Overview

Programme overview

Please note: We are only accepting applications for PhD in Artificial Intelligence through the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems.

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems is a 4-year programme that will educate the next generation of AI researchers to develop and deploy new machine learning models that can efficiently cope with uncertainty in complex systems.

Bringing together researchers in machine learning from the universities of Manchester and Cambridge, the CDT will be grounded in the research areas of physics and astronomy, engineering, biology, and material science, as well as a cross-cutting theme of using AI to increase business productivity, ultimately applying the research to real-world scenarios.

For more information, visit the CDT in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems website .

Open days

Visit our Events and Opportunities page to find out more about upcoming open days and webinars.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Computer Science
Contact name
CDT Admissions Team
Email
Website
https://www.ai-decisions-cdt.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent).

For more information about applications, please visit the CDT in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems website .

Fees and funding

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Tuition fee TBC by UKRI
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,900; Band B - £32,400; Band C - £37,900, Band D - £45,900; Band E £60,800

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Application and selection

How to apply

Please visit the CDT in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems website for more information about applications.

Interview requirements

If the supervisors are interested in progressing your application, you will be invited to an interview.
View our postgraduate research website for advice on preparing for a postgraduate research interview .

Programme details

Programme description

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems is a 4-year programme that will educate the next generation of AI researchers to develop and deploy new machine learning models that can efficiently cope with uncertainty in complex systems. Bringing together researchers in machine learning from the universities of Manchester and Cambridge, the CDT will be grounded in the research areas of physics and astronomy, engineering, biology, and material science, as well as a cross-cutting theme of using AI to increase business productivity, ultimately applying the research to real-world scenarios.

For more information, please visit the CDT in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems website .

Special features

Please note: We are only accepting applications for PhD in Artificial Intelligence through the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems.

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems is a 4-year programme that will educate the next generation of AI researchers to develop and deploy new machine learning models that can efficiently cope with uncertainty in complex systems.

Bringing together researchers in machine learning from the universities of Manchester and Cambridge, the CDT will be grounded in the research areas of physics and astronomy, engineering, biology, and material science, as well as a cross-cutting theme of using AI to increase business productivity, ultimately applying the research to real-world scenarios.

For more information, visit the CDT in AI for Decision Making in Complex Systems website .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.