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Join us in shaping the future of secure and resilient communication technologies.
Why apply to CDT Fort?
Enhanced tax-free stipend - UKRI rate of £20780 (25/26) plus additional £2500 top-up - for 4 years with fully paid fees- Equivalent to a £27.5k gross industry salary!
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
4 year programme with Year 1 offering access to a selection of compulsory and optional MSc modules to enhance technical capability
Access to academics and world leading facilities at both University of Surrey and Queen’s University Belfast
Choose from 4 Research themes
Join the next generation of experts driving innovation in a field facing a critical skills shortage
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Now accepting applications for October 2025 entry.
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
Comprehensive training programme including:
Year 1: Access to taught modules
Compulsory modules in:
Foundations of Cybersecurity (Short block mode Autumn)
Machine Learning (Host Institution Autumn)
Open Secure Networks (Short block mode Spring)
Data Privacy and Law (Short block mode Spring)
Optional Modules in:
Architectural Thinking for Security
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
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 entrepreneurship 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
Contact Us
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