University of Sheffield PhD Studentship in Computer Science 2025-2026

This project aims to develop new RLHF algorithms to effectively solve complex RL tasks without access to a predefined reward function. The primary goal of this project will be the development of a novel RLHF framework that can learn more complex behaviours while requiring significantly less interactive human feedback than current RLHF methods. To achieve this, the project will focus on extracting more information from uncertain, incorrect, and inconsistent human feedback than is possible with current methods.  

The direction of this project is highly flexible, and the student will have the opportunity to explore related directions that match their research interests. We intend for this project to explore applications of the new RLHF framework, such as fine-tuning and aligning large language models (LLMs), and the use of human feedback in robotics. The project may also explore the use of LLMs as part of the RLHF framework itself, to generate and/or interpret natural language feedback. The specific applications and research directions will depend on the student's own interests.

The preferred starting date for this position would be in February 2026, but this is very flexible. 

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineOctober 31, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorUniversity of Sheffield
• City to studySheffield
• School to studyUniversity of Sheffield
• Course to studyComputer Science , Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• The PhD studentship will cover standard UK home tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend at the standard UK Research Council rate (currently £20,780 for the 2025/26 academic year) for 3.5 years.
• If you are an overseas student, you are eligible to apply but you must have the means to pay the difference between the UK and overseas tuition fees by securing additional funding or self-funding. 

Requirements

• At a minimum candidates should have a 2.1 honours undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in computer science, or a related discipline such as physics, mathematics, or engineering. 
• Preferred qualifications are a 4 year undergraduate and/or a Master's degree in computer science or a related field.
• If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each component.

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Application Deadline

How To Apply

To apply for a PhD studentship, applications must be made directly to the University of Sheffield using the Postgraduate Online Application Form. Make sure you name Dr. Bei Peng and Dr. Robert Loftin as your proposed supervisor(s).

Information on what documents are required and a link to the application form can be found here - https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/apply/applying 

The form has comprehensive instructions for you to follow, and pop-up help is available. 

Your research proposal should:

• be no longer than 4 A4 pages, include references
• outline your reasons for applying for this studentship
• explain how you would approach the research, including details of your skills and experience in the topic area

For more details, visit University of Sheffield webpage