8x Fully Funded PhD Studentships and QUB and University of Surrey

Exciting Opportunity: Join CDT-FORT to Shape the Future of Secure Networks- fully funded studentships available for October 2027 entry- apply by Friday 26th February 2027 to secure your place!

Applications open to home students only for 2027 intake! 8 places available- 5 at QUB and 3 at University of Surrey

We are part of the Techfirst scheme offering stipends of £30,000 for students eligible for home fee status.

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 ~£30k (equivalent to a starting salary of ~£36k in industry) alongside a generous training grant of up to £3700 per year ( Y2-4)
• Four-Year Structure: Year 1 features taught MSc Level modules across both Universities 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 Interdigital, Codasip. BT 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 (CMI Level 7), Innovation, Public engagement, Hackathons and more

Insert Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdqa5ykrrdg

Hear from one of our students:

[Square] CDT Fort: Hear From Our Students: youtube.com/shorts/vmO6e_u7oa8

[Vertical] CDT Fort: Hear From Our Students: youtube.com/shorts/8D_cMhW6ZrU

[Square] CDT Fort: Support Within The Programme: youtube.com/shorts/NHQd5Jc0fPQ

[Vertical] CDT Fort: Support Within The Programme: youtube.com/shorts/6Y_dlsbipu4

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

Apply by 26th February 2027: Visit our website 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!