School of English, Media and Creative Arts (SEMCA), University of Galway
Applications are invited for a full-time, funded PhD scholarship in Journalism and Media at the University of Galway. This position is co-funded by Research Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Met Éireann, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).
Project Description:
The PhD is part of a project titled Tackling Climate Misinformation in Ireland (CLiME). The project explores how misleading claims, delay discourses, and climate-sceptic arguments—especially around agricultural decarbonisation—are reproduced and normalised in Irish news media and public discourse.
The PhD researcher will help identify such claims in news coverage and examine how journalistic practices contribute to the spread of misinformation. The project aims to build an evidence base for climate policy misinformation in Ireland and develop resources for journalists and communication professionals.
Supervisors: Dr Brenda McNally (PI), Professor Karyn Morrissey
Location: Moore Institute for the Humanities and Social Studies, University of Galway
Start Date: 1st September 2025
Stipend: €25,000/year (tax-exempt)
Duration: 4 years (includes funding for tuition fees, computer, travel, and summer schools)
Academic Requirements:
MA/MSc (2:1 or higher) in Media and Communications, Journalism Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field
Strong interest in misinformation, journalism, or climate communication
Essential Criteria:
Master’s degree (2:1 or equivalent)
Independent research ability
Motivation and excellent communication skills
Fluent in spoken and written English
Teamwork skills
Desirable Criteria:
To Apply:
Email a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, and two academic references to:
brenda.mcnally@universityofgalway.ie
Filename should include your name and “CLiME”.
Cover Letter Guidelines:
Academic awards/scholarships (max 300 words)
Previous research experience (max 500 words)
Motivation for the PhD and relevance to CLiME (max 1000 words)
Other relevant info (max 500 words)
Two full references (not “available on request”)
Deadline: 6 June 2025, 17:00 (Irish time)
Keywords: Climate Communication, Misinformation Studies, News Media Analysis, Political Communication, Environmental Communication
