CALL FOR PAPERS

ANNUAL MECCSA POSTGRADUATE CONFERENCE

The MeCCSA (Media, Communications and Cultural Studies Association) 
Postgraduate Network is pleased to announce the dates of the next annual 
conference to be held at the University of Sussex, Brighton, 1st and 2nd 
July 2008.

Topics cover ALL aspects of Cultural studies, Media and Film studies, and 
Digital media. We particularly welcome papers on the subjects of Media 
practice and pedagogy. 

We welcome abstracts of 250 words from postgraduate students wishing to 
attend the conference, to be received no later than  1st February 2008.  
Abstracts should include a title, topic of research, methodology/ies 
employed and contact details.  They should be forwarded to 
[log in to unmask] along with any queries about the event.

This is an excellent opportunity for postgraduate students to present 
their work to likeminded individuals in a supportive and productive 
environment.  The conference will also include workshops from expert 
academics on contemporary topics such as publishing, teaching, the RAE, 
and other issues pertinent to postgraduate students working in the highly 
political and controversial arena that is the University today.

Other information about the network and the conference can be found at 
www.meccsa.org.uk/pgn and www.sussex.ac.uk



AIMS OF THE MeCCSA POSTGRADUTE NETWORK:

The aim of the Postgraduate Network is to bring together postgraduate 
students in media, communication and cultural studies from different 
intellectual traditions and cultural backgrounds in order to form 
research, and teaching and learning networks and also ensure peer support. 
The Postgraduate Network Executive Committee has members from the 
University of Aberystwyth, Cardiff, University of Central England, 
Birmingham, Glasgow University, London School of Economics, Queen Margaret 
University College, Edinburgh, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, 
University of Stirling, University of Sunderland, University of Sussex and 
University of Westminster.

The Postgraduate Network’s goals are to:

- Situate postgraduate researchers in the national landscape of media, 
communication and cultural studies
- Provide a national forum where postgraduates can participate in 
workshops/seminars related to teaching, learning and research 
- Bring together members of the postgraduate community in order to debate 
contemporary issues in media, communication and cultural studies
- Provide a supportive environment where postgraduates can establish 
valuable contacts for the future



ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX, BRIGHTON:

The University of Sussex is a leading research institution engaged in high-
quality scholarship across a broad range of subjects. In the 2005 Times 
Higher Education Supplement’s ‘World University Rankings’, Sussex was 
ranked 13th in the UK, 36th in Europe, and 100th in the world.

A refusal to be confined by traditional disciplinary boundaries 
characterises some of the most distinctive research at Sussex. This 
pioneering approach is reflected in the organisation of graduate studies 
within its schools, which is designed to encourage intellectual exchange 
across disciplines, and create a lively, stimulating environment. 

Sussex has maintained a strong international focus since its foundation 
and has academic links with every continent. The University is home to 
researchers and students from over 120 countries, and thus prides itself 
on a vibrant and diverse student population. 

The University of Sussex boasts one of the most beautiful campus locations 
in Britain. Situated in rolling parkland on the edge of Brighton, the 
campus combines award-winning modern architecture and green open spaces. 
Sussex is the only university in England with the whole of its academic 
campus situated in a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty‘, and 
with the beautiful Sussex coast on the doorstep, there is a perfect 
atmosphere for study and relaxation.

The Media and Film Studies department at the University of Sussex has 
firmly established its reputation in both teaching and research over the 
last fourteen years. The distinctive focus of the department’s work is on 
the decisive cultural role of media systems within modern societies. We 
have particular research strengths in the areas of narrative and popular 
culture, as well as gender and sexuality, gaining international 
recognition for our work in these fields. Over 600 students are registered 
in the Department across a vast spectrum of disciplines. Our newly opened 
Centre for Material Digital Culture will only further consolidate our 
reputation as a department committed to embracing social and technological 
developments, alongside cutting-edge theoretical and philosophical 
frameworks.