Members of the High-Performance Research Group in Applied Social Research Methodology methaodos.org actively contribute to the development of the Doctoral Programme in Communication Sciences at the International Doctoral School of Rey Juan Carlos University. This programme is conceived as an academically rigorous and excellence-driven initiative, focused on advanced training in the fields of Sociology and Communication through three specific lines of research: Sociology; Journalism; Audiovisual Communication and Cultural Industries; and Advertising and Public Relations. Its core aim is to foster the development of research and innovation competencies that respond to emerging societal challenges. With a flexible and inclusive structure, the programme enables both specialisation and diversification in research, academic training, and knowledge transfer processes. As such, it constitutes a demanding academic environment committed to scientific advancement and the social relevance of research.
Objectives:
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- To offer high-quality doctoral training within established research lines, with particular emphasis on the sociological dimensions of contemporary communication.
- To strengthen and further the research tradition of Rey Juan Carlos University in Sociology and Communication, promoting robust doctoral education in these fields.
- To train a new generation of researchers capable of advancing strategic scientific agendas and exploring innovative and socially impactful lines of inquiry.
- To support the academic, professional and technical development of postgraduate students interested in specialising in the socio-communicative field.
- To contribute to the preparation of future university lecturers in disciplines related to the programme.
- To promote the creation and consolidation of interdisciplinary research networks, both nationally and internationally, aligned with the societal challenges defined in key strategic research frameworks.
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Core Competencies:
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- A structured and in-depth understanding of a specific field of knowledge, with particular attention to its sociological aspects, alongside mastery of the methodologies and research techniques relevant to that field.
- The ability to design, implement and consolidate substantial research or creative processes relevant to their area of study, especially those aimed at analysing social and communicative phenomena.
- The capacity to produce original contributions that advance knowledge within the academic field, with emphasis on the critical understanding of contemporary social dynamics.
- Aptitude for critical analysis, reasoned evaluation and synthesis of complex and innovative ideas, particularly regarding social issues.
- The ability to communicate research findings effectively, both within the scientific community and to society at large, using the standard forms and languages of their international academic field.
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Personal and Academic Skills:
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- Confidence in operating within contexts where specific information is limited or incomplete.
- Ability to formulate fundamental questions that enable the addressing and resolution of complex problems.
- Capacity to design, develop and implement original, innovative, and socially relevant projects within their field of expertise.
- Willingness to work both independently and collaboratively, particularly in international and interdisciplinary environments where Sociology and Communication intersect.
- Ability to argue and defend proposed solutions with rigour, from a critical, well-reasoned, and socially engaged perspective.
- Competence in integrating diverse forms of knowledge, managing complexity, and making informed judgements even in the presence of limited data.
- Capacity to present and support arguments robustly from a critical and well-substantiated standpoint.
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FULL DETAILS OF THE PhD PROGRAMME
