The PhD Programme in Computer Science

Applications are invited from candidates with good first degrees in computer science, physics, maths, biology, neuroscience, engineering or other relevant disciplines to join projects in the Centre for AI and Robotics Research.

Previously Funded PhD projects

Adaptive Systems Research Group

• Artificial Intelligence in Games
• Continual and Open-ended Reinforcement Learning
• Information and the Origin of Cognition:
  Natural and Artificial Intelligence and Robotics from First Principles
• Sustainability: Characterization and Principles

Biocomputation Research Group

• Advancing Automatic Differentiation for Real-World Optimisation and AI Applications
• Brain-Computer Interfaces & their Applications
• Computational Neuroscience:  Reinforcement Learning and Microzones in the Cerebellum
• Explainable Generative Assessment Systems: Toward Trustworthy AI for Complex Educational
  Evaluation
• Image and Video Analysis Using Machine Learning Algorithms
• Mathematical and Computational Neuroscience, from neural data and network dynamics to
  neuroaesthetics
• Modelling Oscillations in Human Immune & Neuroimmune Cells
• Multi-level modelling of neuromodulation and lesioning
• Multimodal Machine Learning for Psychological Profiling
• Optimizing Routes in Unpredictable Environments

Robotics Research Group

• Adaptive and Continual Learning for Socially Intelligent Robots
• Designing Evolutionary Games for Therapeutic Interaction
• End-user personalisation of social/companion robot for long-term engagement
• Expanding the applicability of the social robot, Kaspar, to diverse user groups
• Machine Learning for Human-Robot Interaction
• Neuroethology applications for HRI
• Smart adaptive extrusion technology for 3D printing
• Socially intelligent assistive robots
• Social norms and the credibility of interactive robots in safety-critical scenarios

A limited number of studentships are available for exceptional candidates in particular areas (£20,700 per annum bursary plus the payment of the student fees). Applicants from inside and outside the UK are eligible.

We also invite applications for self-funded projects for PhD students (three years full time, six years part time) and for MSc by Research students (one year full time, two years part time) and recommend that you discuss your proposed research with a member of academic staff at the University of Hertfordshire before submitting your application. Please name this staff member when submitting your application. Applications for self-funded projects should include a research proposal.

Find out more about our current research in Computer Science at the University and links to individual staff web pages.

For informal enquiries, email Professor Volker Steuber

Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in REF 2021, with 90% of the research submitted and all of the research impact rated as internationally excellent or world leading.

The University of Hertfordshire provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.

How to apply

Applicants are required to provide the following documents:

• a completed application form
• two academic references. These must be sent directly by referees to the Doctoral College at the email address below.
• copies of academic degree certificates and transcripts
• certification of English language competence (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language.

Please send completed applications via email.

The shortlisting process for the next round of studentships is expected to begin in late spring or early summer 2026. We accept applications for self-funded places throughout the year.