PhD in Data-Driven Audio and Acoustic Engineering

About the Project

This fully funded PhD studentship is aligned with AURORA³, the new National Strategic Infrastructure currently being built at the University of Surrey to support cutting-edge research in audio, acoustics, and artificial intelligence (AI). AURORA³ will enable fast, accurate and reproducible data collection thanks to a state-of-the-art acoustic anechoic chamber equipped with a spherical loudspeaker array and a world-first variable acoustics room enabling reverberation times as well as room volume to be precisely controlled. AURORA³ is supported by a £2.2 million investment from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in addition to sizeable contributions from the University of Surrey and the 30 AURORA³ partners and key users.

The PhD studentship will support AURORA³’s early research activities, including e.g. validation of the infrastructure, design and execution of large‑scale measurement campaigns and/or perceptual studies, and development of data‑driven models for room acoustics and spatial‑audio. The specific research direction will be finalised after enrolment so that it aligns with strategic priorities of AURORA³ and may also take into account the successful applicant’s background and areas of expertise.

The PhD student will be hosted by the Institute of Sound Recording (IoSR). The IoSR is an internationally-leading centre for research in acoustic engineering. Established in 1998, it comprises a team of 7 PhD students, 2 research fellows, 1 research infrastructure engineer, and 4 academics, currently supported by £4.4 millions of research funding. The successful candidate will join an active AURORA³ research team, including one of the current PhD students and the research infrastructure engineer, both of whom are full-time on AURORA³. The IoSR is also home to the world-renowned Tonmeister degree in Music and Sound Recording, which has produced a stream of highly successful graduates who have collectively received numerous accolades, including three Oscars, twelve Grammys, six Emmys, and twelve BAFTAs.

Supervisor: Professor Enzo De Sena

Entry requirements

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in October 2026.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Candidate profile

You will have a strong interest in audio and demonstrate a high level of academic achievement in relevant subject areas and a clear aptitude for research. We will need to be happy that you have the necessary background subject knowledge and the necessary research skills to begin your doctoral training.

You will ideally have a Masters in a relevant discipline and will definitely have a 1st or 2:1 Bachelors degree (or equivalent). You will be able to demonstrate excellent mathematical, analytical and computer programming skills. Advantage will be given to applicants with experience in one or more of the following: signal processing, machine/deep learning, acoustics, psychoacoustics, acoustic measurements (e.g., microphone-based recordings), or design and execution of formal listening experiments. Furthermore, you will have excellent research skills evidenced by a significant Bachelors/Masters research project, involving experimental research, appropriate use of the literature and/or computer-based simulations, and a formal dissertation-style report. You will be enthusiastic about working in a team.

At Surrey we are committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equitable opportunities for all, in the pursuit of Surrey’s vision to be a leading global University. We work together to create a truly inclusive culture. We place great value on diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are seeking to increase the diversity within our community and would particularly encourage applicants from underrepresented groups, such as women, people from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities.

How to apply

To reduce the workload on our Admissions team as well as reducing administrative burden on non-shortlisted applicants, we are using a two-stage application process for this studentship:

1. Stage 1: you apply via the following MS Form by Friday 3 July 2026 23:59 (UK Time): https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/FVzjhhLAEw. This stage involves answering two questions about your motivation and uploading your CV and academic transcripts. Applications are assessed as they are received, so please submit your application whenever it is ready, without waiting until the deadline.
2. Stage 2: if your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be notified by 6 July 2026 and you will then have to apply through the University website on https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/audio-engineering-phd by 12 July 2026 23:59 (UK Time). The University website application includes additional personal details, residency status, evidence of English qualification, official English translation of transcripts (if not in English), and details of two referees.

Interviews will be held 27-31 July, and you will receive a final decision shortly thereafter. Informal enquires are welcome and should be made to Prof Enzo De Sena [e.desena@surrey.ac.uk].