Subject areas:
Arts, culture and media.
Funding type:
Tuition fee.
Stipend.
Bench Fees / Research Training & Support Grant.
Funding will be for 3.5 years (full time) or 7 years (part time). Both UK and international applicants are eligible.
Award details
Fully Funded PhD Studentships | Starting October 2026
ADAPT-AI is seeking passionate researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to join our innovative doctoral training programme exploring how audiences experience and engage with creative technologies and artificial intelligence.
What is ADAPT-AI?
ADAPT-AI (Analysing and Diversifying Audience Participation with Creative Technologies & AI) is one of just ten AHRC-funded Doctoral Focal Awards in the UK. We’re training the next generation of leaders who will shape how audiences interact with immersive experiences – from VR and AR to AI-powered creative content.
Why ADAPT-AI?
We value many paths to doctoral research. Whether you come from academic study, professional practice in creative industries, or have taken a non-traditional route to research – your unique perspective and experience are what we’re looking for.
You’ll join a consortium of three distinctive London institutions:
Plus, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, millions of audience members annually through our partners, and a supportive community of researchers working at the intersection of creativity and technology.
Award value
Funding will be for 3.5 years (full time) or 7 years (part time).
- Full tuition fees covered
- Annual stipend (UKRI rate: £22,780 (incl LWA) full time for 2025/26)
- Research training and support
- Access to state-of-the-art facilities
- Opportunities to attend conferences and workshops
Eligibility criteria
Both UK and international applicants are eligible, and up to 30 per cent of studentships can be applied to international applicants
We welcome applications from people with:
- Academic qualifications in relevant fields (arts, humanities, creative practice, social sciences) **or** significant professional experience in creative industries, technology, audience development, or related sectors
- A passion for understanding and diversifying audiences
- Interest in ethical and responsible use of creative technologies
- Commitment to inclusive research practices
We recognise that excellence comes in many forms. If you have deep professional expertise, creative practice experience, or have overcome barriers to reach this point – we want to hear from you.
Application process
TIMELINE:
- Application deadline: 13 February 2026
- Shortlisting will take place after applications close during February/March 2026
- Interviews will take place during March 2026
- Outcomes will be notified during April 2026
- Start date: October 2026
Funding will start 1 October 2026. Term dates at each Higher Education Institution may differ – please refer to each institution's website for details.
Step One: choose your pathway to access the appropriate application form:
To help with planning, you can download a PDF version below. Please note: only forms completed on the links above will be accepted – please do not email PDFs.
Step Two: complete the EDI monitoring form
Step Three: apply via the formal admissions process at your selected Institution
Step Four: Pay attention to the specific notes
- To apply to King’s College London, please apply to: 'AHRC DFA ADAPT-AI: Analysing and Diversifying Audience Participation with Creative Technologies & AI‘. Do not enter any supervisor details in your application. Enter the funding code: 2627ADAPT-AI.
- To apply to Guildhall, please follow the instructions on the form.
- To apply to London South Bank University, please apply to the ‘Arts and Creatives Industries PGR Programme‘. Do not enter any supervisor details in your application. Enter the funding code: ADAPT-AI-01.
For full details, visit: ADAPT-AI – Creative tech, audiences and AI
Information Sessions
Monday 8 December 2025, 1-2:30pm [online]
To register: email adapt-dfa@kcl.ac.uk
Contact Details
Contact the ADAPT-AI team at: adapt-dfa@kcl.ac.uk