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MPhil/PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (2022 Entry)

About this research graduate course

Course overview

An interdisciplinary PhD at CIM allows you to conduct research in more than one area of inquiry and/or methodology, across innovative fields such as:

  • Complexity Science
  • Digital Media Research
  • Data Visualisation
  • Cultural Economy
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • Digital Sociology
  • Environmental Humanities

It will allow you to do research that might not fit easily in a traditional PhD programme.

An interdisciplinary study does not mean that you are ‘free floating’ or that you will not have identifiable expertise at the end of your study. It means that you will develop and acquire research expertise and an accompanying skillset that crosses more than one discipline, and the ability to engage with and contribute to broader interdisciplinary discussions within and beyond the university.

While CIM is not the only place where interdisciplinary study is possible, there are very few places where the development of interdisciplinary methodology is the focus. In CIM, you will benefit from tailored guidance from academics and professional staff with experience and expertise in the challenges of interdisciplinary research.

Teaching and learning

Supervision will be provided by top academic researchers with significant experience in undertaking research and contributing to methodology development across a range of disciplines, topics, methods.

Most doctoral students at CIM are supervised by two academics, with co-supervisors based in CIM or in relevant other departments at Warwick, such as:

  • Sociology
  • Computer Science
  • History
  • The Institute for Sustainable Development
  • The Centre for Media and Cultural Policy Studies

As CIM is a research centre, PhD students are exposed and contribute to a vibrant research environment, which includes:

  • PhD seminars
  • Workshops
  • Lectures
  • Work-in-progress forums
  • Study visits

Students may also participate in research projects based in CIM, and gain teaching experience.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:i undergraduate degree and a Master's (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

CIM is a well-established research centre, and the PhD programmes are at the core of its culture.

Research is focused on the following main research areas:

  • Interdisciplinary Methodologies
  • Digital Sociology
  • Computational Cultures
  • Data Visualisation
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • Environmental Humanities

Full details of our research interests are listed on the CIM web pages.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.

Find a supervisor

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

Detailed sets of supervision topics can be found in academic's profile pages. Try to identify a potential supervisor, and make contact with them before submitting your application. 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 dot calvillo at warwick dot ac dot uk.

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.

Sign up for Live Chats

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.