University of Exeter
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PhD Studentship in Machine Learning and AI for Air Traffic Control University of Exeter in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 25, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Exeter

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About this position
PhD Studentship: Machine learning and AI for air traffic control at the University of Exeter, delivered in partnership with NATS, the UK’s main air navigation services provider.
This funded PhD sits within the Centre for Doctoral Training in Air Traffic Management and focuses on the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence in a safety-critical, always-on operational environment. The project area is especially well suited to students interested in human-machine teaming, AI agents for air traffic control, weak signal analysis, and air traffic control room situational awareness. The first year includes training in machine learning and AI at the University of Exeter, plus training in the fundamentals of air traffic control with NATS at Whiteley.
Students will also complete two shorter research projects in the first year before defining a main PhD topic with academic and industry supervisors. The cohort-based structure offers an interdisciplinary route into doctoral research combining computer science, engineering, mathematics, and cognitive science.
Funding is available for eligible students and includes UK tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 4 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. International fee-paying applicants may apply, but the award only covers part of the international tuition fee and stipend; additional visa, healthcare surcharge, and relocation costs remain the applicant’s responsibility. The studentship is based at the Streatham Campus in Exeter, with funded visits to NATS.
Applicants are encouraged from backgrounds in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Cognitive Science, particularly those with interests in deep learning, uncertainty quantification, and probabilistic methods. Selection is on the basis of merit. The deadline is 25 September 2026.
Apply through the University of Exeter funding link and review the eligibility guidance carefully, especially if your fee status or residence history may affect home-fee eligibility.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should have a background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or Cognitive Science. Interests in machine learning, deep learning, AI, cognitive science, uncertainty quantification and probabilistic methods are encouraged. The studentship is awarded on the basis of merit. International applicants are eligible, but they should note that the award will only cover part of the international tuition fee and stipend, and they must meet UK visa, healthcare surcharge and relocation costs. Home-fee eligibility rules may be complex for those who have moved to or from the UK or Republic of Ireland within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How to apply
Apply via the University of Exeter funding page using the application link provided. Submit your application before the deadline and ensure you provide evidence of your academic background and research interests. International applicants should check the fee coverage and visa-related costs before applying.
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