PhD in Artificial Intelligence

  • Funded PhD opportunity
  • Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
  • Full-time and Part-time
Apply and key information  

This project is funded by:

    • Department for the Economy (DfE)

Summary

Join the PhD programme in Artificial Intelligence at Ulster University’s School of Computing, where we are leading research that transforms how people interact with technology and improves lives. As a PhD Researcher, you will conduct impactful research within our core themes in Artificial Intelligence and Pervasive Computing

Propose Your Own Research Project

We encourage applicants to propose their own research project aligned with our core themes. If you have an innovative idea in Foundational AI, Smart Environments, Digital Health, Cyber Security, Data Science & Intelligent Decision-Making, or IoT, reach out to the School of Computing to discuss your project before applying. Our team is here to help you refine your proposal to ensure it aligns with Ulster’s research strengths and has real-world impact.

Key Research Themes Include:

  • Foundations of AI: Investigate core AI principles like knowledge representation, explainable AI, and mathematical reasoning to create reliable, interpretable, and effective AI systems.
  • Smart Environments: Design intelligent systems that respond to users seamlessly in homes, workplaces, and urban settings.
  • Digital Health: Advance AI in healthcare, creating solutions for patient monitoring, predictive diagnostics, and personalised care.
  • Cyber Security: Innovate in AI-enhanced cybersecurity, protecting data privacy, detecting threats, and ensuring secure digital ecosystems.
  • Data Science & Intelligent Decision-Making: Utilise data analytics and machine learning to address complex, real-world challenges in autonomous systems, smart cities, and more.
  • Internet of Things (IoT): Explore the intersection of AI and IoT, developing interconnected systems for efficiency and user-centred design.

Computer Science and Informatics Research at Ulster

Ulster University is highly regarded for its research excellence, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research power in computer science and informatics. The School of Computing’s research centres, the Artificial Intelligence Research Centre (AIRC) and the Pervasive Computing Research Centre (PCRC), focus on fields such as assistive technologies, next-generation networks, and semantic analytics, supported by cutting-edge facilities, including a high-performance computing lab and a smart environment lab. Key research projects include partnerships with industry leaders like BT, Kainos and PwC. The school's collaboration with industry is also supported through major initiatives, such as the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC) and Connected Health Innovation Centre (CHIC) enhancing business AI adoption across sectors.

Shape the Future at Ulster University

If you’re ready to push the boundaries of Artificial Intelligence, Ulster University provides an exceptional environment to support and inspire your research. Join a vibrant research community dedicated to innovation and societal impact.

  • Cutting-Edge Research: Ulster’s AI and Pervasive Computing research groups focus on solving real-world challenges, applying AI in diverse areas such as healthcare, digital security, smart cities, and intelligent decision-making.
  • Expert Supervision and Facilities: Collaborate with leading researchers and gain hands-on experience in our advanced research labs. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll develop the skills to lead in digital transformation and create innovations with real impact.
  • Societal Impact: Our research tackles global challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and digital security. Whether you aspire to improve digital health systems, secure smart environments, or optimise AI-driven decision-making, your work at Ulster will create lasting, positive change.

Career Opportunities

Pursuing PhD research at Ulster University's School of Computing offers an ideal pathway to a career in academia or in the commercial sector, where applied AI skills are in high demand. Our research insights support software developers and industry leaders using AI technologies, and we collaborate with prominent organisations such as British Telecom, PwC, and Kainos on cutting-edge AI research.

Training and Support

You will carry out research work within a research group under the guidance of experienced supervisors. You may also attend taught courses that are relevant to your research topic, as prescribed by your supervisor. You will be expected to attend seminars and meetings of relevant research groups. Periodic reviews of progress are conducted to assist with research planning.

A programme of transferable skills courses facilitates broader professional development in a wide range of topics, from writing and presentation skills to entrepreneurship and career strategies.

The School of Computing at Ulster University holds Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2016 and is committed to promote and advance gender equality in Higher Education. We particularly welcome female applicants, as they are under-represented within the School.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • A demonstrable interest in the research area associated with the studentship

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • First Class Honours (1st) Degree
  • Masters at 70%
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications - peer-reviewed
  • Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

  • Department for the Economy (DfE)

These scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a UK National, or
  • Have settled status, or
  • Have pre-settled status, or
  • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or
  • be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 24 February 2025
04:00PM

Interview Date
April 2025

Preferred student start date
15 September 2025

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Dr Aftab Ali

Aftab Ali

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Email
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