PhD AI-Enabled Digital Accessibility ADA

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.

The University of Surrey, located in Guildford, England, is a research-focused institution known for its high teaching standards. It was founded in 1966 and now serves more than 15,000 students from 140 countries.

The University of Surrey, ranked among the top universities in the United Kingdom, provides an internationally diverse community, increased student satisfaction, and excellent career preparation to all students.

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.

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.

The University of Surrey provides several funding options for international students. For example, the International Excellence Award, valued at £5,000, is given to postgraduate students.

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)

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.