UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH · UNITED KINGDOM
Informatics: AIAI: Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Automated Reasoning, Agents, Data Intensive Research
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
36 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 1st in UK for Computer Science Research Power (REF 2021)Research Excellence
- Top 30 globally for Computer ScienceGlobal Ranking
- Located in Edinburgh, a fast-growing tech hubLocation
- Large, vibrant department (1,750+ students, 150 academic staff)Community
- Focus on interpretable and explainable AIResearch Focus
- Most PhD students receive full scholarshipsFunding
The Informatics PhD program at the University of Edinburgh, with a specialization in the Artificial Intelligence and its Applications Institute (AIAI), focuses on advancing computer systems to mimic and augment human capabilities, foster human-computer interaction, and support collaborative efforts. You will engage in cutting-edge research across the foundations of AI, including knowledge representation, reasoning, ontology change, and computational creativity, as well as its practical applications in intelligent systems like autonomous agents, social computing, and web semantics. The research emphasizes developing understandable and usable AI models to address critical issues such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and safety. The program combines theoretical exploration with strong applied research, tackling real-world challenges in diverse sectors such as healthcare, scientific collaboration, emergency systems, transportation, and aerospace. The School of Informatics consistently ranks among the top globally for Computer Science and was rated 1st in the UK for research power in Computer Science and Informatics by the REF 2021, ensuring you learn from leading experts. You will join a large and dynamic department situated in Edinburgh city centre, a vibrant tech hub.
Curriculum
The PhD program focuses on original research, typically culminating in a thesis. Your studies will involve in-depth exploration of a chosen research area within Artificial Intelligence, guided by a supervisor. Key research themes at AIAI include:
- Typical Research Areas
- Interpretable and Explainable AI
- Neuro-Symbolic AI
- Autonomous and Multi-agents Systems
- Mathematical/Probabilistic and Logical Reasoning
- Formal Modelling and Verification
- Planning and Activity Management
- Data-Intensive Research
- Network Science
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Informatics PhD programme?
- You typically need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in Informatics, AI, Cognitive Science, or Computer Science, with prior programming experience. Degrees in related fields like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology may also be considered.
- How much does the PhD programme cost for international students?
- Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships covering tuition and living costs. For 2026-2027, estimated living costs are £18,504 per year. International tuition fees vary based on programme length and specific award; please check the University's official fee page.
- How do I apply for this PhD programme?
- You must identify a supervisor or advertised project first. Then, prepare your CV, research proposal, transcripts, and references before submitting an online application via the EUCLID portal. There is no application fee.
- When is the application deadline for the Informatics PhD?
- The deadline for Informatics funding for September 2026 entry is 18 December 2025. General applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but applications requiring an ATAS certificate must be submitted at least six months before your desired entry date.
- What research areas are covered in the AIAI specialization?
- Key research themes include Interpretable and Explainable AI, Neuro-Symbolic AI, Autonomous and Multi-agent Systems, Mathematical/Probabilistic and Logical Reasoning, Formal Modelling, Planning, Data-Intensive Research, and Network Science.
- Are there scholarships available for international PhD students?
- Yes, most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships covering tuition and living costs. You should apply by the 18 December 2025 deadline for September 2026 entry to be considered for School of Informatics funding.
Entry requirements
UK Honours degreeA 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), typically in Informatics areas like Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, or Computer Science, with prior computer programming experience. Degrees in Engineering, Linguistics, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, or Psychology may also be considered.
These requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition fees are subject to the specific award (MScR or PhD) and duration. Please refer to the University's official fee page for 2026-2027 tuition fees for your chosen programme length (1-year MScR, 2-year MScR, 3-year PhD, 6-year PhD).
Tuition (home)Tuition fees are subject to the specific award (MScR or PhD) and duration. Please refer to the University's official fee page for 2026-2027 tuition fees for your chosen programme length (1-year MScR, 2-year MScR, 3-year PhD, 6-year PhD). University of Edinburgh graduates may be eligible for a 10% discount on tuition fees.
LivingFor 2026-2027, estimated living costs are £18,504 per year (£1,542 per month). This includes accommodation, utilities, food, mobile phone, socialising, and local travel. Exact costs vary based on personal choices and accommodation type.
Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships covering tuition and living costs. Other funding options include external scholarships, loans, family support, personal savings, and employer sponsorship. There is no application fee for this programme.
How to apply
1. Identify a Supervisor or ProjectBefore submitting your application, you must identify either an advertised research project that aligns with your interests or a potential supervisor. Speculative applications without this element are unlikely to be considered.
2. Prepare Your DocumentsGather all necessary supporting documents, including your CV, a research proposal (3-5 pages, unless specified otherwise), degree certificates and transcripts (with certified translations if not in English), and contact details for two academic references.
3. Write Your Personal StatementPrepare a personal statement explaining your motivations, relevant experience, and why you are interested in this specific programme and research area.
4. Submit Your Online ApplicationComplete and submit your application through the EUCLID application portal. Ensure all information is accurate and complete, as only complete applications will progress to the academic selection stage. There is no application fee for this programme.
5. Monitor Your Application StatusAfter submission, you will receive login credentials for your Applicant Hub via email (check your 'Correspondence' email). Log in to create your account, check for any missing documents, and read notes from the admissions team. Decisions will be communicated through this hub. You may also be required to complete a Fee Status Questionnaire.
6. Consider ATAS Certificate (if applicable)If you require a student visa, you may also need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate for this program. If an ATAS certificate is needed, you must submit your application at least six months before your desired entry date.
Scholarships
School of Informatics scholarships for research studentsVaries (can include full tuition and living costs)
Research scholarships for international studentsVaries
Edinburgh Doctoral College ScholarshipsVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Informatics PhD programme?
+
You typically need a UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent in Informatics, AI, Cognitive Science, or Computer Science, with prior programming experience. Degrees in related fields like Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology may also be considered.
How much does the PhD programme cost for international students?
+
Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships covering tuition and living costs. For 2026-2027, estimated living costs are £18,504 per year. International tuition fees vary based on programme length and specific award; please check the University's official fee page.
How do I apply for this PhD programme?
+
You must identify a supervisor or advertised project first. Then, prepare your CV, research proposal, transcripts, and references before submitting an online application via the EUCLID portal. There is no application fee.
When is the application deadline for the Informatics PhD?
+
The deadline for Informatics funding for September 2026 entry is 18 December 2025. General applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but applications requiring an ATAS certificate must be submitted at least six months before your desired entry date.
What research areas are covered in the AIAI specialization?
+
Key research themes include Interpretable and Explainable AI, Neuro-Symbolic AI, Autonomous and Multi-agent Systems, Mathematical/Probabilistic and Logical Reasoning, Formal Modelling, Planning, Data-Intensive Research, and Network Science.
Are there scholarships available for international PhD students?
+
Yes, most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships covering tuition and living costs. You should apply by the 18 December 2025 deadline for September 2026 entry to be considered for School of Informatics funding.