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PhD in Cultural Policy Studies / PhD in Creative Industries / PhD in Media and Communication

We welcome applications for the degrees of PhD in Cultural Policy Studies, PhD in Creative Industries, and PhD in Media and Communication on either a full-time or a part-time basis, from those who have successfully completed one of the Centre's taught MA programmes and from those who have graduated in a relevant subject elsewhere with appropriate academic qualifications.

Completed PhD theses are available for viewing in the University of Warwick library. Recent theses are also available through Warwick's online repository WRAP.

Please note: if you are thinking of applying for a place on the centre's PhD programme, please make sure you follow the instructions set out here. If in doubt, please contact Dr. David Wright for clarification.

Research at the Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies

Our research is an interdisciplinary field characterised by a diversity of subjects and research methods focussed on cultural policy,the media and creative industries. The Centre's distinctive approach to research is based on a humanities tradition of critical investigation. The Centre encourages its researchers to tackle the underlying theoretical assumptions and ideologies behind cultural policy and management. The Centre is unlikely to support research of a primarily descriptive nature, or research based primarily on empirical social science.

The Centre expects its research to be relevant to current policy and management practice, but to remain detached from institutional imperatives. The Centre does not engage in research of a primarily 'instrumental’' nature, designed to endorse or enhance existing practice or to advocate a preconceived policy position. Research partnerships with external institutions are underpinned by a critical analysis of existing assumptions and knowledge, including those of the researchers and institutions concerned.

The Centre does not have a prescriptive approach to research methodology and advocates a subject-led approach with appropriate methods selected and adapted according to the objectives of the research. Research methods are likely to be diverse and individualised rather than following a collective 'best practice' model.

As a research student at the Centre you will be expected to make an original contribution to the field by critically reviewing existing knowledge and by challenging current assumptions and orthodoxies. Your research should be a personal journey which engages with issues and ideas you feel are significant and which are challenging and relevant to those working in the cultural sector.