Computer Science: Fully Funded PHD Scholarship in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Informatics, Computer Science (RS743)

Funding provider(s): Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 

Subject area(s): Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Informatics, Computer Science 

Project start date: 1 October 2025 

Supervisors: Dr. Juan Fernando Maestre, Dr. Deepak Sahoo, Dr. Simon Robinson 

Aligned programme of study: PhD in Computer Science 

Mode of study: Full-time 

PhD position: 

We are seeking a highly motivated person for a fully funded PhD position to work in the development of sociotechnical interventions with and for Armed Forces Veterans (AFV). The key intersecting areas in the project will be stigma, trust, and use of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) methodologies and approaches as well as use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts to design personalized technoogy for social support. The PhD candidate would be part of the Human-Centred Computing Research Group FIT Lab at the state of the art Computational Foundry.   

Project description: 

It is still difficult for Armed Forces Veterans (AFV) in the UK to find and access key resources for their well-being such as mental health, addiction treatment, legal services or housing. The main barriers are that public services are scattered and communicated via a myriad of websites, social media, and in-person social events. Furthermore, AFV do not seek resources due to the stigma associated with having to ask for help after a transition to civilian life. AFV do not trust civilian-based services either due to a perception of a lack of understanding of their particular needs.

Most mHealth apps for AFV have focused on treating mental health and rely on nation-wide government-based systems. There is scant research that investigates how customized technology could be built upon and leverage what AFV have already in place in their local communities for exchange of information, resources, and peer support. Thus, this research project investigates the co-creation of technological interventions (very likely to be AI-powered) that would leverage the resources and assets already available in the AFV’s local community. These socio-technical human-centred interventions would also facilitate the process of finding local trusted resources and liaisons who could connect users with available resources.

This Scholarship is open to UK and international fee-eligible applicants 

Candidates must hold a UK Bachelor 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 Swansea recognised equivalent. Details on the Swansea University English Language entry policy can be found here.  

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 a 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).

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.  

1. Start year – please select 2025  

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

• ‘Are you funding your studies yourself?’ – please select No  

• ‘Name of Individual or organisation providing funds for study’ – please enter ‘RS743 - Armed Forces’ 

*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.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form (online 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  

• A cover letter  

• One reference 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable) 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable) 

• Confirmation of submission of EDI Form 

*For ALL scholarship applications from February 2023 an EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) Monitoring Form is required. 

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Dr. Juan Fernando Maestre (j.f.maestreavila@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.