Fully Funded - Loughborough University PhD Studentship in Computer Science 2026-2027

Applications are currently open for this fully funded scholarship which will investigate AI-Driven Computer Vision for Automated Monitoring of Marine Biodiversity and Climate Impacts. 

Currently, barnacles and other species are manually counted from over 3,000 images each year, which is time-consuming and prone to human error. This project will develop AI- and deep learning–based computer vision tools to automatically identify and quantify intertidal organisms. Beyond computer vision, it will leverage machine learning for large-scale, data-driven analyses to explore biodiversity trends, detect climate-induced shifts, and uncover ecosystem dynamics. The findings will advance predictive modelling and decision-support tools for sustainable coastal and marine ecosystem management in the changing climate.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJanuary 7, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLoughborough University
• City to studyLondon
• School to studyLoughborough University
• Course to studyComputer Science
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• This studentship, which is partially funded by NERC, provides a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (in 2025/26) and tuition fees at the UK rate for 3.5 years.
• It also provides a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £8,000.
• Due to UKRI funding rules, no more than 30% of the studentships funded by this grant can be awarded to international candidates, but successful international candidates will have the difference between the UK and international tuition fees provided by the University.

Requirements

• Applicants will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, or an appropriate master’s degree with good programming skills.
• Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Complete a CENTA studentship application form in Word format (this is available under the ‘Our project-based studentships’ section).
2. All applications should be made online. Under 'Campus', please select ‘Loughborough’ and select the 'Programme' as 'School of Science/Computer Science'. Please quote the advertised reference number ‘CENTA2026-LU06’ in your online application. During the online application process, upload the CENTA studentship application form and a CV in addition to the other required minimum supporting documents.
3. The application closing date is midnight (UK time) on Wednesday 7 January 2026. Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to be held sometime in the period between Monday 2 February-Friday 13 February 2026.

Apply now

For more details, visit Loughborough University Scholarship webpage