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Join us in shaping the future of secure and resilient communication technologies.

Programme details:

Joint training between University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast

4-year PhD programme with Year 1 offering access to a selection of compulsory and optional MSc modules to enhance technical capability

Industry-led research projects in cutting-edge areas of open, secure networks (projects determined at end of Year 1)

Competitive stipend:

Enhanced tax-free stipend of £21,737 per annum for 4 years with fully paid fees

Access to an enhanced Research training support grant of approx. £3,700 per annum

Access to EDI bursaries for those with caring responsibilities

Comprehensive training programme including:

Year 1: Access to taught modules

Compulsory modules in:

  • Foundations of Cybersecurity (Short block mode Autumn)

  • Machine Learning (Host Institution Autumn)

  • Open Secure Networks (Short block mode Spring)

  • Data Privacy and Law (Short block mode Spring)

Optional Modules in:

  • Architectural Thinking for Security

  • Asymmetric and Symmetric Cryptography

  • Satellite Communication Fundamentals

  • Internet of Things

  • Advanced 5G Wireless Technologies

  • Advanced Satellite Communication Techniques

  • Network Security

  • Cloud Security

  • Applied Cryptography

  • Software Assurance

  • Cyber AI

Year 2-4: Research phase:

Towards the end of Year 1, researchers will select their main PhD research project.

  • Topics are proposed and co-designed by academic supervisors in conjunction with our industry partners.

  • Researchers are also encouraged to propose their own topics for discussion with relevant academic staff.

  • All topics are reviewed and approved by the CDT Training & Scientific Management Board (TSMB).

Additional enhanced training:

  • Annual Research Showcase and Summer School

  • Industrial/international internship opportunities

  • Innovate to Impact entrepreneurship programme

  • Leadership training (Chartered Management Institute Level 7 certificate)

  • Public engagement, innovation activities, industry engagement

Extensive industry input:

Co-designed PhD projects with industry partners

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies

Internship opportunities with leading companies

Guest lectures from industry experts

Networking opportunities

Access to world leading facilities

CDT-FORT researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at both universities:

At Queen's University Belfast:

  • Cyber Range and "Honeynet" facility

  • Hardware security test platforms

  • Private cloud servers and HPC systems

At University of Surrey:

  • Future Network testbed (connected to QUB via National Dark Fibre Facility)

  • Fully operational "white-box" network with 5G and beyond radio access

  • Satellite connections and 4km² on-campus testbed

These world-class facilities provide the perfect environment for cutting-edge research in future open, secure, and resilient networks.

Apply now to be part of this exciting opportunity to shape the future of secure and resilient networks!

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