PhD Application Form
We are seeking outstanding PhD candidates in the topic of Foundations of AI & ML and related areas, with particular emphasis on one or more of: Learning Theory, GenAI, Game Theory (Cooperative, non-Cooperative and Evolutionary), (Multi-agent) Reinforcement Learning, Computational Social Choice, Multi-agent Systems, Bandit Theory, Monte Carlo methods, Asymptotics, Finite-sample guarantees, Generalisation and Regret bounds, Robustness, Misspecification, Generalised Bayesian/Variational Inference, Causality, Quantum Information and Learning Theory, Diffusions, Complexity of Learning Algorithms, analysis and methods for Federated Learning, Unlearning, Physics-informed Machine Learning, Parsimony, and Adaptation of LLMs and Diffusions.
The Foundations of AI & ML researchers at University of Warwick include, Arnab Bhattacharyya, Matthias Caro, Theodoros (Theo) Damoulas, Paris Giampouras, Paul Jenkins, Fanghui Liu, Debmalya Mandal,Link opens in a new window Long Tran-Thanh, and Paolo Turrini.
The University of Warwick Link opens in a new windowhas one of the leading Computer Science departmentsLink opens in a new window in the UK (ranked 4th UK computer science department in the 2021 research excellence frameworkLink opens in a new window). The department, particularly well-known for its research in theory and foundations, consistently produces top quality research and has strong links with research in complex systems, statistics, and mathematics for real-world applicationsLink opens in a new window. The successful applicant(s) will have the opportunity to work in a vibrant AI and ML division with a strong presence and record of publications at top-tier venues.
The expected starting date is October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Informal enquiries to any of the involved researchers are strongly encouraged:
- Arnab BhattacharyyaLink opens in a new window
- Matthias CaroLink opens in a new window
- Paris GiampourasLink opens in a new window
- Paul JenkinsLink opens in a new window
- Fanghui LiuLink opens in a new window
The deadline for our internal application round is 14 November 2025. To apply, please fill out the application formLink opens in a new window, which will ask you to upload a CV and a Letter of Motivation. The letter should explain your preparedness for PhD study, topics of interest, and your motivations for applying. There are no strict length limits, but we expect that 2-3 pages is sufficient to cover these points. Please don't ask ChatGPT to write the letter for you.
We aim to have interviews on November 27th and 28th, 2025. Top-ranked candidates will be put forward for a fully funded position through the Computer Science Centre for Doctoral Training and Research (CDT) - deadline for application mid January - as well as our prestigious university scholarships such as the Chancellor's Scholarship - deadline for application mid December.
For more information on the official application process, including stipends and fees, see https://warwick.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courses/phd-computer-science/