Publisher
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Newcastle University

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PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Empirical Security Assessment of AI Decision Engines in Cyber-Physical Systems Newcastle University in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 15, 2026

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Country

United Kingdom

University

Newcastle University

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Keywords

Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Information Technology
Mathematics
Risk Assessment
Artificial Intelligence
Computational Science
Robustness Analysis
Robotics
Computer Security
Autonomous System
Cyber-physical System

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About this position

[100% home fees covered plus a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 at 2026-27 UKRI rates; international applicants must pay the difference between Home and International fees.]

This PhD studentship at Newcastle University is based in Computer Science and focuses on the empirical security assessment of AI decision engines in cyber-physical systems (CPS). The project addresses an important research gap: although AI is increasingly used in safety-critical CPS such as autonomous vehicles, smart grids, industrial control systems, robotics, healthcare devices, and intelligent transport infrastructure, their security robustness is still not well understood through systematic empirical evaluation.

The research will develop a rigorous framework for assessing security robustness, failure modes, and operational risks of AI-driven decision engines in cyber-physical environments. Rather than relying only on theoretical attack construction, the project emphasizes reproducible, comparative empirical assessment across classes of AI decision engines. The work is highly relevant to trustworthy AI, resilient CPS, and cybersecurity in critical infrastructure.

The studentship is sponsored by the School of Computing and supervised by Dr Mujeeb Ahmed. Funding includes 100% home fees and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 based on 2026-27 UKRI rates. International applicants are welcome, but they must cover the difference between Home and International fees. The project is expected to support research that informs regulators, system designers, and security engineers working in transportation, energy, manufacturing, and other safety-critical sectors.

Eligibility requires a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject such as computing, mathematics, engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants should also demonstrate enthusiasm for research, independence, strong analytical skills, and effective written and verbal communication. Non-native English speakers need an IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill, and some international applicants may need ATAS clearance.

The application deadline is 15 October 2026. To apply, candidates must use Newcastle University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal, search for programme code 8050F, select PhD Computer Science (full time) - Computing Science, and include the studentship reference COMP2177. Applicants must also submit a personal statement and provide a research proposal by selecting the appropriate option in the application form.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, such as computing, mathematics, engineering, or another subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. Strong enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each sub-skill. International applicants may also require an ATAS clearance certificate before visa issuance.

How to apply

Apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal and create a Postgraduate Application. Use course code 8050F to find 'PhD Computer Science (full time) - Computing Science' and enter studentship code COMP2177 in the Studentship/Partnership Reference field. Upload or write a personal statement, select 'Write Proposal,' and use the project title from the advert.

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