EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Cyber Security

Unlock your research potential with one of our fully-funded EPSRC PhD studentships

Limited number of funded PhD Positions Available – see website

We are seeking motivated graduates to join our Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Cyber Security from September 2023 with one of our fully-funded PhD studentship (tax free stipend £20,890 , tuition fees paid and a research grant of £2,500 per year).

Security and privacy of infrastructures that serve our daily lives is critical to society. There is a shortage of expert leaders who understand the cyber security challenges faced by large infrastructures such as smart cities, connected transportation systems, water treatment and distribution systems and power grids. We need a new generation of researchers to lead the development of new technical and human-centred solutions to make our connected world secure and safe.

The Universities of Bristol and Bath offer a unique interdisciplinary EPSRC centre of doctoral training (CDT) in Cyber Security to tackle these trust, identity, privacy and security (TIPS) issues in the large-scale, hyper-connected infrastructures of the present and the future.

What we offer

This 4-year Cyber Security CDT programme provides an immersive training experience, giving you the opportunity to learn from experts drawn from the two universities, industry and research partners within an interdisciplinary cohort.

You will gain hands-on experience of realistic large-scale infrastructures in our state-of-the-art critical infrastructure and Internet of Things testbed at Bristol, and enrich your learning with our masterclasses, innovation challenges and placements/internships at industry partners and international research centres.

Programme Structure

Our Cybersecurity CDT programme involves a specially designed taught first year that is delivered through teaching, masterclasses, placements and guided self-study including peer-supported learning and group work. Taught modules include

• Fundamentals of TIPS-at-Scale
• Empirical Research Methods for TIPS-at-Scale
• Threats and Risks for TIPS-at Scale
• Responsible Innovation
• Resilient Socio-technical Infrastructures
• Masterclasses
• Industrial and Research Placements

In years 2 to 4 , you will conduct world leading research under the guidance a supervisor from our college of supervisors based either at the University of Bristol or at the University of Bath. You will continue to attend enhanced training opportunities and therefore further develop a wider learning base.

• Inter-disciplinary research projects validated via real-world testbeds and in-the-wild deployments
• Cross cohort (across years) programme of master classes, seminars and summer schools
• One internship per year in industry or international research centre
• Responsible innovation challenges in collaboration with Bath Innovation Centre and EngineShed
• Impact fellowships for working with professionals in-situ

Entry Requirements

We are currently seeking to recruit students from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including (but not limited to): computer science, psychology, management, electrical and electronics, engineering, civil engineering, criminology and social sciences. Candidates should be interested in working across disciplinary boundaries.

You should have (at least) a good 2.1 and be enthused by the prospect of working across disciplinary boundaries to push knowledge in your chosen field. We will also consider applicants with a professional background, so long as they are able to provide evidence of demonstrable academic skills as well as practical experience. The most critical requirement is a passion for cyber security and the desire to make our connected world secure and safe.

PhD Studentships

We currently offer fully funded EPSRC studentships for 4 years covering

• £20,890 tax free stipend per year for living expenses
• Tuition Fees
• £2,500 per year for related research travel

We welcome applications from all members of the cyber security community especially those who are under-represented in the field of cyber security or come from a non-traditional educational route/background. We also encourage members of the BAME and LGBT+ communities to join our programme.

All submitted applications are considered on an equal basis in line with the University of Bristol’s Equality and Diversity Policy.