University: University of Bath
School: School of Management
Supervisors: Dr Anlan Chen, Dr Daniela Defazio
Application deadline: Wednesday, June 30, 2027
Funding: Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
Please note: This project does not come with dedicated funding and so is mainly for self-funded students. Outstanding applicants who receive an early offer may be eligible to apply for a University of Bath doctoral scholarship, which is highly competitive. Further details on the scholarship application process can be found here: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/find-funding-for-doctoral-research/
The cultural and creative industries (CCIs) sit at the intersection of creativity and commerce, offering a unique context to study how individuals or organizations navigate competing value systems. Firms and practitioners in this sector face the ongoing challenge of balancing artistic integrity with financial sustainability, a tension that not only defines the industry but also provides valuable insights for broader management studies. Digital technologies are rapidly transforming this landscape, reshaping the way creative work is produced, shared, and consumed. From generative AI and blockchain to platform-driven business models, digital spaces are creating new opportunities for creative collaboration, experimentation, and audience engagement, while also raising questions around value creation, ownership, and sustainability and authenticity of the creative work.
This PhD opportunity invites applicants to develop an original research project examining digital transformation within the CCIs while managing the delicate balance between cultural and commercial imperatives. Applicants are expected to identify their own research problem and develop research questions that fit within this broad thematic area. The supervisors are open to your creative and original ideas.
Applicants are encouraged to propose a research design appropriate to their research question. Qualitative or mixed-method approaches are encouraged as they may be particularly well suited to exploring the experiences, narratives, practices and organisational dynamics associated with digital transformation in CCIs. The successful proposal will have the potential to develop in-depth insights into how organizations and individuals navigate evolving value tensions in digitally mediated environments. This PhD also offers the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary scholarship at the crossroads of management, cultural studies, and digital innovation.
Candidate requirements:
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Master's degree at Merit or above, or international equivalent. Non-UK applicants must meet the programme’s English language requirement.
Before submitting an online application, prospective candidates are required to contact the supervisor, Dr Anlan Chen, to discuss their research interests and suitability for the project. When contacting Dr Chen, please send an email including the following documents:
- A research proposal outlining how you would approach the topic
- Academic transcripts from your most recent degree (minimum requirement: a Merit Master’s degree)
- A funding plan detailing how you intend to finance your study
Enquiries:
Informal enquiries are encouraged. Direct these to Dr Anlan Chen - ac754@bath.ac.uk.
Preferred start date
All PhD students must commence registration and PhD training in 4 October 2027.
Application Instructions
Please follow the below instructions carefully.
You must make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for an Integrated PhD in Management.
The Integrated PhD programme includes a one-year MRes. If you already hold an MRes qualification, you may apply for the standalone PhD in Management.
In the ‘Funding Your Studies’ section, select self-funded or the right scholarships from the drop-down list.
In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, you must quote the project title in the PhD project title field, and you must quote the lead supervisor’s name in the field ‘Name of intended supervisor at University of Bath.’
You must ensure that you follow the above steps correctly.
*Please note that our studentships do not cover UK Student visa costs, or the cost of the mandatory UK Immigration Health Surcharge. These costs can be considerable, so we ask all Overseas applicants to check these costs before applying and ensure they would be willing and able to cover these from their personal funds.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.
If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.
The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.
Funding Notes
30 June 2027 for self-funded applicants. If you would like to apply for funded studentships (i.e., URSA and CSC), please follow the deadlines for the specific funding competitions and indicate which scholarships you would like to apply for in the application form. Any application without selecting the right scholarships from the drop-down list may cause delay or not being considered. More information about funding, please see Find funding for Doctoral research.