How To Apply

Details about entry requirements, the application process and how to apply.

If you would like to find out more about the 4-year PhD programme in the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Accountable, Responsible and Transparent AI (ART-AI) at the University of Bath, please view our Webinar video recorded on 9th March 2022:

Who should apply?

We are looking for highly motivated students with a demonstrable interest in their research topic and in working in an interdisciplinary environment. We are inclusive of all types of people, and we are actively searching for diversity to build a more comprehensive basis from which to generate positive innovation in AI. To achieve this, we need to consider diversity beyond academic achievements. We are looking for a range of individuals with different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who are willing to share their understanding and learn collaboratively to collectively become specialists with perspective.

We recruit on the basis of potential: We look beyond the name of a university or academic achievements to assess individual candidates on what they could bring to the melting pot of ideas and how the centre can nourish and cultivate that potential.

If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, then apply here!

Entry requirements

You should have a first class or strong second class bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent in computer science, engineering, social sciences, policy research, psychology, or a related subject.

Normally, you will also need to have taken a mathematics course or a quantitative methods course at university or have at least grade B in A level maths or international equivalent.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK, you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Eligibility for funding

UKRI-funded ART-AI CDT studentships are available on a competition basis for up to 4 years. Funding will cover tuition fees and maintenance at the national doctoral stipend rate (£17,668 per annum in 2022/23, increased annually in line with the GDP deflator). We offer at least ten studentships each year, up to three of which can be awarded to international students. To apply for a funded studentship, on your application form please select ‘Yes’ when asked, ‘Do you wish to be considered for a University Scholarship?’

We also welcome applications from candidates who can source their own funding. Useful links for self-funders include Find funding for doctoral research and Paying your tuition fees.

Application process

Applications for October 2023 entry are open. Applicants seeking UKRI funding should apply early as places are competitive and offers are made from January onwards. Self-funded applications are accepted year-round.

Application forms should be submitted online (course code RDUCM-FP02) and be accompanied by a research proposal.

On the application form you will need to provide:

personal details
passport details if you need a visa
education details
personal statement, with details of your motivation for applying, your research interests and how you might enhance our equality, diversity and inclusion
names of your intended supervisors
names and contact details of two referees, including at least one from academia if you have been studying recently

You will need to upload:

a research proposal
a scan of your degree certificate(s)
a scan of your degree transcript(s)
an up-to-date CV

If you are an international student you should also provide:

an authorised translation of your degree certificate and transcript if they are not in English
your English language assessment certificate (if available).

Research proposals

Your research proposal may not necessarily be the research you will end up pursuing in the CDT, but gives the selection panel the opportunity to assess your suitability for the programme and your research potential. Research proposals should be about 1,000 words in length and include:

Aim and objectives: What are the central aims and research questions that will guide your research? Explain what questions you are trying to answer or which hypotheses you want to test. Prioritise one or two central questions from which you can derive secondary ones.
Rationale: Contextualise your aims and objectives in a broader field of study, identifying the main literature or authors that you are addressing.
Methodology: Explain how you are going to conduct your research; what information you would need, how you would collect it and how you are going to analyse it. This only needs to be indicative at the moment.
Timeline: Provide a summary of what you are planning to do and when.
Bibliography: Provide a short bibliography of key publications related to your research question.

Please feel free to either:

Get in touch with an individual academic to discuss doing a PhD under their supervision. You can search our academic’s research interests here. If you’re not sure which individual to get in touch with, contact Marina De Vos, Director of Training.
Propose your own research project in an area suitable for ART-AI. If you are unsure about fit, contact Marina De Vos, Director of Training.

From time to time, we advertise specific projects on FindAPhD.com. If you are applying for a specific project, please make this clear in your research proposal. When applying for an advertised project, it is still important to submit a research proposal to provide evidence of your approach to and suitability for the project.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Zoom.