Richard McCulloch

Social researcher with 10+ years of experience delivering successful qualitative and mixed methods research projects, public speaking, community engagement and teaching.

Internationally recognised expert in the study of audiences/users/fans, the creative industries, and consumer relationships with brands.

PhD in entertainment brands and cultural branding, and with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.

Jan 2016 - Sep 2023. Senior Lecturer in Media and Film, University of Huddersfield.

Key responsibilities

• Designing, implementing, and publishing peer-reviewed research.
• Disseminating research insights to a wide range of audiences, including industry stakeholders, academic experts, students, and members of the general public.
• Developing and delivering student recruitment, outreach and marketing activities and materials, including brand strategy, copywriting, taster events and campus tours.
• Research supervision, including undergraduate, postgraduate and Ph.D. projects.
• Curriculum design, teaching and assessment across thirteen undergraduate and postgraduate modules in media, cultural and communication studies, including “Branding and Advertising” (final year undergraduate) and “Researching Participatory & Social Media” (Masters-level research methods training).
• Course leader for Media, Promotional Culture and Advertising, as well as for Film Studies.

Notable achievements

• Key contributor to exceeding departmental KPIs, including significant improvements in research excellence, student recruitment and satisfaction, and inter/national league tables
• Research internally ranked as “internationally excellent” for the 2020 REF (Research Excellence Framework).
• Part of a team of 40 academics from 14 countries who designed an ambitious, quali-quantitative audience research project on Game of Thrones, attracting 10,000+ participants.
• Winner of BAFTSS award for Best Edited Collection, 2020 (for Disney’s Star Wars book).

Sep 2013 - Dec 2015. Lecturer in Film, Regent's University London.

• Designed, implemented and published self-directed research on the Prince Charles Cinema, London. Worked with the cinema to provide insight on customer experience.
• Designed, taught and assessed student work on eight undergraduate modules, specialising in film, media consumption, and sociological approaches to entertainment media.
• Responsible for designing an entirely new Film Studies degree programme.
• Study Abroad tutor for students visiting from North American universities.

Sep 2010 - May 2014. Ph.D. Researcher / Visiting Lecturer in Film and Media, Various UK universities.

• Ph.D. researcher at University of East Anglia. Thesis title: “Towards Infinity and Beyond: Branding, Reputation, and the Critical Reception of Pixar Animation Studios”
• Visiting lecturer, designing, convening and teaching seven modules in media/politics departments at four UK universities. Topics taught included semiotic analysis, media power and influence, the creative industries, documentary film, and Japanese media culture.

• 2017. Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. University of Huddersfield
• 2010-2014. Ph.D. Film, Television and Media Studies. University of East Anglia
• 2008-2010. M.A. Film and Television Studies. University of East Anglia.
• 2004-2008. B.A. (Hons.) Film and American Studies. University of East Anglia / University of Texas at Austin (Sandwich Year)