| Scholarship |
PhD Scholarship in Urban Isolation in Contemporary Asian Cinema |
| Reference |
26IN_MA |
| Length of Scholarship |
Up to 36 months, subject to satisfactory progression |
| Places |
1 |
| Programme |
PhD Culture Studies |
| Department or School |
International Communications |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Entry |
19 September 2026 |
| Closing Date |
31 May 2026 China Standard Time (CST) |
The available PhD scholarship cover
- Tuition fee
- Monthly stipend (RMB 4,500.00)
- All above items are covered for up to 36 months based on satisfactory progression
- All regulations set out in the PhD Scholarship Terms and Conditions apply
In addition to the above scholarship, successful candidates also have the opportunity to carry out teaching (after the completion of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) training) or research assistant duties at UNNC since second year of their PhD programmes.
Available PhD research areas
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To map the Phenomenon of Urban Isolation in Cinema by identifying key films that represent urban isolation in Asia, and analyze how the theme is approached in cultural and geographical contexts.
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To examine Cinematic Techniques and Themes, so addressing the narrative and visual techniques filmmakers use to evoke feelings of alienation, such as mise-en-scène, sound design, cinematography, and the use of symbolism.
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To explore Social, Economic, and Cultural Underpinnings to investigate how films relate the theme of isolation to larger societal issues, such as the pressures of modern capitalism, technological advancement, generational conflict, migration, or the impact of urban architecture on human relationships
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To Propose Solutions and Coping Mechanisms through exploring how films offer representations of hope, solidarity, and community as ways of addressing or overcoming urban isolation, and assess the potential of these representations to influence public perceptions and policy-making regarding urban life.
PhD programme structure
PhD programmes at the UNNC are composed of 3 years research and a 1 year thesis pending period for full time PhDs. Full time PhDs are expected to submit their theses within a maximum of four years from initial registration.
On successful completion of the PhD, the students will be awarded a PhD degree from University of Nottingham. No reference will be made on the degree certificate as to where the degree has been completed. The University of Nottingham PhD degree is accredited by the Chinese Ministry of Education and the UK Quality Assurance Agency.
Eligibility
Applicants considering to apply for PhD Scholarship must have met the entry requirements of a PhD programme first. More details can be found on the 'entry requirements' page of the website.
Applicants must have a master degree with minimum average score of 65% and degree classification Merit or above from a British university. Applicants also should hold a bachelor degree at upper second class or above level. Applicants from institutions where different score system is used must have achieved an equivalent level of performance to the above.
Applicants must meet the required English language proficiency for the relevant subject area.
How to apply
No separate application is required for applying for a scholarship but please make sure you select the correct scholarship reference number in the PhD application system. A list of required documents can be found on the 'how to apply' page.