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MPhil/PhD in Cultural Policy Studies/Creative Industries/Media and Communication (2022 Entry)

About this research graduate course

Course overview

Our Research degree routes encapsulate specialisms in the media and creative industries and cultural policy.

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.

This is exemplified by our MPhil/PhD route in Media and Communication, which includes the option of joint supervision with colleagues from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM).

As a research student in CMPS you will be expected to make an original contribution to your field by critically reviewing existing knowledge and by challenging current assumptions and orthodoxies in cultural policy and the media and creative industries. 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 and on the media and cultural sector.

Teaching and learning

Our PhD students are supervised by experienced researchers and specialists in the fields of cultural policy, media and creative industries.

You will join a vibrant and growing community of PhD researchers, supported by regular one-to-one supervision, work-in-progress and research seminars, as well as having the opportunity to organise and contribute to research events focussed on your interests.

Centre students have full access to the PhD training provided by the Centre for Arts Doctoral Research Excellence and Warwick Careers and Skills to augment your research and enhance your professional development.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree and Master's degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.


Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Our research

  • Management and Creativity
  • Intellectual Property and the Creative Economy
  • Digital Media and Digital Memory
  • Cultural and Media Organisations
  • Global Media Industries and Policies
  • Creative Enterprise
  • Arts, Media and Sustainable Development
  • Implicit cultural policy research
  • Cultural Policy
  • The Value of Culture
  • Cities, Spaces and National Identities
  • Structure and Agency in the Museums and Galleries Sector
  • Cultural Taste and the Sociology of Culture
  • Cultural Work
  • Transnational Screen Media
  • Media, Gender, Emotion and Ageing
  • Memory Studies, Archives and Popular Heritage
  • Media Policy and the Environment
  • Pedagogy, Creativity and Storytelling

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Centre for Culture and Media Policy Studies website.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the links below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

For students interested in the PhD by Media and Communication route, see our Staff Research Directory where you will be able to search by research area. Additional supervision areas can be found under the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.

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Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

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Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

Connect with us

Want to hear more about postgraduate study at Warwick? Register your interest and find out more.