Centre for Doctoral Training in Machine Learning Systems PhD with Integrated Study

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Computing and Informatics

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Key facts

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

Central Area

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About the degree programme

Machine Learning (ML) has a great impact on our daily lives. Developments in ML are built on improved systems that can train and generate increasingly powerful models. Systems design greatly impacts ML performance and capability. 

Major advancements are made when ML and systems are developed and optimised together. This is relevant across many industries such as: 

  • in-car systems
  • medical devices
  • mobile phones
  • sensor networks
  • condition monitoring systems
  • high-performance computing
  • the creative industries
  • patient care
  • social networking
  • high-frequency trading 

However, PhD training that combines systems and ML is rare, as research training is often separated into individual subdisciplines. 

Instead, we need researchers trained in both fields and experienced in working across them. This ML Systems PhD involves training collaborative researchers with experience across systems and ML. 

The programme is about machine learning that works to deliver for a need. It involves a holistic view of machine learning and systems that includes both a user-centric approach and an understanding of how to make things work. 

Study options

This programme offers:

  • a full-time option (4 years of study)
  • a part-time option (8 years of study, available to students not requiring visa sponsorship only)

If you are interested in part-time study, we highly recommend contacting the CDT Team to discuss specifics and ensure we can plan appropriate support.

How to apply

The CDT Machine Learning Systems’ application process is detailed on its website, with a deadline for initial applications on 11 December 2025.

CDT Machine Learning Systems application process and guidance

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

Funding

The CDT programme is fully funded and covers a stipend, tuition fees (both UK and overseas) and research and travel grant for 4 years full-time study (or part-time equivalent).

The funding does not cover visa fees and IHS for international students; these costs have to be covered by the student.

By applying to the CDT programme, you automatically apply for the full funding. There is no need to apply for any additional sources.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in an area relevant to the CDT, for example,  informatics, computer science, AI, cognitive science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or in another field with sufficient additional evidence of capability in the required areas.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

Programme structure

The programme is a 4-year PhD with integrated study where you will take 180 credits of courses over years 1 to 3, while carrying out your PhD project research. 

In year 1, you will take the Foundational Course 1 on Machine Learning Systems as well as some optional Specialised Courses of your choice. There will also be an introductory research project which will form the basis of your PhD project. 

In year 2, you will take the Foundational Course 2, Controversies in the Data Society. 

In year 3, you will do an internship either in a company or the public sector (usually for 3 to 6 months) or an alternative form of engagement. 

In each year, you will also attend a range of transferable skills training workshops in the following areas:

  • responsible research and innovation
  • EDI and wellbeing
  • public engagement
  • entrepreneurship
  • research communication

There will also be other ad-hoc training to develop generic skills for your PhD and to prepare for your post-PhD destination.

The CDT also includes a comprehensive programme of interactions with its industry partners who represent a wide range of sectors:

  • compute, electronics, finance and cybersecurity
  • health and life sciences
  • entertainment and creative sector

The programme is flexible to accommodate students from varying backgrounds, and the final programme of study will be agreed between you, supervisors and Doctoral Programme organisers at the start of year 1.

Learning outcomes

The learning objectives for this PhD programme are: 

  • world-leading research in an area of ML Systems and distributing that research through methods such as publication
  • develop expertise in an area of ML-Systems with an understanding of the full ML-Systems stack
  • experience of interacting with researchers from other areas of expertise
  • knowledge of different research environments in academia, companies and the public sector
  • deep understanding of the ethical, societal and international issues on the use and deployment of ML methods
  • skills in communicating to technical and non-technical audiences
  • active involvement in knowledge transfer and public engagement
  • organisation and leadership skills and experience

 

Work placements and internships

You will usually do an internship as part of the programme, but alternatives to company internships can be arranged if you prefer.

Support

You will be supported in your study by:

  • two supervisors
  • a team of researchers associated with the research group
  • peer interaction and learning opportunities
  • training delivered by Edinburgh staff and invited lecturers
  • opportunities for entrepreneurship training
  • outreach and public communication training
  • dedicated administrative staff for the programme

Facilities

You will be part of the vibrant world-class and interdisciplinary research community in the Bayes Centre and Informatics Forum, on the Central campus, where the CDT has dedicated students' offices. 

This will give you access to state-of-the-art computational infrastructure including large GPU cluster computing through the School of Informatics. 

Career opportunities

Business analysts predict AI-enhanced consumer products will be the highest contributor to UK economic gains in the next decade. 

Therefore, there is a growing demand for PhD graduates in this area to lead this innovation. This is evidenced by the rapid growth in starting salaries and the increasing distinction between Data Scientists and ML Systems Engineers. 

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

What our students say

Hear from Informatics students and staff as they share their experiences of studying on Central Campus.

Hear from Informatics students and staff as they share their experiences of the School community.

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Hear from Informatics students and staff as they share their experiences of living in Edinburgh.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

CDT Manager, Stephanie Robin

Doctoral Training in Machine Learning Systems

School of Informatics, 10 Crichton Street

Edinburgh EH8 9AB

mlsystems-enquiries@inf.ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 651 7112

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