SAINTS is a Centre for Doctoral Training, which means there is a unique requirement for a structured and cohort-based training programme unlike other PhD programmes. For SAINTS, there are four training streams: Taught Courses, Practice-Based Learning, Event-Based Learning and Placements & Exchange. SAINTS PhD researchers are also expected to undertake individual research alongside the taught courses, however, there is less of an emphasis on this in year one.
SAINTS taught courses
SAINTS was awarded as part of the UKRI call for artificial intelligence Centres for Doctoral Training. Therefore it is important to remember that AI is central to the programme of study.
SAINTS taught courses introduce key concepts, tools and language to allow discussion around issues arising in complex AI enabled autonomous systems.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Safe AI
- Law, Ethics and Society
Each of these courses is run as a three-day block with lectures and seminars and make extensive use of group learning to embed the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme.
Regular Seminar Series
Alongside the taught courses, students will also learn a range of soft skills and responsible research and innovation practices through a regular seminar series which prepares them not only for the challenges of research in an academic environment, but also for life beyond University.
These seminars will cover a wide range of skills tailored to the needs of the cohort and address issues highlighted by our industrial partners and wider societal concerns.
Quarterly Workshops
On joining SAINTS researchers are allocated to a challenge team and, quarterly workshops provide an opportunity for researchers, and their supervisors, to consolidate and contexualise their learning.
As part of these workshops researchers will regularly present their ideas in a supported environment where they can get multi-disciplinary, context appropriate feedback to improve their work.
