Programme structure

The CDT offers a comprehensive 4-year training programme.

The CDT programme follows 1+3 format. In Year 1 you will study towards a Master by Research, undertaking a number of taught courses and taster research projects to broaden and refine your skills and explore different research areas. In Year 2-4 you will propose and pursue an interdisciplinary PhD project under the joint supervision of an AI expert and an application domain expert.

Throughout the programme, you will be working in a collaborative and stimulating environment, underpinned by cohort-driven activities, joint problem solving and peer support.

MSc by Research (Year 1)

This stage involves a larger element of research than conventional masters: out of 180 credits, 100 are awarded for project work.

The programme will launch with a week-long bootcamp, in which you will visit the participating institutes, get to know potential supervisors and participate in workshops and cohort-building activities.

You will take 80 credits worth of taught modules on AI, biomedical sciences and responsible research and innovation. The precise split between these three areas will depend on your background. The CDT team will provide you with advice on choosing the training modules, as well as support throughout.

You will also complete two sizeable projects: a group project worth 20 credits on a data modelling challenge set by a collaborating lab or industrial partner, and an interdisciplinary individual project worth 80 credits (your main MSc project). Both projects will involve an open-ended element, and it is expected that in many cases original results will be achieved which will then inform the choice of a PhD topic.

The MScR will be an opportunity to acquire new technical and research skills. CDT students will be expected to achieve an average mark of 65% or more, and show an aptitude to research in their project.

See also:

PhD (Year 2-4)

Following successful completion of your Master by Research, you will proceed to an interdisciplinary PhD project. You will be expected to find supervisors (your MSc experience will help there!) and write a short proposal within the first month of PhD. Your supervisors will help you develop your proposal, and further feedback will be given by the CDT board.

During your PhD you will be embedded in local research groups, and there will be plenty of opportunities to showcase your work at local, national and international conferences and events. You will also be encouraged to undertake research visits and internships with our partners.

Tailored training

Strong technical skills are essential to become a successful researcher, but on their own they might not be sufficient. Researchers in Biomedical AI will also need to excel at a range of other abilities, from effective interdisciplinary communication, to shaping policy and public understanding of science. To address these training needs, we have developed a rich programme of training opportunities, which includes tailored courses, masterclasses and workshops delivered within the university and by our external partners.

You will be able to select your own training programme, in consultation with your supervisor, and build up your cross-disciplinary skills that will serve you well throughout your future career.