At Northumbria University’s UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Citizen-Centred Artificial Intelligence (CCAI), we are looking for PhD candidates to join us in a groundbreaking initiative: bringing citizens to the heart of AI’s design and development. We are training over 60 PhD researchers - over the next 8 years - to lead the way in developing AI applications and services that serve citizens as well as governments and businesses.
Our training programme will build your skills across AI, human computer interaction, design, regulation, and governance, enhanced by real-world industry and community placements. Our goal? To make AI truly “work for citizens.” Through immersive learning experiences, you’ll engage in innovative research and acquire the interdisciplinary tools to become one of tomorrow’s leaders in AI ethics and design.
Our CDT’s place-based civic mission – here in the North East of England - is also dedicated to ensuring that the transformative power of AI benefits all communities, especially those who are most affected by digital advancements. By training our researchers here, we are empowering them to understand the specific needs of the region and to champion inclusive, citizen-centred AI solutions. Our programme fosters diverse perspectives and values, preparing our PhD researchers to lead meaningful change in both local and global contexts.
We are now recruiting for our second cohort of PhD Researchers to start in September 2025. Join us for an intensive 4-year PhD journey, where you’ll receive a comprehensive stipend at UKRI rates (currently £19,237 for 2024/25, with annual increases), full tuition coverage, and an enriched research training package. With opportunities for placements, study abroad, and tailored professional development, our PhD programme offers a unique pathway to impact-driven research.
You do not need a first degree in Computer Science to join us - if you are passionate about making people part of the AI conversation, we want to hear from you. We welcome applicants from all academic disciplines and backgrounds, from psychology and law to business and design. Our programme will equip you with cutting-edge skills in AI and Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, Participatory Design, and more. You will engage in industry, government, and community placements, and have opportunities to visit top research labs in the UK and internationally. You will be supported by a diverse, highly skilled team of lecturers, researchers and software developers. CCAI’s embracing of inclusivity extends across all of its processes which are designed to accommodate diverse professional and disciplinary backgrounds, career aspirations, and personal circumstances. We are open to international and home applicants - however please note there are limited international awards available per year - and applicants who wish to study on a full time and part-time basis.
To find out more about the programme, you can attend a pre-application workshop (in-person and online) for full details and upcoming workshop dates, please visit: Pre-Application Workshops.
The deadline for PhD applications is by 17:00 GMT on Friday 10th January 2025. For full details and guidance on how to apply please visit our Apply Now webpage.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the team via our enquiries form.
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