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

Find out more about our Cultural Policy Studies/Creative Industries/Media and Communication MPhil/PhD degrees at Warwick

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P-W4P8 (Cultural Policy Studies)
P-W4PB (Creative Industries)
P-P300 (Media and Communication)

MPhil/PhD

3-4 years full-time;
Up to 7 years part-time

6 October 2025

Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies

University of Warwick

On our PhD in Cultural Policy Studies/Creative Industries/Media and Communication, you will examine real world problems in the media, cultural and creative industries. With a distinctive research approach, Warwick's Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies will allow you to excel.

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 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.

• Media and Creative Industries 
• ]Management and Creativity
• Intellectual Property and the Creative Economy
• Digital Cultural and Digital Love
• Global Media Industries and Policies
• Creative Enterprise and Cultural Work
• Arts, Media and Sustainable Development
• The Value of Culture and Cultural Taste
• Cities, Spaces and National Identities
• Museums and Galleries Sector
• Transnational Screen Media
• Media Policy and the Environment

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Centre for Culture and Media Policy StudiesLink opens in a new window website.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.Link opens in a new window

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.

2:1 undergraduate degree and Master's degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.

• 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.

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.