Data Visualisation (PhD)
Explore our Data Visualisation PhD degree at Warwick
Study for a Data Visualisation PhD at Warwick's innovative and diverse Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies. Join an innovative, cohort-based PhD, with theoretically grounded and practice-led research structured through linked projects on diverse data visualisation research questions.
Course overview
Important information
We are planning to make some changes to our Data Visualisation (PhD) for 2026 entry. Changes are currently undergoing approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As any changes are confirmed, they will be included on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.
Science, industry and society need people with advanced data visualization capabilities. Studying for a PhD in visualisation at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) at Warwick is an opportunity to undertake world-leading doctoral research and join a cohort of future leaders in data visualization.
The Data Visualisation PhD programme provides you with the academic and professional opportunities to develop as an independent, creative and impactful researcher who can contribute to knowledge and research at the forefront of data visualisation and data science research.
You will pursue a programme of study consisting of several doctoral level components. These components will ordinarily be in the form of research projects undertaken with either external organisations (commercial, not-for-profit or academic) or internal academic units. You will document and develop your research in interactive digital notebooks in line with best practice in data visualization research and submit your notebook as a digital thesis for examination.
Within this PhD, you will join the cohort of EPSRC Diversity in Data Visualization Centre for Doctoral Training, DIVERSE CDTLink opens in a new window that is co-hosted at CIM at Warwick together with City, St Georges, University of London. As well as the interdisciplinary academics at CIM, you will interact with the whole academic team of DIVERSE CDT across the two universities during your studies.
CIM is one of the very few places where the development of interdisciplinary methodology is the focus. Data Visualisation is a key research area for several academics at CIM and you will benefit from tailored guidance from academics and professional staff with experience and expertise in the challenges of interdisciplinary data visualisation research and interdisciplinary methods overall.
Teaching and learning
The PhD Data Visualization requires the completion of a structured programme of research comprising a minimum of two component research projects, a review of visualization research and practice, and a synthesising narrative. Your submitted digital thesis must demonstrate in-depth knowledge and study of the field; originality of thought, either in the creation of new knowledge or in the novel application of existing knowledge; and the suitability of the research for publication in peer-reviewed venues.
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.
You will be expected to attend subject-specific and generic training across the period of your PhD all four years of the PhD programme. This will include training in data visualization design and production, responsible research, research ethics, equality, diversity and inclusion, intellectual property, and careers development. You will develop the four core areas identified in the Vitae Researcher Development Framework: knowledge and intellectual abilities; personal effectiveness; research governance and organisation; and engagement, influence and impact.
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
2:1 undergraduate degree 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.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window
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
- Digital Media and Culture
- Software Studies
- Data Visualisation
- Science and Technology Studies
- Environmental Humanities
Full details of our research interests are listed on the CIM web pagesLink opens in a new window.
You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.Link opens in a new window
Application Process
There are variations in the application process if you are applying to this programme directly or through the application process for one of the EPSRC DIVERSE CDT scholarships.
If you are applying to this programme directly (i.e., not through DIVERSE CDT), please see the Supervisors and Proposals tab.
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 pagesLink opens in a new window. 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.Link opens in a new window
Research proposals
The research proposal is the most important element of your PhD application. You need to submit a fully specified research proposal when you apply. This is your statement about why your project is interesting, how you will carry it out, and what academic debates and social problems your work addresses.
We look for a robust research proposal of around 2,000 words, although this is only a guideline. It has to convince us that your topic is feasible and that we have the right expertise to supervise it. The emphasis will be on the quality of the proposal and whether or not it fits with a particular supervisor’s research interests, not on the word count.
Find out more about our research proposal requirements on our websiteLink opens in a new window.
EPSRC DIVERSE CDT applicants
If you are an EPSRC DIVERSE CDT Applicant, follow the process outlined here:
Starting in 2025/26 to 2029/30, there will be scholarships provided through DIVERSE CDT. If you are applying to this programme for one of the scholarships offered as part of DIVERSE CDT, you need to complete the application first through DIVERSE CDTLink opens in a new window.
If you are offered one of the DIVERSE CDT scholarships and asked to apply here, follow the application format here. When asked for a proposal, you can upload the application responses that you uploaded for the DIVERSE CDT scholarship application. You will be also sent additional details from DIVERSE CDT management team on the application process.
Your career
Our degrees equip you with the skills and experiences needed to excel in your career. With access to exceptional career services, industry connections, and global opportunities, we’ll inspire and help you to aim high and achieve your goals. Our guidance ensures you graduate as a well-rounded professional ready for lifelong success.
The median salary for University of Warwick 2021/22 postgraduates whose main employment was full-time work in the UK was £38,000 (based on 971 respondents - 17% of the total postgraduate population)*.
Previous graduates from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies have gone on to work for employers such as*:
- IBM
- Jaguar Land Rover
- Multiverse
- NHS England
- Office for National Statistics
- Tesco
- University of Warwick
They have pursued occupations such as the following*:
- User experience designers
- Digital product managers
- Media relations specialists
- Systems and data analysts
- IT managers
- Business and financial project managers
- Management consultant and business analysts
- Primary, secondary and higher education teaching professionals
- Research and development (R&D) managers
- Social and humanities scientists
*Derived from the Graduate Outcomes survey, 2021/22, carried out approximately 15 months after completion of studies.
Conducted annually, Graduate Outcomes Link opens in a new window collects information on the activities and perspectives of graduates. Contains HESA data: Copyright Jisc 2024. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Helping you find the right career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Careers in AI and Data Science
- Discovering Careers in the Creative Industries
- Discuss What’s Next After Your CIM Master’s Degree
Discover more about postgraduate careers support at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
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.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate courses
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
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 research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
- Access to research material that is not available via university resources
- Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and funding
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.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply checklist
Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application.
I'm ready to apply
Learn more about the Applicant Portal.
Application deadlines
Applications open in Autumn 2025 for courses that start in September and October 2026.
For research courses that start in September and October 2026, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2026. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
Places are often limited, so we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible.
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events