Skip to main content Skip to navigation

PhD Programmes

PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies

This programme allows you to think outside the box and pursue original and innovative interdisciplinary research in line with the core aims and research areas of the Centre. Students applying to this programme will draw from more than one discipline in conducting their research, and often seek to combine or innovate at the level of research method. Contemporary challenges often fall between or cut across disciplinary expertise and this degree is designed to meet these challenges. Apply here

  1. Determine if you are eligible to apply for a PhD. There are no deadlines to apply for entry to the PhD, but there are deadlines relating to scholarships. If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please consult the Funding Information below and work towards the deadlines specified. We recommend that candidates submit their applications as early as possible.
  2. Consider how you will fund your research. Full-time PhDs typically last between 3 to 4 years. In order to fund your study, you may need to apply for a scholarship, loan, or rely on support networks. Whatever the case, a clear funding strategy is needed before you commence your studies.
  3. Identify a potential supervisor, and make contact with them before submitting your application. Details of our academic staff members' expertise and areas of interest are available on our Staff Profile pages.Link opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window If you require assistance identifying which member of staff is best placed to supervise your proposed research, please feel free to contact our Director of Postgraduate Research Studies (n.calvillo@warwick.ac.uk).
  4. You may wish to nominate one co-supervisor from outside CIM. If you wish to do this, please make clear why this is the case in your application.
  5. Write your research proposal. Your research proposal should be around 2,000 words (and include references), but the focus is on quality. The proposal should be uploaded along with your application. Your proposal should consider: the main research question/s; the background context of the study and existing research; the discipline/s upon which the project will draw; theoretical frameworks (what theories with the work draw on and why?); methodological approach (i.e. ethnography, digital methods, GIS, discourse analysis); the topic, main examples or case studies; and any possible issues the project may have (such as access to data or specific archives).
  6. Organise the supporting documents. This will involve uploading your CV, academic transcripts, language test results (if needed) and referee information. We recommend that you let your referees know in advance that you intend to apply and send them your application materials so they are best positioned to comment on your suitability for the programme.

For any academic questions please contact CIM’s PGR Director Nerea Calvillo at n.calvillo@warwick.ac.uk (possible supervisors, grants, etc).

For any administrative questions, please contact CIM’s PGR Administrator at CIM@warwick.ac.uk (documents required, transcripts, application process, etc)

CIM PhD Programme

CIM offers doctoral students the opportunity to carry out an interdisciplinary research programme of their own design. Through our wide in-house expertise, as well as the links we foster with other departments, we offer a stimulating environment that will challenge and support you throughout your study. The diverse expertise and research interests of our academic staff can be found here.

Our other courses:

MA Digital Media and Culture

MASc Data Visualisation

MSc Big Data and Digital Futures