media monitoring, social media monitoring, media analysis of various types of communications,
• senior manager in media, press and research agencies,
• senior manager in a production or distribution company focused on film, television, radio or digital production,
• specialist in the field of media marketing,
• senior manager in media communications in government, local government, not-for-profit organisations, commerce and services.

See the subjects and curriculum you will take during your studies in the DAY form of study.

See the subjects and study plan you will take during your studies in the EXTERNAL form of study.

Description of the study programme for the full-time form of study

Description of the study programme for the EXTERNAL form of study