Computer Science: Fully Funded PhD Studentship in High Performance RISC-V-based Automotive AI Platform (RS812)

Funding providers: EPSRC IDLA and Siemens EDA 

Subject area: Computer Science 

Project start date: 1 October 2025 (Enrolment open from mid-September) 

Supervisors: Professor Siraj Shaikh and Dr Trang Doan 

Aligned programme of study:  PhD in Computer Science 

Mode of study: Full-time 

Project description: 
System-on-Chip (SOC) Technologies provide an opportunity to underpin a number of capabilities for AI and related capabilities on platforms. This research, within the context of automotive systems, explores opportunities to design a high-performance RISC-V-based platform to support analytics and AI applications. Part of this research, aspects of cybersecurity for data collection and processing would also be explored. The research methods would range over modelling, design and system-level validation using SOC techniques established by Siemens EDA. Validation criteria would factor in design requirements along with vertical integration features that such platforms would have to interface with in automotive applications.  

Due to funding restrictions, this Scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only. As defined by UKCISA regulations

Applicants for PhD must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline, or an appropriate master’s degree with a minimum overall grade at ‘Merit’ (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

English Language
IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.0) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for 2024/25) plus minimum additional top up of £2,000 per year.

Additional research expenses of up to £1,000 per year will also be available.

To apply, please complete your application online with the following information

1. Course choice

(Full Time) Computer Science / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

     2. Start year– please select 2025

     3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)–

In the event you have already applied for the above programme previously, the application system may issue a warning notice and prevent application, in this event, please email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk where staff will be happy to assist you in submitting your application.

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS812 - IDLA Siemens'

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award.

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards.

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.  

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted.

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email):

• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient).
• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project.
• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference.
• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable).
• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable).
• Confirmation of EDI form submission.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Siraj Shaikh s.a.shaikh@swansea.ac.uk 

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable.