It seems especially appropriate to hold this training event for research students at a time when the British government is introducing new legislation in this field, designed to provide a flexible and durable framework for the rapidly changing and potentially converging communications industries.

The aims of this event are:

i)           to explore problems of research method;

ii)          to consider selected examples of policy research;

iii)         to reflect upon the different imperatives driving policy research in the academy and in selected communications industries;

iv)        to provide an opportunity for research students to reflect upon their research methods, priorities and concerns. 

A range of speakers from academic institutions, industry and public bodies will present examples of their policy work or research, and there will be additional opportunities for doctoral students to present and reflect upon both the methodological and substantive aspects of their own research. 

Confirmed speakers:

-        Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History, University of Westminster

-        Vincent Porter, Professor of Mass Communications and Director, Centre for Communication and Information Studies, University of Westminster

-        Richard Paterson, Head of Knowledge, British Film Institute

-        Nick Toon, Controller of Public Affairs, ITV Network Ltd.

-        Jonathan Davis, Strategy Advisor, Film Council

-        Margaret Dickinson, Senior Research Fellow in Film Policy, AHRB Centre for British Film and Television Studies

-        Professor Robin Mansell, Dixons Chair in New Media and the Internet, London School of Economics

Programme

Thursday, 13 March 2003
1.30 - 2.00:	Lunch
2.00 - 2.10:	Welcome and Introduction (Professor Sylvia Harvey)
2.10 - 3.30:	I. Broadcasting Policy: Academic Perspectives
	Speakers:	Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History, University of Westminster
		Vincent Porter, Professor of Mass Communications and Director, Centre for Communication and Information Studies, University of Westminster
3.30 - 4.00:	Tea
4.00 - 5.30:	II. Broadcasting Policy: Industry and Public Policy Perspectives
	Speakers:	Richard Paterson, Head of Knowledge, British Film Institute
		Nick Toon, Controller of Public Affairs, ITV Network Ltd.
Friday, 14 March 2003
9.30 - 11.00:	III. Film Policy
	Speakers:	Jonathan Davis, Strategy Advisor, Film Council
		Margaret Dickinson, Senior Research Fellow, AHRB Centre for British Film and Television Studies
11.00 - 11.30:	Coffee
11.30 - 1.00:	IV. Doing Post-graduate Research
	Student Presentations: Problems of Method Discussion of research issues and problems.(2-3 groups)
1.00 - 2.00:	Lunch
2.00 - 3.30:	V. Communications Policy
	Speakers:	Professor Robin Mansell, Dixons Chair in New Media and the Internet, London School of Economics
		Sylvia Harvey, Professor of Broadcasting Policy, Sheffield Hallam University, and Principal Associate Director, AHRB Centre for British Film and Television Studies
3.30 - 4.00:	Tea
4.00 - 4.30:	VI. Report-back and Conclusion

Application details:
Research students currently enrolled at British universities can apply for a place on the Postgraduate Training Day. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 25 February 2003.

The event takes place at Birkbeck, University of London, and starts at 1.30pm on Thursday 13 March 2003; it finishes at 4.30pm on Friday 14 March. Places are free but limited in number, so early application is advised (see application form - downloadable below). You will need to obtain the approval of your supervisor to attend the event

Twenty places are available.

For those whose institutions are unable to offer financial support, a number of small bursaries will be available to assist with travel and accommodation costs.

Download application form as PDF

Download application form as Word Document (.DOC)

Applications to and further details from: Ann Jones, Centre Administrator.