Deadline: January 8, 2025
Applications for the EIT Centre for Doctoral Training in the Fundamentals of AI 2025-2026 at the University of Oxford are now open. The EIT CDT in Fundamentals of AI will undertake foundational research in the underpinning theory and method development of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning that have the potential to have a transformative impact across a range of humane themes associated with the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT).
EIT themes range across: health and medical science; food security and sustainable agriculture; climate change and clean energy; and government innovation and era of artificial intelligence.
The programme will provide students with training in both cutting-edge AI research methodologies and the development of business and transferable skills. Students will undertake a significant, challenging and original research project, leading to the award of a DPhil (PhD). Key topics and themes will focus on fundamentals of artificial intelligence, computational statistics and machine learning, reflecting the breadth and depth of the research experience of the supervisory pool.
Funding
This programme is funded by the Ellison Institute of Technology. They are able to offer up to 20 fully-funded 4-year studentships per year to applicants to this programme. This funding is open to students from any country.
A full 4-year scholarship comprises:
- Course fees at the appropriate rate
- A tax-free stipend (£21,237 in 2024-25)
- Additional funding to support project costs, training and travel
Eligibility
- As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, physics or a closely related subject. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.
- For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7.
- This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level.
Application
As part of the application form, candidates will be asked to upload:
- Official transcript(s)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose/personal statement (a maximum of 1,100 words) which should cover:
- Your reasons for applying
- Evidence of understanding of the proposed area of study
- Your ability to present a coherent case in proficient English
- Your commitment to the subject, beyond the requirement of the degree course
- Your preliminary knowledge of the subject area and research techniques
- Your capacity for sustained and intense work
- Your reasoning ability and ability to absorb new ideas often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace
- Your motivation to contribute substantively and meaningfully to fundamental AI projects with potential to impact within one or more four humane themes:
- Health and medical science
- Food security and sustainable agriculture
- Climate change and clean energy
- Government innovation and era of artificial intelligence
- You will also need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course.
For more information, visit EIT Centre for Doctoral Training.
