Content Blocks

Data Visualisation (PhD)

Explore our Data Visualisation PhD degree at Warwick

Page updates

We may have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

P-I200

PhD

3-4 years full-time;

Up to 7 years part-time

5 October 2026

Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies

University of 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.

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.

There are typically around 8-10 hours contact hours per week, depending on type and number of optional modules chosen.

A combination of essays, reports, design projects, a portfolio, technical report writing, practice assessments, group work and presentations and an individual research project (5,000 word Final Project, MASc only).

Reading lists 

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platformLink opens in a new window. 

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogueLink opens in a new window.  

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to not yet being published. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department.  

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you have been registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules shortly before joining us.

2:1 undergraduate degree 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.

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 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

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. 

We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

This is a holding content block which does not currently display on the page. To make it live, update the copy above, change the Title to remove the brackets, and delete this sentence.