PhD AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility ADA
Course overview
The PhD in AI‑Enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA) at the University of Surrey is designed to help you start a career in digital innovation. In this course, you learn how to develop AI-powered solutions that make digital content and services more accessible to people with different needs.
You will explore how to create intelligent accessibility tools and lead inclusive projects by examining the frameworks that drive equality. You will conduct an independent doctoral research study on a chosen topic within one of six ADA research themes, contributing to real-world solutions that improve digital accessibility.
Teaching and learning for this course are student-focused and research-led, through seminars, masterclasses, lab work, and collaborative projects. The course emphasises hands-on learning via access to cutting-edge labs, industry briefs, and interdisciplinary workshops, where you gain valuable practical and academic experience. Assessment comes in the form of progress reviews, a written thesis, and a final viva examination.
Entry requirements
Grade Requirements:
- You will need a first or upper-second-class (2:1) degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification).
- You may also submit a lower-second class (2:2) degree alongside a UK master’s degree (preferably distinction).
English Proficiency:
- Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.5. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000
Career opportunities
With a PhD AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA) from the University of Surrey, you are open to the jobs below:
- AI Research Scientist
- Accessibility Technology Specialist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Digital Inclusion Consultant
- UX Researcher (Accessibility Focus)
Cost of study
The tuition fee (2025/2026 session) to study PhD AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility (ADA) at University of Surrey is £21,000 per year for international students.
Admission
To apply for this course, you will need to go through UCAS. To find out more about this process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.
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