PhD Studentships

Exciting Opportunity: Join CDT-FORT to Shape the Future of Secure Networks- 12 studentships available for October 2025 entry- apply by 28^th February to secure your place!

Are you passionate about cybersecurity, AI, and networking? The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Future Open SecuRe NeTworks (CDT-FORT) offers an unparalleled PhD opportunity.

This groundbreaking initiative funded by EPSRC, brings together the world-leading expertise of the University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast.

Program Highlights:

• Enhanced Stipend: Enhanced fully-funded 4 year PhD scholarships that include a tax free stipend of ~£22.2k (equivalent to a starting salary of ~£24.5k in industry) alongside a generous RTSG
• Four-Year Structure: Year 1 features taught modules to build core skills.
• Exceptional Facilities & Industry Links: Benefit from expert guidance and cutting-edge research environments and Internship opportunities with our 20 Industry partners including HP, AWS, Intel, Nvidia and more
• Support for Diversity: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) bursaries available.

• Research Themes: Focus on one of our 4 key themes;
  • Space/Terrestrial Comms and Security,
  • Trustworthy AI for Secure Future Open Networks,
  • Secure and Trustworthy Hardware or
  • AI-assisted Physical Layer Security

• Additional enhanced training: Leadership, Innovation Public engagement, Hackathons and more

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As global reliance on secure digital systems grows, your research will play a pivotal role in shaping the future. Graduates from CDT-FORT enjoy outstanding employment prospects, thanks to the program’s deep connections with industry leaders.

Apply by 28^th February 2025: Visit our website via the 'Apply' button above and apply directly to the University of your choice.

Questions? Email us at cdtfort@qub.ac.uk

Don’t miss this chance to define your future and drive innovation in a growing field!