Apply to join our UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence

 

 

 

 

Apply to the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence

Interested in shaping the future of citizen-centered AI? Applications for our next PhD cohort will open December 2025. Join the UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence (CCAI) and contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world impact. Learn more about the program and application process on Application Process and Application Resources pages.

Successful applicants will receive a full UKRI-funded studentship, including: a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £20,780 for 2025/26, rising annually), full tuition fees, a generous research training grant to support research activities. 

For the 2026/27 academic year entry only (starting September 2026), students with home fee status will receive an enhanced TechExpert stipend of £31,000 as part of a government-funded pilot. This uplift is provided in addition to standard CDT funding and does not affect tuition fees or the training grant. TechExpert students will take part in a number of additional activities (up to 10 days per year), such as outreach to encourage future participation in tech careers, networking within the TechFirst community, and engagement with industry partners. This pilot is funded by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and delivered by UKRI. It applies to the 2026/27 cohort only.  Only applicants eligible for home fee status can be considered for the TechExpert stipend. International applicants are not eligible for this pilot but may still apply for standard CDT studentships.  

Please visit the following link for further details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techexpert  

Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis in combination with work of personal responsibilities.   

We expect that our cohort of students will work closely with our non-academic partners to ensure that the citizen voice is heard throughout the design, development, implementation and evaluation stages of AI innovation.    

Note that no prior AI expertise is needed, foundational training in AI will be offered and a personalised training plan will be developed for PhD researchers at the outset.  

We are interested in research proposals that investigate AI in relation to the themes below: 

• Health & Wellbeing
• Climate & Sustainability
• Communities, Democracy & Society
• Identities, Security and Society
• Design & Co-Creation
• AI in Learning & Education
• AI Law & Regulations
• AI, Work and Organisations
• Uncertainty, Explainability, Transparency and Bias in AI

Please visit the above research themes for more details as well as references you may draw on in your application.   

Application Process  

Further information and guidance can be found on our Application Process page, including specific information on what to include in your application and research proposal.   

Before you can complete the online application form, you will need to prepare the following documents:  

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)  
• Research Proposal (using the provided template) 
• EDI Personal Statement (Optional) (using the provided template) 
• Degree Certificate(s) and Transcripts  
• English Language Certificates (for international students only)  

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement. 
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required. 
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere. 
• From academic year 2025/26, studentship awards are open to applications from UK and International (including EU) applicants as per UKRI guidelines. Applicants should check their eligibility prior to applying. Please note there are a limited number of international awards available. 

Begin your online application  

All applications must be completed and submitted via the University application portal. The application deadline is 19 January 2026. 

Full Time Study: 

 

 

 

Part Time Study:

 

 

 

Watch our recent information webinar to learn more:

Please note that the dates advertised in the below Webinar have been changed. Deadline for applications submission is now 19th January 2026.