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MPhil/PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies (2022 Entry)

About this course header
Overview header

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.


Entry requirements header Entry requirements header

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


English Language requirements header
  • 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 requirements header
Additional requirements header

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

Research header

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.

Supervisor header

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.

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