Artificial Intelligence and Data Science Group

Doing a PhD in Artificial Intelligence or Data Science at Kent

We are a friendly research group and welcome motivated students to apply to do a PhD with us. The AI-group at Kent provides a stimulating environment with a weekly research seminar hosting both external and internal speakers, numerous reading groups that explore topics in depth and vibrant research environment. All Kent graduate also have access to the skills training program of the Kent Graduate and Researcher College. Our students are usually supervised by a main supervisor and supported by a panel which provides advice and support to students throughout their PhD.

A PhD normally takes 3 years. While fees are payable, most of our students are funded, which means that their fees are covered and they receive a taxfree studentship to cover living costs. The main source of funding are EPSRC studentships. These are primarily open to UK students. Additionally, there are also a number of University funded scholarships some of which can also cover fees for non-UK students (which are significantly higher than the UK fees). Both types of scholarships are allocated by a panel of the university, which usually meets in March/April of each year.

To be considered for such a scholarship you first need to apply to be admitted to the PhD program. The best way to do this is to identify a supervisor (see here for a list of academics and a list of broad research interests) and discuss with them potential projects (a list of indicative projects can be found here).  You will then need to write a short project proposal, which is submitted alongside your application. Once you applied, there will be two interviews: A formal interview with your proposed supervisor, and a second one with Director of Graduate studies of the School of Computing. Based on the outcomes of the interviews, the grades you achieved during your undergraduate course and the quality of your proposal, a decision will be made whether or not to admit you to the program. During your application you can also state that you wish to be considered for a scholarship. If you do so, then no second application is necessary, but the scholarship decision is separate from the admission to the program and will be made by the above mentioned scholarship panel.

While we recruit all year round, if you want to be considered for a University/EPSRC scholarship, then you need to apply early in the year. Ideally, you should start to make contact with potential supervisors in December/January for entry in September of the same year.