[Commlist] PhD Scholarship for Media, Ageing and Cultural Evidence

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship

*Media, Ageing and Cultural Evidence for Practice and Policy*

University of West London

London School of Film, Media and Design

Lead Supervisor: Professor Dennis Olsen

Start Date: September 2026

The University of West London invites applications for a fully funded 
Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship for an exceptional candidate whose 
work will advance research on ageing, representation and the translation 
of cultural evidence into meaningful social, policy or industry outcomes.

The successful applicant will join an active research environment 
currently developing innovative methods for analysing ageing narratives 
in media, engaging cultural organisations and public bodies, and 
designing practices, guidelines and toolkits that support more inclusive 
representation and better use of humanities‑based evidence.

This scholarship offers a unique opportunity to shape new approaches 
that move beyond critique and towards actionable change in industry, 
community or policy settings.

*Research Focus*

We welcome proposals that connect with Acting Against Ageism 
<https://www.uwl.ac.uk/research/research-impact/acting-against-ageism> 
and the broader research programme on cultural representations of ageing 
while offering fresh, original and forward looking directions. Projects 
should show a clear pathway for translating cultural insight into impact.

Potential themes include:

*1. Future-facing approaches to ageing representations and narrative change*

Projects may examine emergent or underexplored areas that extend beyond 
established analyses. Examples include:

•algorithmic curation, AI generated media and their implications for 
ageing narratives

•representation of later life in participatory, community or creator 
driven digital cultures

•comparative analysis of narrative prototypes, archetypes and their 
evolution across platforms

•new methods for capturing representational “micro shifts” and 
understanding their social effects

Applicants are encouraged to identify gaps in existing research and 
propose original methodological or conceptual contributions.

*
*

**

*2. Translating cultural evidence for professional practice, 
institutions or public services*

Projects in this area should engage directly with how humanities based 
evidence can inform decision making and practice in fields such as:

•cultural and creative industries (script development, commissioning, 
programming, casting, marketing)

•local authority planning, cultural strategy, wellbeing agendas or 
public service design

•charities, advocacy bodies or community organisations working on ageing

•guidelines, toolkits or frameworks that support organisational change

Strong proposals will outline how the research will be co-developed with 
practitioners or stakeholders to maximise real world uptake.

*3. Creative, participatory or design-led inquiry that generates usable 
evidence*

This may involve:

•creative practice as a method for interrogating entrenched narratives

•co-creation with older adults, practitioners or cultural workers

•design-led approaches that support institutional change, audience 
engagement or community strategy

•models for capturing, analysing and mobilising audience or participant 
insight

Creative work is welcome when framed as research that produces 
transferable evidence.

*4. Evaluating and strengthening pathways to change*

Projects may focus on:

•how organisations adopt and adapt representational guidance

•mechanisms through which cultural evidence influences public debate

•ways to document transformation in practice, understanding or policy

•development of new evaluation tools that capture qualitative shifts

This strand is ideal for candidates interested in research that is both 
analytical and operational.

*Candidate Profile*

We are seeking an applicant who demonstrates:

•strong academic grounding in media studies, cultural studies, ageing 
studies, policy studies, design, performance or related fields

•interest in representation, inclusivity and the cultural dimensions of 
ageing

•the ability to work across disciplines and engage with stakeholders

•motivation to produce research that can shape practice, strategy or 
public conversation

•excellent writing, analysis and communication skills

*Funding and Support*

The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a competitive 
stipend for three years (full time). The successful candidate will join 
a collaborative supervisory environment and have access to relevant 
networks, partners and training opportunities.

**

**

*How to Apply*

Applications must be submitted via the University of West London website 
<https://www.uwl.ac.uk/course/research/media?start=1730&option=33>.

The research proposal should outline your topic, research aims and 
methods and will help us assess your suitability for doctoral study and 
identify the most appropriate supervision team.

When applying for your PhD, please tick “scholarship funding” in the 
checklist in your application.

Please also add that you would like to be considered for the 
“Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship: Media, Ageing and Cultural Evidence 
for Practice and Policy” in your personal statement.

International students are advised to check requirements for student 
visas (including Immigration Health Surcharge - IHS) and Academic 
Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) before applying. Please note that 
scholarship payment cannot be used to fund visa applications.

*Application deadline: 2 April 2026 (11:59pm)*


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