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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

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, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. 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 Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM)

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) was established at Warwick in 2012 to foster innovative and experimental forms of knowledge production through a sustained focus on methodology. CIM is dedicated to expanding the role of interdisciplinary methods through new lines of inquiry that cut across disciplinary boundaries, both intellectually and institutionally.

Method is central to the formation and transformation of disciplinary knowledges, and the challenge of working across and in between disciplines is both exciting and pressing. Our research team is drawn from across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences, with expertise in a variety of substantive domains.

Within Warwick, CIM is an advocate of interdisciplinary research and study. Beyond Warwick and beyond the academy, CIM explores new forms of public engagement, both with potential research users and with the experts, experimenters and institutions in business, civil society and government that are at the forefront of applied methodological innovation.

Find out more about us on our website.


Our Postgraduate courses

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.

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Admissions statement

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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.

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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.

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