UKRI funded PhD in Safe Artificial Intelligence

University of York – The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS CDT)

Join our thriving multidisciplinary community and deliver projects focused on the safety of AI.

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS CDT) is the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

Our vision is to train future leaders with the research expertise and skills to ensure that the benefits of AI systems are realised without introducing harm as the systems and their environments evolve.

The Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe AI Systems (SAINTS CDT) is the UK’s first multidisciplinary PhD programme focused solely on the safety of artificial intelligence (AI).

Fully funded PhD opportunity

SAINTS is part of the TechExpert pilot offering stipends of £31,000 for students eligible for home fee status. Join us and help grow the UK’s national capability in AI safety, part of the UK’s modern industrial strategy. Everyone is welcome if you are passionate about AI safety and looking to develop your research and innovation skills at doctoral level to further your career in safety-critical sectors such as transport, healthcare and national security.

As a postgraduate researcher with SAINTS CDT, you'll receive the following financial benefits:

• A tax-free stipend (£31,000* in 2026-27) for your living costs (pro rata for part-time postgraduate researchers), which is paid to you in regular instalments. The amount of the stipend usually increases each year in line with inflation
• Your annual tuition fees will be paid
• Funding is available for you to attend research-related events and conferences

*You must have Home fee status to be eligible for the TechExpert stipend amount. Applicants who have International fee status are still welcome to apply but will receive the standard UKRI minimum stipend amount of £21,000 in 2026-27.

Applications are open until 12 noon GMT on Wednesday 7th January 2026.

The Programme

Our PhD in Safe AI takes a unique and purposeful approach. Postgraduate researchers with different backgrounds and experiences will train together.

Research will be focused on the lifelong safety assurance of increasingly autonomous AI systems in dynamic and uncertain contexts. It will build on methodologies and concepts in disciplines spanning AI, safety science, philosophy, law, sociology and health sciences.

You will also participate in a series of taught courses covering the technical, legal, ethical and societal underpinnings and implications of your research. These courses will give you the strong foundation you need for both your research and the next step in your career.

The PhD in Safe AI can be studied for four years full-time or eight years part-time.

Work directly with industry

The SAINTS CDT has an extensive network of over thirty partners, including major international companies, government organisations, regulators and charities.

Our partners will be closely involved in the research that you'll undertake throughout your PhD, and will provide you with opportunities to work in industry and gain valuable experience that will support your research development.

Some of our partners also expect to offer employment opportunities to SAINTS researchers when they graduate.

Location

You'll be based at the world's first Institute for Safe Autonomy at the University of York. It's an exciting and welcoming hub for innovation and collaboration with a modern and inclusive working environment. You'll benefit from world-class laboratories, collaboration spaces and expert colleagues working at the leading edge of their fields.

Entry requirements

Typically, you should have, or expect to obtain, one of the following combinations of academic qualification:

• A first-class honours degree (or equivalent), OR
• 2:1 in an honours degree and a Master’s degree (or equivalent)

We recognise that applicants may not have followed a traditional career path, and therefore relevant work experience or equivalent qualifications can be taken into account.

Your knowledge and experience should enable you to undertake doctoral research in your chosen area within the SAINTS CDT (e.g. computer science, engineering, mathematics, economics, health sciences, law, philosophy, sociology).

For more information about our entry requirements and details about how to apply, please visit the SAINTS CDT website.

Want to find out more or have a question to ask? Join us at one of our online applicant information webinars:

• Wednesday 26th November, 15:00 - 16:00
• Thursday 11th December, 13:00 - 14:00

Sign up now and secure your spot!

Contact us

If you have any questions, please email the SAINTS CDT administration team at saints-cdt-admissions@york.ac.uk