UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion
We’re looking for PhD candidates with academic excellence, a passion for research on AI for digital media inclusion, and evidence of working effectively as part of a team. We have up to 20 PhD scholarships available for an October 2025 start.
Start date
1 October 2025Duration
4 yearsApplication deadline
Funding information
- UK home tuition fees (paid directly to the Institution)
- Tax-free maintenance payment (based on the UK Research and Innovation – UKRI’s minimum rate) – current amount for 2025-2026 is £20,780 per year
- Enhanced supplement of £4,000 per year.
About
We’re looking for PhD candidates with academic excellence, a passion for research on AI for digital media inclusion, and evidence of working effectively as part of a team.
The UKRI AI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion (CDT) combines the world-leading expertise of the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI (PAI) at the University of Surrey, a pioneer in AI technologies for the creative industries and StoryFutures at Royal Holloway University of London, leader in creative production and audience experience.
Digital media inclusion is essential for equality across society
Our vision is to deliver unique cross-disciplinary training embedded in real-world challenges and creative practice, and to address the industry need for people with responsible AI, inclusive design and creative skills.
We believe that AI can enable intelligent media which adapts to individual needs to reduce barriers to inclusion (preference, neuro-divergence, age, language, sensory or physical abilities).
The CDT is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as part of the government’s strategy to ensure the country has the top global expertise and fosters the next generation of researchers needed to seize the transformational benefits of AI technology.
Our training programme and our partnership with the UK’s creative industry
The CDT will train a new generation of over 80 industry-ready PhDs to lead the transformation to responsible AI-enabled inclusive media. Working in multi-disciplinary cohort teams, we aim to develop comprehensive multi-faceted AI solutions combining creative, technical, behavioural, linguistic, social and legal expertise, designed with inclusion for all at their heart.
Over 4 years our CDT researchers will undertake: individual PhD research, a tailored training programme, and take part in real-world challenges partnering with industry, as part of that training.
Eligibility criteria
Open to any UK or international candidates.
You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.
How to apply
The aim of our CDT is for all PhD researchers to gain a cross-disciplinary understanding of fundamental AI science, inclusive design and creative industry practice, together with responsible AI research and innovation leadership, to lead the creation of future AI-enabled inclusive media.
Details of how to apply and our selection process are on our webpage:
Prospective candidates: contact CDT_AI@surrey.ac.uk with any questions.
Studentship FAQs
Read our studentship FAQs to find out more about applying and funding.
Application deadline
Contact details
Prospective candidates: contact CDT_AI@surrey.ac.uk with any questions.
Studentships at Surrey
We have a wide range of studentship opportunities available.