Apply now- TechExpert Funding available!

Join us in shaping the future of secure and resilient communication technologies.

Now accepting applications for October 2026 entry. 12 places available. Closing date Friday 27th February 2026.

Apply here for all research themes at Surrey:

Open Secure Communication Networks

Apply here for your research theme of choice at QUB:

Space/Terrestrial Comms and Security

Trustworthy AI for Secure Future Open Networks

Secure and Trustworthy Hardware

AI-assisted Physical Layer Security

Why apply to CDT Fort?

  • Join the next generation of experts driving innovation in a field facing a critical skills shortage

  • Enhanced tax-free stipend - For 2026 intake, we are part of the TechExpert*** pilot offering stipends of £31,000 for students eligible for home fee status.

  • 4 year programme with Year 1 offering access to a selection of compulsory and optional MSc modules to enhance technical capability ( full programme info below)

  • Access to an enhanced Research training support grant of approx. £3,700 per annum Y2-4

  • Access to EDI bursaries for those with caring responsibilities

  • Access to academics and world leading facilities at both University of Surrey and Queen’s University Belfast

  • Choose from 4 Research themes;

Comprehensive training programme including:

Year 1: Access to taught modules

Compulsory modules in:

  • Foundations of Cybersecurity (Short block mode Autumn @QUB)

  • Machine Learning (Host Institution Autumn)

  • Open Secure Networks (Short block mode Spring @UoS)

  • Data Privacy and Law (Short block mode Spring @ QUB)

Optional Modules in:

  • Cloud Computing

  • Asymmetric and Symmetric Cryptography

  • Satellite Communication Fundamentals

  • Internet of Things

  • Advanced 5G Wireless Technologies

  • Advanced Satellite Communication Techniques

  • Network Security

  • Cloud Security

  • Applied Cryptography

  • Software Assurance

  • Cyber AI

Group Research Project

Year 2-4: Research phase:

Towards the end of Year 1, researchers will select their main PhD research project.

  • Topics are proposed and co-designed by academic supervisors in conjunction with our industry partners.

  • Researchers are also encouraged to propose their own topics for discussion with relevant academic staff.

  • All topics are reviewed and approved by the CDT Training & Scientific Management Board (TSMB).

Additional enhanced training:

  • Annual Research Showcase and Summer School

  • Industrial/international internship opportunities

  • Innovate to Impact programme

  • Leadership training (Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Certificate)

  • Public engagement, innovation activities, industry engagement

Access to World Leading Facilities

CDT-FORT researchers will have access to state-of-the-art facilities at both universities:

At Queen's University Belfast:

  • Cyber Range and "Honeynet" facility

  • Hardware security test platforms

  • Private cloud servers and HPC systems

At University of Surrey:

  • Future Network testbed (connected to QUB via National Dark Fibre Facility)

  • Fully operational "white-box" network with 5G and beyond radio access

  • Satellite connections and 4km² on-campus testbed

These world-class facilities provide the perfect environment for cutting-edge research in future open, secure, and resilient networks

Extensive industry input:

Co-designed PhD projects with industry partners

Access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies

Internship opportunities with leading companies

Guest lectures from industry experts

Networking opportunities

***TechExpert students will receive an enhanced stipend of £10,000 above the UKRI minimum stipend. In return students will be asked to take part in additional TechExpert activities for up to 10 days each year including outreach to promote tech careers, networking with the TechFirst community and engagement with the tech industry.

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