Funded PhD opportunities in Creative and Cultural Industries

Applications are invited for a fully-funded PhD in the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries of the University of Portsmouth to commence in October 2025. 

The University of Portsmouth is investing in funded PhD bursaries that underpin our commitment to ever-developing our research culture and the impact that our research makes. In the Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries, we welcome a range of research methods and we encourage different approaches including conventional, practice-based and practice-led research. 

We are especially keen to support interdisciplinary projects that involve more than one of the specialist research areas in the Faculty and prioritise research proposals that incorporate explorations of Extended Reality (XR) technologies and Creative Screen Media. We value research projects that demonstrate tangible real-world social impact and that identify collaborations with non-academic institutions, groups or organisations. We seek to achieve equality, diversity and inclusivity in our research community and wish to encourage applications from under-represented groups. 

Eligibility and funding notes

Candidates wishing to apply may be eligible to compete for one of a small number of bursaries available. Successful applicants will receive a bursary to cover tuition fees for three years and a stipend in line with the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25). A fees-only offer may also be made. Bursary recipients will also receive a budget of £1,500 for project costs/consumables/conference attendance over the course of the PhD. 

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by this bursary. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students ‘Visa FAQs’ page.    

Explore our research areas

We invite PhD proposals in any of the  areas of  research across our two schools but we are particularly interested to support research proposal in the following subject areas:  

How to apply

1. Use the links listed above to explore the available areas of expertise within our Faculty and to tailor your proposal accordingly. You are encouraged to contact the relevant Department Director of Postgraduate Research (emails listed above) with a brief overview of a proposed topic before submitting a formal application. 

2. Write up a short research proposal (1500-2500 words), providing the background to the proposed research,  an outline of the study to be undertaken and the gap in research it addresses.  The proposed research should relate to one or more of the above research areas. Please consult our research proposal guide for further guidance. It is strongly encouraged that you liaise with the appropriate Director of Postgraduate Research about your proposal prior to submission of formal application. 

3. Apply online (links provided below) making sure you submit your research proposal, a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. 

When you are ready to submit your application, please use the relevant subject area application links provided below. You must also quote the relevant project code to be considered for this funded PhD opportunity:

Architecture, Interiors and Urbanism - code AAD50250125

Art and Design: History, Theory and Practice - code AAD50260125

Digital and Creative Technologies - code FMC50280125

Film and Media Studies - code FMC50290125

Journalism, Communication and Creative Writing - code FMC50300125

Performance, Theatre and Music - code FMC50270125

Have you got questions?

Informal enquiries are encouraged and can be made to the Department Director of Postgraduate Research Coordinator mentioned above. For administrative and admissions enquiries please contact admissions@port.ac.uk.