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Informatics: ANC: Machine Learning, Computational Neuroscience, Computational Biology PhD, MScR

Awards: PhD, MScR

Study modes: Full-time, Part-time

Funding opportunities

Research profile

The Institute for Adaptive and Neural Computation (ANC) is a world-leading institute dedicated to the theoretical and empirical study of adaptive processes in both artificial and biological systems. We are one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious academic teams in these fields.

We foster world-class interdisciplinary and collaborative research bringing together a range of disciplines.

Our research falls into three areas:

  • machine learning
  • computational neuroscience
  • computational biology

In machine learning, we develop probabilistic methods that find patterns and structure in data, and apply them to scientific and technological problems. Applications include areas as diverse as astronomy, health sciences and computing.

In computational neuroscience and neuroinformatics, we study how the brain processes information, and analyse and interpret data from neuroscientific experiments.

The focus in the computational biology area is to develop computational strategies to store, analyse and model a variety of biological data (from protein measurements to insect behavioural data).

Programme structure

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
PhDInformatics3 YearsFull-timeProgramme structure 2024/25

Training and support

You carry out your research within a research group under the guidance of a supervisor. You will be expected to attend seminars and meetings of relevant research groups and may also attend lectures that are relevant to your research topic. Periodic reviews of your progress will be conducted to assist with research planning.

A programme of transferable skills courses facilitates broader professional development in a wide range of topics, from writing and presentation skills to entrepreneurship and career strategies.

The School of Informatics is committed to advancing the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. The School is deploying a range of strategies to help female staff and students of all stages in their careers and we seek regular feedback from our research community on our performance.

Facilities

The award-winning Informatics Forum is an international research facility for computing and related areas. It houses more than 400 research staff and students, providing office, meeting and social spaces.

It also contains two robotics labs, an instrumented multimedia room, eye-tracking and motion capture systems, and a full recording studio amongst other research facilities. Its spectacular atrium plays host to many events, from industry showcases and student hackathons to major research conferences.

Students will have access to state of the art computational facilities at the School of Informatics. These include dedicated access to large CPU and GPU compute clusters at the Edinburgh Compute and Data Facility (ECDF), the Edinburgh Parallel Computing Centre (EPCC) and the Edinburgh International Data Facility (EIDF). In addition, we partner with companies providing cloud computing resources.

Career opportunities

The research you will undertake at ANC is perfectly suited to a career in academia, where you’ll be able to use your knowledge to advance in this important field. Some graduates take their skills into commercial research posts and find success in creating systems that can be used in everyday applications. Many of our alumni have launched very successful careers in academia and industry.

Entry requirements

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, typically in an area of informatics, such as artificial intelligence, cognitive science or computer science. You should have experience in computer programming.

We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics or psychology.

IANC researchers come from many different academic backgrounds, but most of our research requires prior training in mathematics.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

  • IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
  • PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
  • Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

Fees and costs

AwardTitleDurationStudy mode
PhDInformatics3 YearsFull-timeTuition fees
PhDInformatics6 YearsPart-timeTuition fees
MScRInformatics1 YearFull-timeTuition fees
MScRInformatics2 YearsPart-timeTuition fees

Scholarships and funding

Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships to cover their tuition fees and living costs.

Others may use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • scholarships
  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

UK government postgraduate loans

If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.

The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:

  • your programme
  • the duration of your studies
  • your tuition fee status

Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.

Other funding opportunities

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

Further information

  • School of Informatics Graduate School
  • Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9AB

Application deadlines

Applications are now open and can be submitted all year round. However, please note that to be considered for School of Informatics funding, you must apply by one of the following deadlines:

Round Application deadline Places awarded
1 25 November 2024 by 30 April 2025
2 17 February 2025 by 30 April 2025

Please submit your completed application at least three months before your desired entry date. If you need an ATAS certificate you must submit your application at least six months before your desired entry date.

How to apply

You must submit two references with your application.

You must submit an application via the EUCLID application portal and provide the required information and documentation. This will include providing:

  • the name of a proposed supervisor
  • a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • a research proposal (three to five pages long)
  • degree certificates and official transcripts for ALL completed and in-progress degrees (plus certified translations if academic documents are not issued in English).
  • contact details for two academic references

Only complete applications will progress to the academic selection stage.

Read through detailed guidance on how to apply for a PGR programme in the School of Informatics:

Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:

Further information

  • School of Informatics Graduate School
  • Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
  • Central Campus
  • Edinburgh
  • EH8 9AB