UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX · UNITED KINGDOM
PhD in NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
42 mo
Duration
6.0
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- £21,805Annual tax-free stipend
- Fees waived (UK/International)Tuition fee coverage
- 3.5 yearsProgram duration
- Active research environmentPart of Sussex AI and Neuroscience Centres
- £2,000Research and Training Support Grant
This PhD program is designed for students interested in the intersection of neurobiologically inspired machine learning and computational neuroscience. You will join a vibrant research environment at the University of Sussex, contributing to multidisciplinary approaches to AI and brain function. The program offers two main research directions: developing more efficient deep learning models based on biological neural circuits, and exploring how agents learn continuously in changing environments, drawing inspiration from brain mechanisms. This PhD is ideal for individuals with a strong programming and mathematical background, and a passion for understanding intelligence in both biological and artificial systems.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the PhD in NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience?
- You need an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 honours classification in a relevant field like Computer Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or Psychology, demonstrating strong mathematical and computational modelling experience. You must also meet the University of Sussex's English language requirements, for example, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.
- Does this PhD program cover tuition fees and living costs?
- Yes, this PhD studentship covers all tuition fees for both UK and international students. It also provides an annual, tax-free living stipend of £21,805.
- What is the duration of the PhD program?
- The program is designed to be completed within 3.5 years.
- How do I apply for this PhD studentship?
- First, contact James.Bennett@sussex.ac.uk with your CV and a research statement. Then, submit a full online PhD application for Informatics via the University of Sussex portal, including a research proposal, CV, transcripts, and references.
- When is the application deadline for this studentship?
- The application deadline for this PhD studentship is 23:45 on June 12, 2026.
- What are the potential career paths after completing this PhD?
- Graduates are well-prepared for research and development roles in academia or industry, particularly in areas such as AI research labs, tech companies focused on advanced algorithms, or scientific research institutions.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate or Master's degreeUpper second-class (2:1) honours degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Neuroscience, or Psychology with demonstrable experience in mathematical and computational modelling.
IELTS6.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)169 overall, including at least 169 in each skill
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)169 overall, including at least 169 in each skill
English language qualifications should ideally have been achieved within two years before the course start date. Scores from different test sittings cannot be combined.
Fees
Tuition (international)Fees are waived for the duration of the studentship.
Tuition (home)Fees are waived for the duration of the studentship.
LivingNot specified, but a stipend of £21,805 per year is provided.
The studentship covers both tuition fees and provides a living stipend.
How to apply
1. Express InterestContact James.Bennett@sussex.ac.uk with an expression of interest, including your CV and a brief statement outlining your research interests, motivation, and how you align with the lab's research.
2. Online ApplicationApply online for a full-time PhD in Informatics (Starting September 2026) via the University of Sussex PhD application portal.
3. Submit Required DocumentsEnsure your application includes a research proposal, your CV, degree certificates and transcripts, and 2 references (at least one from the last 5 years of study).
4. Meet English Language RequirementsIf English is not your first language, provide evidence of meeting the University's English language requirements.
Scholarships
PhD Studentship in NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience£21,805 per year tax-free stipend + fees waived + £2,000 Research and Training Support Grant
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the PhD in NeuroAI and Computational Neuroscience?
+
You need an undergraduate degree with at least a 2:1 honours classification in a relevant field like Computer Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or Psychology, demonstrating strong mathematical and computational modelling experience. You must also meet the University of Sussex's English language requirements, for example, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each component.
Does this PhD program cover tuition fees and living costs?
+
Yes, this PhD studentship covers all tuition fees for both UK and international students. It also provides an annual, tax-free living stipend of £21,805.
What is the duration of the PhD program?
+
The program is designed to be completed within 3.5 years.
How do I apply for this PhD studentship?
+
First, contact James.Bennett@sussex.ac.uk with your CV and a research statement. Then, submit a full online PhD application for Informatics via the University of Sussex portal, including a research proposal, CV, transcripts, and references.
When is the application deadline for this studentship?
+
The application deadline for this PhD studentship is 23:45 on June 12, 2026.
What are the potential career paths after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates are well-prepared for research and development roles in academia or industry, particularly in areas such as AI research labs, tech companies focused on advanced algorithms, or scientific research institutions.