Doctor of Philosophy in AI and Society at University of Cambridge

Programme overview

The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI) is one of the world's leading interdisciplinary centres for research on the ethics, governance and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Its researchers publish world-leading research, advise governments and international bodies, and lead the public discussion on AI and its consequences for society. The PhD in AI and Society will train upcoming researchers and leaders, equiping them to address the societal challenges and opportunities arising from the development and deployment of AI.

Faculty: School of the Humanities and Social Sciences | Department: Institute for Technology and Humanity | Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: October 2027 | Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The course provides a natural next step for graduates of AI-related master's courses at Cambridge, including the MPhil in Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms and the MSt in AI Ethics and Society, though all applicants are assessed on equal terms through the standard admissions process.

Career pathways

Employability Graduates will combine domain expertise with critical cross-disciplinary perspectives on AI, positioning them to pursue careers in academia, government, international organisations, the technology sector and civil society.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Good II.i Honours Degree. Successful applicants are expected to have an interdisciplinary background or a background in humanities or social sciences — including, among others, political science, sociology, public policy, philosophy, law and psychology — or in any discipline with a demonstrated interest in developing an advanced project at the intersection of AI and society. If in doubt about the suitability of your background for your proposed research, please ask your prospective supervisor before submitting an application. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element. International applicants needing a visa require ATAS clearance after an offer.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,876 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/iethpdais/apply

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