Is SustAI right for you?
SustAI welcomes applicants from a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, social science, economics, business, computer science, mathematics, electronics and the physical sciences.
Applicants will normally need at least a UK 2:1 undergraduate or master’s degree, or an equivalent international qualification, in an area relevant to their proposed research.
You should also be interested in multidisciplinary research and have an aptitude for data analytics or other skills relevant to your chosen research area.
Academic attainment is only one part of the selection process. SustAI also values:
enthusiasm for the centre’s research focus
curiosity and excitement about research
the ability to work collaboratively
the ability to explain ideas clearly
relevant academic, professional or research experience
Applicants who need to demonstrate their English-language ability will normally require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each competency, unless an exemption applies.
If you’re unsure whether your qualifications or experience are relevant, speak to the SustAI team before ruling yourself out.
The Application Process
There are two routes into the SustAI programme.
Apply for an advertised project
You can apply for a specific co-funded project that has already been developed around an identified research challenge.
Include the advertised project title in your application and use your research outline to demonstrate your understanding of the subject, your interest in the research and how your experience could contribute to the work.
Propose your own research topic
You can also submit an open application based on your own area of interest.
Your proposed topic should explore how artificial intelligence could contribute to a more environmentally sustainable future and connect with one of the five SustAI research themes.
You will not necessarily be committed to the project described in your application. Unless you apply for a specific advertised project, your main doctoral project and supervisory team will usually be identified during the first year.
Preparing your application
Prepare your research outline
As part of your application, you will need to submit a research outline of between 1,200 and 1,500 words which should explain:
your area of interest and possible research topic
what you already know about the field
your understanding of relevant literature, theories or current debates
the research problem or question you want to explore
possible methodological or research approaches
You will also need to prepare a separate personal statement explaining what excites you about your chosen area, why you want to join SustAI and how the programme connects with your experience and ambitions.
Your proposal must be your own work
You may use generative AI tools to support initial research or help you explore ideas, but you must write the research proposal yourself.
The proposal should demonstrate your own knowledge, thinking and understanding of the field. Applications may be rejected if the proposal is found to have been written using generative AI.
Your online application
The online application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Having the required information and documents ready before you begin will make the process easier.
You will need:
your personal and contact details
the advertised project title, or the relevant SustAI research theme or themes
your CV
your personal statement
your 1,200–1,500-word research outline
your undergraduate academic transcript and degree certificate
your master’s transcript and certificate, where applicable
evidence of your English-language qualification, where required
two references from people who can speak to your suitability for doctoral research and your academic potential. They must be independent of the selection panel but do not have to be academic referees.
Funding your PhD
Choosing to undertake a PhD is a significant professional and personal commitment. SustAI students receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £24,500 per year, approximately £3,000 above the standard UKRI doctoral stipend. (The minimum stipend for 2027/2028 has not been announced yet - more information can be found here - UKRI Support.)
That additional funding is designed to make doctoral research a more realistic option for people at different stages of their lives and careers, giving students greater financial support while they focus on developing their expertise and research.
Practical information before you apply
Full-time and part-time study
The SustAI PhD is designed as a four-year, full-time programme.
Part-time study may be possible, although the first taught year must be completed full-time.
A part-time PhD cannot realistically be combined with a separate full-time job because students are expected to participate in teaching, research and cohort activities.
Anyone considering part-time study should discuss their circumstances with the SustAI team before applying.
Studying in Southampton
The SustAI PhD cannot be completed remotely.
The first-year modules are taught in person, and students are expected to participate regularly in cohort, networking and research activities.
You do not necessarily have to live in Southampton throughout the whole PhD, but you will need to attend the University regularly.
Additional needs and adjustments
The University’s Enabling Services team assesses students’ individual needs, and appropriate adjustments can be made to help students access and benefit from the programme.
Eligible support may include funding through the UKRI Disabled Students’ Allowances scheme >>
What happens after you apply?
Once your completed application and supporting documents have been received, the SustAI team will review your:
academic qualifications
research outline
relevant knowledge and experience
alignment with the SustAI research themes
enthusiasm for the programme
ability to collaborate and communicate your ideas
Applications are considered together after the closing date, so you should not expect to receive a decision before the application deadline has passed.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted with information about the next stage of the selection process.
You can use your University application account to check the progress of your application.
FAQS
Do I need a background in computer science or AI?
Not necessarily. SustAI is multidisciplinary and welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Your previous experience should be relevant to your proposed topic, and your research must align with AI for sustainability and at least one of the five research themes.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
No. You do not normally need to nominate or contact a supervisor before submitting your application.
You are welcome to approach an academic for advice on your research proposal, but they do not need to become your eventual supervisor.
Am I committed to the project in my application?
No, unless you are applying for a specific advertised project.
Open applicants usually have time during the first year to explore their interests and identify the project and supervisory team that suit them best.
I have been away from education for a long time. Can I still apply?
SustAI values professional experience, lived experience and the knowledge people develop outside formal education.
You will still need to meet the University’s entry requirements, but an unconventional career or education journey should not prevent you from exploring whether the programme could be right for you.
You might like to read our article, Who does a PhD?
Do my references need to be academic?
No. You will need to provide two references from people who can speak to your suitability for doctoral research and your academic potential, but they do not have to come from a university or your most recent place of study.
Your referees must be independent of the selection panel. This means that if you have been away from education for some time, changed career or built your experience in a professional setting, you can choose appropriate referees who know your work and can comment meaningfully on your potential.
Can I study remotely?
No. The taught first year is delivered in person, and regular participation in the SustAI research community is an important part of the programme.
What support will I receive?
Students are assigned a personal academic tutor and a more experienced student mentor. The CDT manager and cohort lead are also available to provide support.
Students take part in monthly meetings, informal weekly catch-ups and wider cohort activities.
Can I speak to a current postgraduate researcher?
We have several events where SustAI Postgraduate researchers attend to answer your questions. To be notified of any upcoming events, please sign up for our SustAI Newsletter.
Take the next step
A SustAI PhD is more than an academic qualification. It is an opportunity to build advanced expertise, develop professionally and contribute to sustainable solutions with genuine real-world relevance. If you'd like to be notified when applications open, sign up for our newsletter below.