CITIZEN-CENTRED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Are you ready to help shape a citizen-driven AI future for the UK?

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. 

Our third cohort of PhD researchers will begin their journey in September 2026!  

Applications for the third cohort open December 2025. We provide a generous stipend (currently £20,780 for 2025/26, with annual increases), full tuition coverage, and an enriched research training package that includes placements, study abroad opportunities, and tailored professional development. Learn more about this exciting opportunity to contribute to impact-driven research. 

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 

Who are we looking for? 

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. 

Applications are now open for a September 2026 start.  
 
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the team via our enquiries form.