Centre for Doctoral Training - Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security PhD with Integrated Study, EngD

Level: Postgraduate research

Subject: Engineering

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Part-time
  • PhD with Integrated Study | 8 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of Engineering

College

College of Science and Engineering

Programme website
PhD by Distance

Not available

School location

King's Buildings campus

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About the degree programme

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) programme in Sensing, Processing, and AI for Defence and Security (SPADS) focuses on generation-after-next technologies for information processing in defence and security, spanning the entire range from hardware development to algorithmic AI development.

This doctoral programme with integrated study will train the next generation of UK defence engineers in cutting-edge and generation-after-next technologies in the areas of artificial intelligence, sensing and processing, and hardware design.

Through the training programme, which is co-designed with our industry and government partners, you will become a highly qualified professional engineer and will develop the solid technical foundations and skills required to work within multidisciplinary projects. You will also develop critical regulation and security knowledge to work with national and international companies.

The programme is jointly hosted by the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. All students graduate with a joint degree awarded by both universities.

SPADS graduates will have gained substantial knowledge and experience, including:

  • a solid understanding of fundamental concepts from hardware and sensing and processing to software (provided via an intensive taught course)
  • cutting-edge knowledge in a specialisation of their choosing
  • practical experience of research
  • a solid understanding of the ethics of research and development
  • invaluable contacts with UK industry
  • connections with an entire cohort of future leaders in research and development

Over the next eight years, we will support and collaborate closely with the SPADS CDT to strengthen the UK's position at the forefront of technological innovation. This transformational initiative will equip the next generation of defence scientists, who will play a critical role in addressing future challenges and ensuring the security of our nation. 

Professor Andy Bell Chief Technical Officer for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)

Why choose this programme

Undertake a PhD with integrated studies training programme that builds a strong and extensive technical foundation, allowing you to specialise in an area of your choice, while being able to work in multidisciplinary groups/projects across the following themes:

  • Sensor signal processing
  • Novel computing and beyond-CMOS hardware
  • Autonomous sensing platforms
  • Multi-agent systems and data intelligence

During the programme, you will:

  • Conduct industry-driven research in collaboration with a sponsoring high-tech company or stakeholder to solve real-world problems.
  • Combine academic training with industrial experience while connecting with your most likely future employers, suitably equipped for a smooth transition to a professional career after graduation, meaning graduates from this programme will be sought after in the sector.
  • Train in a tightly knit cohort formation. Learn to work regularly in teams and get to know your future colleagues and collaborators.
  • Receive an enhanced annual tax-free stipend, which increases annually (2025/26 rate £23,112)
  • Have your tuition fees fully covered for the standard duration of the programme (4 years for full-time registration, 8 years for part-time).
  • Join a well-connected community of defence scientists working to advance responsible and ethical defence capability.

I’m looking forward to contributing to cutting-edge research that’s not only interesting academically but also has a practical use of helping keep our country safe.

SPADS Student 2024 Cohort

How to apply

You must submit an application via the EUCLID application portal. You will need to provide the required information and documentation with your application.

Read our detailed guidance on how to apply for this programme:

School of Engineering CDT SPADS Application Guidance

Please be aware that we are unable to accept applications from those requiring ATAS clearance. 

We also offer a pre-application mentoring scheme.

Before you start: Mentoring support

SPADS aims to provide additional support to applicants from underrepresented groups, in line with promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

Programme ED&I statement

If you are a member of groups typically under-represented in the STEM research community, you can apply for a pre-application mentoring support.

Pre-application mentoring support is optional.

Early submission to the mentoring scheme is encouraged.

If you require any reasonable adjustment to the application process, please get in touch via email: spads@ed.ac.uk

How to apply for the scheme

To apply for pre-application mentoring support, you will need to submit the following documents via email to spads@ed.ac.uk:

  • a short statement (max 200 words) explaining how your application supports Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
  • a 1-page CV

If you wish, you can also add a short paragraph (150 words) explaining the type of support that would be beneficial for you.

The deadline for submitting a pre-application mentoring support application is 9 January 2026.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 31 January 2026

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Applications will close on 31 January 2026.

If there are places remaining on the programme after this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all places are filled.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

You do not need to provide a research proposal with your application.

