Fully funded EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Cyber Security

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

Digital infrastructures are at the heart of our societal fabric. They range from traditional critical infrastructures, for example, water, power to emerging ones such as smart cities, intelligent transportation, Fintech and future banking, through to large social and business interaction platforms.

Cyber security is a hard challenge in any system. The ever-increasing interconnectivity and dependencies across the boundaries of such infrastructures make it an even harder one. Legacy (often insecure) and contemporary (secure or with hitherto undiscovered vulnerabilities) hardware, software and services are connected together, often on-the-fly, due to millions of user interactions. This is compounded by complex and changing supply chains with varying levels of security assurances and trust.

Fully Funded Studentships

We are seeking motivated graduates to join our Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Cyber Security from September 2024 with one of our fully-funded PhD studentship:

• tax free stipend £ £23,569 for living expenses
• tuition fees paid
• research grant of £10,000

What We Offer

The Universities of Bristol and Bath offer a unique interdisciplinary approach provides a holistic understanding that is more attuned to the realities of tackling cyber security problems across complex interconnected IT, OT and IIoT systems.

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

Programme Structure

Our specially designed taught first year is delivered through teaching, masterclasses, placements, sandpits and guided self-study including peer-supported learning and group work. Taught modules include:

• Fundamentals of cyber security
• Cyber threats and risks
• Human and Organisational Factors
• Security of Industrial Control Systems
• Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT)
• Secure Software Engineering
• Futures Thinking and Responsible Innovation
• Research Methodologies
• Masterclasses
• Industrial and Research Sandpits and Placements

In Years 2 to 4, students conduct world leading challenge-led research projects under the guidance of supervisors based at the University of Bristol and/ or at the University of Bath. You will continue to attend enhanced training opportunities and therefore further develop a wider learning base on a full-time or part-time basis, as best suits your commitments.

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.

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.