Fully funded PhD United Kingdom

8x Fully Funded PhD Studentships and QUB and University of Surrey

Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom

Institution
Queen's University Belfast
Country
United Kingdom
Position type
PhD
Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Funding
Fully funded position

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About this position

Exciting Opportunity: Join CDT-FORT to Shape the Future of Secure Networks- fully funded studentships available for October 2027 entry- apply by Friday 26th February 2027 to secure your place!

Applications open to home students only for 2027 intake! 8 places available- 5 at QUB and 3 at University of Surrey

We are part of the Techfirst scheme offering stipends of £30,000 for students eligible for home fee status.

Are you passionate about cybersecurity, AI, and networking? The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Open SecuRe NeTworks (CDT-FORT) offers an unparalleled PhD opportunity.

This groundbreaking initiative funded by EPSRC, brings together the world-leading expertise of the University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast.

Program Highlights:

  • Enhanced Stipend: Enhanced fully-funded 4 year PhD scholarships that include a tax free stipend of ~£30k (equivalent to a starting salary of ~£36k in industry) alongside a generous training grant of up to £3700 per year ( Y2-4)
  • Four-Year Structure: Year 1 features taught MSc Level modules across both Universities to build core skills.
  • Exceptional Facilities & Industry Links: Benefit from expert guidance and cutting-edge research environments and Internship opportunities with our 20 Industry partners including Interdigital, Codasip. BT and more.
  • Support for Diversity: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) bursaries available.
  • Research Themes: Focus on one of our 4 key themes;
    • Space/Terrestrial Comms and Security,
    • Trustworthy AI for Secure Future Open Networks,
    • Secure and Trustworthy Hardware or
    • AI-assisted Physical Layer Security
  • Additional enhanced training: Leadership (CMI Level 7), Innovation, Public engagement, Hackathons and more

Insert Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdqa5ykrrdg

Hear from one of our students:

[Square] CDT Fort: Hear From Our Students: youtube.com/shorts/vmO6e_u7oa8

[Vertical] CDT Fort: Hear From Our Students: youtube.com/shorts/8D_cMhW6ZrU

[Square] CDT Fort: Support Within The Programme: youtube.com/shorts/NHQd5Jc0fPQ

[Vertical] CDT Fort: Support Within The Programme: youtube.com/shorts/6Y_dlsbipu4

As global reliance on secure digital systems grows, your research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Graduates from CDT-FORT should enjoy outstanding employment prospects, thanks to the program’s deep connections with industry leaders.

Apply by 26th February 2027: Visit our website and apply directly to the University of your choice.

Questions? Email us at cdtfort@qub.ac.uk

Don’t miss this chance to define your future and drive innovation in a growing field!

Apply directly to Queen's University Belfast

Emerging Scholars Council is not the employer and does not recruit for this position. It is advertised by Queen's University Belfast, and your application goes to them. We help students prepare and strengthen their applications.

Go to the official application page →

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