Investigating Software Architecture Degradation in Systems Integrating Machine Learning and AI Components

About the Project

As AI and machine learning become essential elements of contemporary software, they bring forth specific challenges that may undermine long-term software architectural integrity. ML/AI components often evolve independently while demonstrating emergent behaviours, relying on data-driven behaviours, and creating nondeterminism, all of which can disrupt architectural consistency as time passes. In contrast to conventional modules, their integration can result in increased coupling, ambiguous responsibilities, and swift architectural drift. This phenomenon, a form of software architecture degradation, poses risks to intelligent software systems' maintainability, scalability, and explainability. This PhD project will aim to examine the impact of ML/AI integration on software architecture degradation, alongside developing strategies to dynamically detect and mitigate this degradation over time. The research will investigate real-world case studies, model degradation patterns, and create tools to monitor and address architectural drift in intelligent systems.

The PhD Programme

The DMU PhD provides a solid education for a research career, whether you stay in academic research or move to industry. There is a well-developed Researcher Development Programme which you will undertake alongside your research, supporting you through each year of your PhD. Working closely with your supervisors, you will undertake open-ended research. As part of a vibrant PhD community in the Faculty you will have training opportunities which lead to presentations at international conferences and in writing papers in leading academic journals as the research progresses into the later stages of the PhD. The student will graduate with skills and knowledge that are at the forefront of both academic and industrial expectations.

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved or be close to achieving a UK Honours Degree with at least an upper second class (2:1) or a Master's Degree or an academic or professional qualification with relevant experience in the sector or industry, which is deemed to be equivalent, or an international equivalent

Closing date: 1 year from the date of uploading. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Starting date: There are three intakes a year at DMU and it is expected the successful candidate will start either in January 2026, April 2026 or October 2026.

How to apply

To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our Admissions Portal https://dmuhub.dmu.ac.uk/apply/index.html. You are required to provide the documentation as listed within section 5b at https://www.dmu.ac.uk/doctoral-college/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Studied at DMU previously? If you have studied at DMU previously, please submit the documentation listed in 5b via email to pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk, not through the admissions portal. You will also need to complete and attach our application form and annexe form alongside the documents requested below:

You will need to select a programme code when applying from a list of research degree programme codes. Please select the programme code closest to your research proposal.