Fully funded PhD in Electronics and Computer Science at University of Southampton 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming society but comes with a growing energy and carbon cost. This project will explore new nanostructured materials and device architectures that can deliver brain-inspired computing with radically improved energy efficiency.

You will design and fabricate nanoscale neural elements using emerging semiconductors, such as 2D materials, ferroelectric polymers, and hybrid organic–inorganic systems, exploring their potential for in-memory sensing, learning, and computation. By integrating these materials into scalable device arrays, the project aims to create neuromorphic systems capable of energy-efficient information processing. 

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineJuly 17, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Southampton
• City to studySouthampton
• School to studyUniversity of Southampton
• Course to studyArtificial Intelligence , Electronics and Computer Science
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

Fully funded (UK and international)

Requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in one of the following: 

• engineering
• electronics
• physical sciences

or another relevant subject.

You should have an interest in multidisciplinary research, and an aptitude for data analytics as well as other skills relevant to one or more of the core themes within the AI for Sustainability CDT.

Academic attainment is only one of our criteria for selection; we equally value the ability to work in teams, excitement for research, enthusiasm for the research focus of the CDT and the ability to communicate ideas. EU and Overseas applicants should achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each competency.

Application Documents

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme iPhD AI for Sustainability (9220)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

For more details, visit University of Southampton Scholarship webpage