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Diverse CDT FAQs

A PhD is a research degree that enables a person to become a specialist and make an original contribution to our knowledge and understanding of the world.

Sometimes this involves writing a ‘thesis’ – a long document describing your original research. With Diverse CDT, you produce a ‘digital notebook’: document that can include code, visualizations, analysis, and interactive elements.

On successful completion of a PhD with Diverse CDT you would become a Doctor of Data Visualization.

Students join the CDT as a whole, and complete a year’s training before they are matched with a supervisory team.

This provides an opportunity for students and supervisors to get to know one another and find the best fit.

During the first year you will have a nominal supervisor, but in practice you will be collectively supervised by the CDT as a whole.

You can study at either City St George’s or at the University of Warwick, with teaching from both institutions in the first year.

We have space for around 10 new students each year at City St George’s, and around 2 each year at Warwick.

Wherever you study, you will be part of a cohort, collaborating with peers at both Universities, both via video link and in person.

A funded position to study for a PhD with the Diverse CDT, the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Diversity in Data Visualization includes:

  • All fees paid (for UK students) and a maintenance grant (also known as a stipend) of £23,158 per year for 4 years, plus any UKRI-determined increases
  • A top spec laptop for the duration of your studies, cutting edge tech and our amazing DataVis labs
  • Fully funded exchange visit to a top international research lab – we work with partner labs in the US, Canada, Australia and Europe
  • 3-6 month internships with academic and industrial partners across public, private and not-for-profit sectors (you’ll continue to receive your maintenance grant during internships)
  • Eligibility (full-time students) for student discounts across a range of services and products, including rail cards, council tax, and many retailers
  • Access to discretionary hardship funding through your University should your financial situation change during your degree
  • 30 days’ annual leave, and other benefits including parental and sick leave as outlined by the UKRI.

Most Diverse CDT students will study on a full-time basis. You will be expected to study for 35 hours per week and to be available during the working week for training, research and enhancement activities.

A limited number of places are available for part-time study. Please contact info@diverse-cdt.ac.uk if you would like to discuss the possibility of joining Diverse CDT part-time to fit with your circumstances.

Final-year Undergraduates and Graduates

  • We welcome applications from final-year undergraduates and people who have already completed an undergraduate degree, and this does not need to be in a technical subject
  • You may be a good fit for this programme if you have an undergraduate degree involving some work with data in any programme of study – whether Geography, Sociology, Health Sciences, Business, Politics, Psychology, Computer Science, or other – and if you are excited to develop an understanding of how data are represented and understood in these or other disciplinary contexts 
  • If you are currently enrolled on another degree programme, you would need to complete this before beginning a Diverse CDT studentship.

Masters Students and Graduates

  • We welcome applications from people who have completed or are completing a taught postgraduate qualification that involves some work with data who are interested in visualization
  • We are interested in hearing from you, whether or not you have previously completed an undergraduate degree
  • If you are currently enrolled on another degree programme, you would need to complete this before beginning a Diverse CDT studentship.

Professionals Without a Degree Qualification

  • We consider applications on a case-by-case basis, including from people who have built substantial experience in working with data and interest in visualization outside of higher education
  • Please get in touch with us via info@diverse-cdt.ac.uk if you’re interested in applying and aren’t sure whether your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.

International Applicants

  • We are building capacity and seeking funding for International PhDs for future cohorts, with limited places likely to be available from October 2026
  • Due to the innovative structure of this programme, we cannot recruit anyone who would require an ATAS Certificate to study: please use this link to assess your eligibility
  • If you are an overseas applicant in receipt of external funding, please contact info@diverse-cdt.ac.uk for more information.

Is there an option to study part-time?

  • Places for part-time study are limited in number. Please reach out to info@diverse-cdt.ac.uk if you would like to discuss the possibility of joining the Diverse CDT part-time to fit with your circumstances
  • If you currently work in data visualization and would like to complete a PhD that aligns with your professional work, please email info@diverse-cdt.ac.uk to discuss the possibility of your employer sponsoring you for a Diverse CDT Studentship.

Application instructions for 2026 entry will be released in Autumn 2025.

Apply Now for 2026 Entry

Join a fully funded four-year PhD programme at City St George’s or the University of Warwick.