Computer Science: Fully Funded PhD: Everyone Virtuoso Everyday (HCI Focus) - Exploring Strong Human-Centred Perspectives to Diversify and Disrupt AI (RS748)

Fully Funded PhD Scholarship: Everyone Virtuoso Everyday (HCI Focus) - Exploring Strong Human-Centred Perspectives to Diversify and Disrupt AI Discovery and Innovation

Funding provider: EPSRC DTP

Subject area: Computer Science – Human-Computer/ AI

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

Supervisors: Prof. Matt Jones; Prof Jen Pearson; Prof Simon Robinson; Dr Thomas Reitmaeir

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

In this PhD you will help explore a new trajectory for AI research, Everyone Virtuoso Everyday (EVE)  - to succinctly summarise the drive of the work. That is, we are interested in defining and evaluating a class of AI technology that enables expressive, individual and masterful interactions, like a virtuoso musician who channels all of their being - physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual - through their instrument to help themselves and others make sense of the world. However, the work is not about turning everyone into an AI-fuelled artist, dancer or musician. Quite the contrary, we will look to provide tools that can be deployed in the mundanity of their daily lives. 

We are recruiting PhD researchers to work on projects aligned with Professor Jones’ EPSRC Fellowship and you will benefit from working closely with its team of post-docs, associated researchers and partners (that range from Microsoft Research to the NHS). For this project, you should have a strong interest in Human Computer Interaction as well as an ability to develop, build and test interactive systems.

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor's degree with a minimum of Upper Second Class honours in Computer Science, Mathematics or a closely related discipline; or an overseas Bachelor's degree deemed equivalent to a UK Bachelor (by UK ECCTIS) and achieved a grade equivalent to UK Upper Second Class honours 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)  – see country specific qualifications

IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 6.0 in each individual component) or a recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.

This Scholarship open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants

EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.

We are still accepting applications from international applicants. 

International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

ATAS

Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website. 

ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer.

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees and an annual stipend at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 for 2024/25).

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

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

1. Course choice– please select:

   Computer Science / PhD / Full-time / 3 Years / October

   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.

2. Start year– please select 2025
3. Funding (page 8 on the application process)–
4. ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No
5. ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS748 - AI Discovery 2’

*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.

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