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MPhil/PhD in Cultural Policy Studies/Creative Industries/Media and Communication (2024 Entry)

Cultural Policy Studies/Creative Industries/Media and Communication students at the University of Warwick

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

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.


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 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

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


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. 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 pageLink opens in a new window.


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.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • 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.

Department content block about careers

Centre for Cultural and Media Policy Studies

We are internationally renowned for our excellence in the teaching and research in the policy, management, development, enterprise and industry of culture, media communication and creativity. Our approach is based on a critical engagement with both the practical realities of working in the cultural sector and the ideological and conceptual questions which lie behind them.

Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Taught and Research courses

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

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Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

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