Harrison Charles

Media PhD

Harri originally set out to develop a career within film with no plans for postgraduate study. After being inspired by a BCU graduate, Harri discovered a postgraduate course in Media at BCU and the chance to work with experts from the Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research. That decision opened the doors to not only an MA but a PhD, international recognition, and now a thriving academic career.

I had previously considered pursuing a career in film and media after graduating from a degree in Film Studies from another university, with no plans to pursue a Master’s or PhD. 

However, after following the recommendation from a BCU graduate, I checked out the MA course for media and discovered the potential to research my passion of video games as a part of the Birmingham Centre for Media and Cultural Research. Learning about the supportive and interconnected practice-based research between the departments of English and Media and all the incredible activity which takes place here, I knew I was making the right choice to build my career in media.  

The wonderful support that the department offered in facilitating my research journey kept me engaged in my aspiration, which ultimately led to me undertaking a PhD after my Master’s course too. 

After I was introduced to the rich and diverse areas of research during my MA here, I started to pursue my interest in video games. There were loads of opportunities to explore the many facets of gaming, and I began to refine my areas of research into gaming and sexuality more specifically. 

When I joined the MA Media course, I was invited to join various research cultures within the research community and connected with lots of staff and students. Such a welcoming environment helped me find my place here and to work on projects within the incredibly inclusive media community. Here I have built personal and professional relationships that have not only given me a sense of belonging but helped to enhance my knowledge.

BCU has been instrumental in supporting my research and the building of my career. This has led to being recognised in my field at a national and international level and going abroad in places such as Seville to share my work with others.  

Confidence in my own abilities has been a key change whilst being at BCU, overcoming self-doubt, anxiety and imposter syndrome, which were especially strong for me as the first member of my family to attend university. With thanks to such a supportive environment, I have become more secure in my knowledge and expertise, with a clearer sense of self since becoming a student here. 

If you are considering studying an MA, MRes or PhD in any Creative Arts & Media subjects at BCU…do it! There is a wonderful array of expertise and research specialisms to help you make sense of it all and help you to create work you can be immensely proud of. Doing an MA or PhD at BCU provides you with all the support you could ever need in aiming for your goals.

For me, “IAMBCU” means belonging to an incredibly supportive community, who want to bring out the best in one another. It is an environment that prioritises collaboration, connection and authenticity for people from all backgrounds working together to achieve great feats.