You can find more information on our website about documents required for your application:

School of Engineering CDT SPADS Application Guidance

Interview

As part of this programme's application process, you will need to take part in an interview. This will involve:

  • a short presentation from the candidate
  • a panel interview with questions for the candidate

The interview panel will consist of up to 3 members of academic staff from the SPADS team.

After you apply

If you receive an offer of admission to this programme, you will also need to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check.

National security vetting: Baseline Personnel Security Standard

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you require a visa to study in the UK, you may also require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

If you require an ATAS certificate, we are unfortunately unable to accept your application to this programme.

Check if you require an ATAS certificate

Funding

SPADS studentship

All students on this programme will be awarded a studentship that covers the cost of tuition fees and provides an annual stipend. A limited number of international studentships are available.

A SPADS studentship has the following advantages beyond a typical doctoral scholarship:

  • a tax-free enhanced annual stipend of £23,112 (2025/26 rate)
  • a generous research training and support grant (RTSG) over the 4-year PhD
  • funding for access to key facilities, such as the Edinburgh International Data Facility, the National Robotarium, and the Scottish Microelectronics Centre
  • access to a wide variety of cohort training events, from summer schools to specialised theme meetings, innovation & commercialisation sandpits, and knowledge transfer meetings with DSTL
  • access to our industry partners and academic network, which will provide numerous opportunities for placements, data access, and career development

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

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

Part-time

Costs

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to use your studentship stipend 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 computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, or in an appropriate subject or a related discipline.
 
Students with significant industrial experience, or with relevant professional qualifications, who have a minimum of a bachelors degree in an appropriate subject will be given due consideration on a case-by-case basis.
 
One of the conditions of funding is for all those who have accepted offers to undergo basic recruitment checks in keeping with the core principles of the UK government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard screening (BPSS). For further information about this process, please see the CDT SPADS website.
 
School of Engineering CDT SPADS
 
Please note that if you require an ATAS certificate to work and/or study in the UK you will not be eligible for this programme. Please check the UK government website for a list of nationalities that do not require ATAS certification.
 
UK government website

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

This programme offers a cohesive training package, centred around a PhD research project with integrated studies as a taught component.

The programme involves 180 credits of mandatory integrated study. 

The taught component is critical to welcome and develop applicants from different STEM backgrounds to build up key skills and to benefit from being trained as part of a diverse and inclusive cohort.

The research component starts from day 1 and becomes increasingly dominant over the course of the programme.

Opportunities for formal continuous professional development (CPD) are available throughout the project, with more choice in elective courses available in later years.

Taught courses information

Programme structure (SPADS website)

Elective course list (Heriot-Watt University)*

*These are elective courses available for the 2025/2026 academic year. While these options will largely remain the same, there will be changes for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Work placements and internships

We offer placements (3 or 6 months in duration) and co-supervision of research projects with key stakeholder representation in industry or government organisations, preparing you for your post-PhD career.

Support

Across the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University, you will have access to 50+ academic supervisors from Engineering, Informatics, Maths and other disciplines.

Facilities

Programme staff, students and partners have access to unrivalled expertise, experience and facilities to ensure the delivery of a world-leading PhD training programme.

As a PhD student, you will have access to facilities such as the Edinburgh International Data Facility, the National Robotarium, and the Scottish Microelectronics Centre.

Find out more about the programme's facilities:

Facilities (SPADS)

Career opportunities

SPADS seeks to build a lasting and sustainable talent pipeline for supplying UK defence contractors and government institutions (such as Dstl and AWE) and academic research facilities with major defence activity.

The programme is co-designed with the defence sector, including the UK Government MoD, to address the need for graduates from a diverse range of STEM backgrounds. The programme produces capable researchers and developers through training on industry, government, and academia-led defence projects.

The programme has a close relationship with the MoD and Dstl, who wish to maximise the benefit of the programme through engagement with their Research Portfolio and placement opportunities in Dstl’s labs.

All graduates will have strong post-PhD employment opportunities.

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 

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

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

SPADS CDT Administrator

Graduate School of Engineering

King's Buildings Campus

University of Edinburgh

spads@ed.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0)131 440 1316 / +44 (0)131 440 5172 / +44 (0)131 440 1390

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