Artificial Inequality? AI and its Impact on the UK Creative Industries (CreativeAI Studentship)

The University of Manchester invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship titled 'Artificial Inequality? AI and its Impact on the UK Creative Industries (CreativeAI Studentship)'. This research opportunity addresses the urgent and evolving intersection of artificial intelligence and structural inequalities within the UK's cultural and creative industries (CCIs). The project explores how AI technologies, such as Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, and Suno, are reshaping creative work, business models, and diversity in the sector, especially since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. Structural issues in CCIs, including poor working conditions, precarious careers, discrimination, and lack of diversity, have been well documented. The rapid integration of AI into creative workflows presents both opportunities and challenges, with debates focusing on its potential to enhance creativity and productivity versus concerns about intellectual property, sustainable careers, and exacerbation of existing inequalities. The UK’s industrial strategy highlights creative industries as a priority sector and emphasizes the transformative impact of AI, yet tensions remain between policy ambitions and the realities of inequality. This studentship is based in the Faculty of Humanities Doctoral Academy, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, and is supervised by Professor DO O'Brien, Dr SH Hind, and Dr R Batista-Navarro. The research will contribute to understanding the experiences of creative workers, the social and economic conditions they navigate, and the broader implications of AI for diversity and inclusion in the creative sector. The CreativeAI studentship provides full funding, including tuition fees, research support, and a stipend (£20,780 for 2025/2026), commencing in September 2026. Applicants must have a Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above and a Master's degree in a relevant subject with strong academic performance. English language proficiency is required, with minimum scores specified for IELTS, TOEFL, and Pearson tests. Applicants should submit academic transcripts, certificates, an academic CV, a supporting statement (max 700 words), a writing sample (up to 5,000 words), and nominate two academic referees. A PhD proposal is not required. The University of Manchester is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and career paths. Formal interviews are expected to take place in May 2026. For further information or to discuss the project, contact Dave O'Brien or Sam Hind at the provided email addresses. Application deadline is midnight (GMT) on 30 March 2026. Apply online for the PhD Digital Humanities, Cultures and Media, following the instructions to indicate your interest in the advertised project and CreativeAI studentship. Ensure all required documents are submitted, including your writing sample labeled as 'Writing Sample' in Section 12.