UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Artificial Intelligence and Music (AIM)

 

AIM CDT is a 5-year cohort funding programme. It started in September 2019 and our last UKRI funded cohort entry was September 2023.

We secured some external and QMUL funding for an additional small sixth cohort that started in September 2024. We are looking into other funding possibilities to continue the programme for a seventh cohort. We will update our website in December 2024 with any further news.

If you can secure any private, national or industry funding, please contact us at aim-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk to discussed enrolment possibilities. If you are an industry and would like to support one of our students or a future applicant, contact us.

 

Why apply to the AIM Programme?

  • Extensive choice of projects, drawing on a supervisory team of over 30 academics
  • Access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and music/audio technology
  • Comprehensive technical training at the intersection of AI and music through a personalized programme
  • Partnerships with over 25 companies and cultural institutions in the music, audio and creative sectors

For more information on the AIM Programme structure click here.

 

Who should apply?

We are on the lookout for outstanding students interested in the intersection of music/audio technology and AI. Successful applicants will have the following profile:

  • Hold or be completing a Masters degree at distinction or first class level, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Music/Audio Technology, Physics, Mathematics, or Psychology. We also accept applicants holding or completing a Masters degree at distinction or first class level, or equivalent, in Music Performance/Composition or Musicology, provided that the applicant has a suitable technical background to undertake a PhD in AI and Music. In exceptional circumstances we accept applicants with a first class Bachelors degree who do not hold a Masters degree, provided that applicants can provide evidence of equivalent research experience, industry experience, or specialist training.
  • Programming skills are strongly desirable; however we do not consider this to be an essential criterion if candidates have complementary strengths.
  • Musical training (any of performance, production, composition or theory) is desirable but not a prerequisite.

Queen Mary’s commitment to our diverse and inclusive community is embedded in our student admissions processes. We particularly welcome applications from women and under-represented groups, and from applicants in all stages of life.

Funding

Information about the September 2025 call will be uploaded site by December 9th 2024.

Visa fees and healthcare surcharge
Please note that for international students on a student visa, the AIM programme is not able to cover any visa application fees and/or the healthcare surcharge.

How to apply

Application will open in December 2024 for September 2025 entry (subject to available funding).

As in previous years you should include in your application:

  • Fully complete application form, transcripts of your previous degree(s), and a Curriculum Vitae PDF document. Overseas applicants from non-English speaking countries must include a proof of English language ability (see details on English requirements below).
  • A two page A4 “Research Proposal” – a PDF document in which you provide a description of the PhD topic (Topic Smart EQ description (Sept 24). Please take a look at the PhD topic description to be used as basis for your research proposal. You should use 11pt fonts in the document; references do not count in the page limits. We encourage you to contact the supervisor for an informal discussion – this will also help you to put together your research proposal, which is an integral part of your application. Note: submission of a research proposal is mandatory (Applications which do not address the Topic Description – Smart EQ may not even be consider).
  • A one page A4 “Personal Statement” – a PDF document in which you set out your previous academic or other experience relevant to your proposed research interests, why you wish to undertake this research at QMUL, and why you want to do the AIM PhD – think of it like a covering letter to explain why you want to apply for the AIM PhD.
  • Two references are required – either two academic, or one academic and one work related reference. Your academic referee must be able to comment on the standard of your academic work and suitability for postgraduate level study. Where appropriate, a second referee can provide comment on your professional experience (if you are unable to obtain references prior to submission please send/ask your referee to send it to the following email address, including the application number in the subject: research-admissions@qmul.ac.uk).

 

Additional tips for completing your application:

  • The online application link above will take you directly to the “PhD FT Artificial Intelligence and Music – Semester 1 start” application form (Course reference RFQM-G4ZG-09). Please use that link to complete your application.
  • For faster processing of your application, please submit all application documents in PDF format (please avoid uploading DOC, DOCX, JPG, PNG etc files).
  • Please note: We will share the application details you submit to Queen Mary with the AIM programme industry/academic partner since it will be necessary for admission selection and the performance of any contract between you and Queen Mary/AIM CDT. Please refer to the privacy notice for applicants and our Data Protection Policy for further information.
  • If you are an overseas student there is helpful advice on our International pages and on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
  • The standard requirement for English at the School of EECS is IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent certificate. More details about language requirements for postgraduate research students in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science can be found in the international students section.
  • If you have a serious problem with the online application form please email research-admissions@qmul.ac.uk. For informal enquiries related to the AIM Programme and application process please email any questions to aim-enquiries@qmul.ac.uk
  • In the online application form, under section “Other Information”: for question “How do you intend to finance your studies at Queen Mary University of London?” please use the “I am a QMUL PG Research Studentship applicant” response.
  • The AIM PhD Programme is a four year full-time programme and you must be able to commit full-time to the programme. In exceptional circumstances the programme allows for part-time study at 50% minimum; if you wish to be considered for part-time study, please include your justification for part-time study in a cover letter submitted with your application.
  • We recommend applicants to check these 3 resources: