Research

Our research explores the most pressing topics in international journalism, media and communication. Discover how our work reveals journalism's bigger picture.

About our work

Protesters at an event, one holding a placard reading "I wish this were fake news"

Overview of our research

Find out more about the key themes, ethical values and mission of our research.

School of Journalism, Media and Communication research

Our research and impact

Dr Emma Heywood working with local people in Niger
Impact and knowledge exchange 
Diasporas at War
Research projects 

REF 2021

The 2021 Research Excellence Framework assessment was a great success for our school.

See the rankings

Research groups and centres

CFOM | Centre for Freedom of the Media

Centre for Freedom of the Media

The Centre for Freedom of the Media (CFOM) is an interdisciplinary research centre with global outreach on issues of media freedom, independence and plurality, hosted here at the University of Sheffield.

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A person sat on a chair holding a flaming newspaper.

Disinformation Research Cluster

The Disinformation Research Cluster is a group of research staff from within the department who focus on the study of mis/disinformation.

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A line of women with 1950s hairstyles and clothing reading newspapers in a library.

Centre for the Study of Journalism and History

Based primarily in the Department of History, this centre features research from a number of our academics and honorary colleagues.

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Events and news

A woman reading a burning newspaper; drag queen dinah lux; a group of protesters holding 'we stand with ukraine' banners; dr ilya yablokov. Research Seminars.

Research seminars

Our research seminars invite academics from both within the department and around the world to present their latest work on journalism, media and communication.

View the programme

A person with a large rucksack, helmet labelled 'press' and two cameras strapped to their back facing away from the camera.

International Journalism Week

International Journalism Week (IJW) is an annual showcase of talks and workshops from active journalists and academics.

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Picture of a protest with a woman holding a sign reading "we are better than this"

International Public and Political Communication Conference

The annual International Public and Political Communication (IPPC) Conference brings together some of the most influential voices within public and political communication today.

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A woman at a news stand looking at a row of newspapers.

News: Lecturers launch two ground-breaking books

Two of our lecturers, Dr. Dani Madrid-Morales and Dr. Jingrong Tong, have each launched new books based on their pioneering research on the emerging areas of disinformation and data in journalism.

Read full story

Jour research in Burkina Faso
Reporting in Ouaga, 3. © Kalidou Sy - Fondation Hirondelle

News: Using radio to tackle Covid-19 misinformation in Burkina Faso

Attacked by extremist groups and enduring climate disasters, Burkina Faso is dealing with a humanitarian emergency that has been worsened by Covid-19. By Dr. Emma Heywood.

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Publications and research grants

Three book covers, data for journalism, disinformation in the global south and breaking the news.

Books and publications

Take a look at some of the latest books and academic articles from research staff in the department.

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A man being interviewed by two journalists.

Media appearances

See the latest media appearances, interviews and news articles about our research.

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Firth Court with ivy and blue sky

Research grants

Read about the latest research grants awarded to our academics.

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Visiting and honorary staff

A line of people sat down, writing in notepads
Join us as a visiting scholar 
A profile photograph of Martin Conboy.
Emeritus and honorary staff 

Research-based programmes of study

Global Journalism MA

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2025 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Our students see journalism's bigger picture: freedom of expression, misinformation and 'fake news', media ethics and globalisation. If you’re interested in further study of these themes, this is the course for you.

  • Funding available

International Public and Political Communication MA

Postgraduate taught
  • September 2025 start
  • 1 year Full-time

Become an expert in media relations, political marketing and persuasive communication. You'll take part in debates on mis and disinformation, learn how organisations shape their messages to persuade, inform or mislead, and put your knowledge to the test by designing a campaign of your own.

  • Funding available

PhD study