Programme Details

Joint training between University of Surrey and Queen's University Belfast

4-year PhD programme with Year 1 offering access to a selection of compulsory and optional MSc modules to enhance technical capability

Comprehensive training programme including:

Year 1: Taught modules

Compulsory MSc level 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 students, academic supervisors and our industry partners.

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, outreach, innovation activities, industry engagement

Extensive industry input:

Co-designed PhD projects

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

Internship opportunities with leading companies

Guest lectures from industry experts

Networking opportunities

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.

Apply now to be part of this exciting opportunity to shape the future of secure and resilient networks!

Contact Us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!