Postgraduate research opportunities
We are uniquely placed to offer postgraduate research opportunities in AI-enabled digital accessibility. Our PhD students benefit from access to cutting-edge resources in language, translation and audiovisual technologies, natural language processing, AI and inclusive design, supported by the University of Surrey’s Centre for Translation Studies, the Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI and other specialist research centres.
Why research AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility?
ADA represents a new frontier in research, made possible by recent advances in AI coupled with a broadened and more personalised notion of accessibility. The rapid progress of Large Language Models and Generative AI offer enormous potential for enhancing media accessibility. However, it has also reignited debates around the extent to which machines can autonomously advance their capabilities with minimal human intervention, which present significant risks. Failure to address the complex problems posed by ADA in an interdisciplinary way will result in critical errors and unethical practices, inhibiting digital accessibility and increasing, rather than reducing, digital divides.
The ADA network will capitalise on the benefits of generative AI in the context of digital accessibility, while adopting a human-centric AI-enabled approach that is essential to mitigate risks and challenges. By conducting research that has the potential to make accessibility solutions more affordable, ADA will serve as a catalyst for economic development in this domain while bringing attention to the crucial significance of access and equitable participation in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility PhD
Our PhD allows you to undertake interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, language and translation studies, computer and engineering sciences, cognitive and social sciences, and inclusive design. Depending on the availability of studentships, you could explore topics such as AI for audiovisual accessibility, speech-to-text technologies, text simplification, cross-language communication, assistive technologies, or personalised accessibility solutions.
Scholarships and funding
The ADA Doctoral Scholarships Network offers a number of fully funded PhD studentships for outstanding candidates. Each scholarship covers tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, and a personal research and training grant for up to four years of full-time study.
In addition, the network offers a limited number of Master’s plus Doctoral Scholarships, enabling successful candidates to first complete a fully funded one-year master’s programme before progressing to a PhD within the ADA Network. These awards are designed to support talented students from underrepresented groups and provide a structured pathway into doctoral research.
Please note that these scholarships are primarily available to UK students. A small number of awards may be offered to exceptional international candidates, but opportunities are limited.
Further details on eligibility, application deadlines, and available projects will be published on the University of Surrey studentships webpage the University of Surrey studentships webpage, which is updated annually.
