We are 2nd in the UK for our world-renowned research in journalism, media and cultural studies. Our work analyses media policy, representations and practices, with a focus on current challenges. It encompasses research examining journalism and democracy, the implications of developing technologies, and creative industry innovation.
We achieved the highest possible score for our research environment – a testament to the supportive, inclusive culture the School has fostered over many years. Over 83% of our research impact is considered outstanding in terms of reach and significance and 95% of our research is world-leading or internationally excellent.
We foster an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research community. Reflective of this, we submitted 100% of our eligible staff to this Unit of Assessment.
Our results
| Quality level | 4 star % | 3 star % | 2 star % | 1 star % | Unclassified % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 71.0 | 24.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Outputs | 59.2 | 32.3 | 8.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Impact | 83.3 | 16.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Environment | 100.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Our research environment
The School of Journalism, Media and Culture cultivates an empowering, agile and thriving research culture.
Some of our significant developments since REF 2014 include:
- increase in our research income, with a focus on high impact projects and successful partnerships
- invested in action-research initiatives which have become powerful agents for change
- strengthened policies around equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and become significantly more diverse than in REF 2014
- further improved our approach to postgraduate researchers PGRs and engaged increasing numbers of Research Assistants attached to a wide range of funded projects
- continued to research at local, UK-wide and international levels, with staff playing key leadership roles and making signification contributions to the discipline and to society
In 2018 we moved into a custom-made building in Cardiff’s Central Square Development, situated alongside national broadcaster BBC Wales and Media Wales, and directly opposite Cardiff central station. The move to Central Square has enhanced the synergies between research and practice essential to the school.
Our research is organised into 3 overlapping clusters supporting intellectual synergies, grant bids, and impact. In addition to our clusters the School developed a joint research lab on Transforming Media in collaboration with the Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research at the University of Bremen. We also host the Tom Hopkinson Centre for Media History, incorporating 6 major journalism archives which are used by academics, media activists and practitioners; and the Centre has organised events such as the Aberfan anniversary conference.
These structures support colleagues to pursue their own interests alongside offering multiple opportunities for collaboration in a diverse and inclusive environment.
The awards won in this REF period are worth £13.7 million (a significant increase from the £2 million we won for REF 2014).
Discover our research
At the core of our research is a commitment to deliver high-quality work which contributes to contemporary societal debates.
