The CREAM doctoral programme hosts a thriving international community of doctoral researchers exploring issues in art and design, film, photography, moving image, ceramics, cultural studies, art and technology/science and music. It is a leading centre for PhD researchers wishing to pursue research through a creative practice-based enquiry.

Available to study either through a PhD standard route or as a PhD by Publication, students on the CREAM doctoral programme are actively involved as part of the wider CREAM research community, through their contributions to symposia, screenings, and editorial projects. The programme also initiates its own distinctive events and exhibitions, through the Hyphen collective, which hosts exhibitions and produce the Hyphen Journal, to present the diverse enquiries of current student cohorts, alongside alumni and doctoral students more widely. CREAM and Westminster School of Arts is part of the Techne AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership, offering annual studentship opportunities at CREAM.