People-centred AI Institute logo

Training, developing talent and upskilling

Within our University, PAI is a transformative force. We prepare graduates for a world increasingly shaped by AI. Our expertise works alongside diverse fields like ethics, psychology, and social sciences. We involve industry and end-users to co-design programmes and address real-world challenges. This holistic approach equips graduates with technical prowess, as well as critical thinking and ethical grounding to navigate AI in a people-centred way. 

AI training at Surrey

AI-based machines and systems are performing tasks across an ever-increasing variety of fields, often faster and at a fraction of the cost of their human competition. Far from being limited to manual labour, today’s machines are diagnosing disease, keeping us safe both online and in the physical world, practising law, and even creating art. Intelligent automation is the future – the economics are too compelling for any other outcome – and the role of research is to capitalise on the myriad opportunities AI offers, to predict and solve challenges along the way, and to ensure future AI systems are fair and explainable.  

The University of Surrey leads on both the fundamental artificial intelligence theory – pioneering new machine learning algorithms and the understanding of black box AI systems – and the application of AI for the benefit of society through healthcare, security, education and entertainment.  

Creative AI - putting people at the heart of media

UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in AI for Digital Media Inclusion -  A transformative AI Training programme designed with inclusion for all at its heart.

PhD studentships for people-centred AI

Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship in AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA)

Funding information:

Fully funded 4 year studentship (48 months of full-time study) covers home or international tuition fees, maintenance at UKRI base levels (£19,237 for 2024/25) and £10,000 to support the individual student’s research and training needs.

PhD Studentship in Designing AI for Home Wellbeing through Participatory Design

Funding information:

UKRI standard stipend funded by University of Surrey (the current stipend is £19,237 per annum for 3.5 years, which will increase each year in line with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) rate).A research training support grant of £3,000 total is available to cover travel, conferences, and consumables.

What our students say

Supporting your research

Here at Surrey we have unique facilities to support your research, including: a scanning cage, a multiple camera audio-visual recording studio with 16 Ultra HD cameras, video rate capture and processing, a 64 channel sound sphere, and robot vision platforms including an autonomous car...