2026 Global Communication Ph.D（English-taught）Program Description

1. About The Program

International communication refers to the cross-cultural exchange and flow of information between nations, states, or other international actors, as defined in political science. The International Communication (All English) Doctoral Program is planned and implemented by the School of Journalism. The program has a global enrollment policy. Graduates will receive an academic doctorate from Renmin University of China.

In 2021, the School of Journalism of Renmin University of China established the Department of International Journalism and Communication to integrate teaching, scientific research and social service resources. On this platform, 22 international news and communication teaching and research faculty members (the vast majority of whom have academic backgrounds from top overseas universities) are gathered, including 6 doctoral supervisors.

Since 2023, the college has recruited a total of 25 undergraduate international students, 55 master's degree international students, and 13 doctoral degree international students, gradually expanding its global enrollment scale. Currently, the School of Journalism and Communication has a total of 43 undergraduate international students, 65 master's degree international students, and 17 doctoral degree international students enrolled. The college actively cultivates journalism and communication talents from all over the world, continuously enriching and strengthening the international communication talent force.

In 2025, the School of Journalism and Communication of Renmin University of China opened a new doctoral program in international communication (English-taught). The program is an all English doctoral program in journalism and communication for international student, especially excellent young people from countries along the "the Belt and Road".This project aims to cultivate high-end practical talents for overseas non-Chinese speaking global news communication in the new media environment; Cultivate composite journalism talents with international perspectives, high academic literacy, and strong practical abilities; To cultivate talents who have a profound understanding of news communication theory, are familiar with global audiences, are skilled in integrating media communication techniques, and are committed to promoting dialogue and understanding between their country, China, and the world.

This year, the inaugural international communication (English-taught) doctoral program officially commenced, admitting six fully English-speaking doctoral students from countries including Vietnam, Ethiopia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. As the first fully English-taught doctoral program in the entire university, the establishment of this program is a pivotal measure taken by the School of Journalism and Communication to fulfill the important task of enhancing the nation's international communication capabilities in the face of the new era, new technologies, and profound globalization changes.

2. Learning progress requirements for the main training stages

(1) Course learning: 1-2 semesters focus on course learning, and the required course credits for this program must be completed by the second academic year or earlier.

(2) Subject comprehensive examination: After completing other major courses in addition to elective courses in this program, you can enter the comprehensive examination stage, usually taking the doctoral subject comprehensive examination in the second academic year. Upon passing the assessment, proceed to the thesis proposal stage.

(3) Thesis proposal: The thesis proposal is usually presented in the 4th to 5th semesters. Upon passing the assessment, the student enters the stage of writing their thesis.

(4) Encourage and support doctoral students to participate in international academic exchange activities, broaden their international perspective, and enhance their academic level.

(5) Academic exchange activities: Complete before applying for defense.

(6) Research achievement review: Completed before applying for defense.

(7) Pre defense and defense of doctoral thesis: Generally, pre defense and defense of doctoral thesis are conducted in the fourth academic year. The thesis pre defense should be completed two months before the formal submission of the doctoral thesis defense application, allowing sufficient time to complete the thesis revision and other work; those who fail the pre defense of their thesis will have another pre defense six months later.

3. Core Courses with Credits and Semesters

During the pursuit of a doctoral degree, it is required to obtain a total of no less than 24 credits in the degree program. Public courses shall account for no less than 6 credits, method courses no less than 2 credits, professional courses no less than 4 credits, elective courses no less than 8 credits, and advanced seminar courses no less than 4 credits.

2026 Global Talents Program Application Guide-Ph.D