# Applications now open – Fully-funded PhDs in Speech and Language Technologies at the University of Sheffield

**Source**: https://teaching.scss.tcd.ie/2021/11/25/applications-now-open-fully-funded-phds-in-speech-and-language-technologies-at-the-university-of-sheffield/
**Parent**: https://teaching.scss.tcd.ie/noticeboard/

**UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Speech and Language Technologies (SLT) and their Applications\**\
Department of Computer Science\
Faculty of Engineering\
University of Sheffield, UK\
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*Fully-funded 4-year PhD studentships for research in speech technologies and natural language processing (NLP / NLProc)*\
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**\*\* Applications now open for September 2022 intake \*\***\
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Deadline for applications: **31 January 2022**\
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**Speech and Language Technologies (SLTs)** are a range of **Artificial Intelligence (AI)** approaches which allow computer programs or electronic devices to analyse, produce, modify or respond to human texts and speech. SLTs are underpinned by a number of fundamental research fields including **natural language processing (NLP / NLProc), speech processing, computational linguistics, mathematics, machine learning, physics, psychology, computer science, and acoustics**. SLTs are now established as core scientific/engineering disciplines within AI and have grown into a world-wide multi-billion dollar industry.\
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Located in the [Department of Computer Science](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/dcs) at the [University of Sheffield](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk) – a world leading research institution in the SLT field – the **UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Speech and Language Technologies and their Applications** is a vibrant research centre that also provides training in engineering skills, leadership, ethics, innovation, entrepreneurship, and responsibility to society.\
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Apply now: <https://slt-cdt.ac.uk/apply/>\
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**The benefits:**

- Four-year fully-funded studentship covering fees and an enhanced stipend (£17,000 pa)
- Generous personal allowance for research-related travel, conference attendance, specialist equipment, etc.
- A full-time PhD with Integrated Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) incorporating 6 months of foundational speech and NLP training prior to starting your research project
- Bespoke cohort-based training programme running over the entire four years providing the necessary skills for academic and industrial leadership in the field.
- Supervision from a team of over 20 internationally leading SLT researchers, covering all core areas of modern SLT research, and a broader pool of over 50 academics in cognate disciplines with interests in SLTs and their application
- Every PhD project is underpinned by a real-world application, directly supported by one of our industry partners.
- A dedicated CDT workspace within a collaborative and inclusive research environment hosted by the Department of Computer Science
- Work and live in Sheffield – a cultural centre on the edge of the Peak District National Park which is in the top 10 most affordable UK university cities (WhatUni? 2019).

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**About you:**\
We are looking for students from a wide range of backgrounds interested in speech and NLP.

- High-quality (ideally first class) undergraduate or masters (ideally distinction) degree in a relevant discipline. Suitable backgrounds include (but are not limited to) computer science/software engineering; informatics; AI; speech and language processing; mathematics; physics; linguistics; cognitive science; and engineering.
- Regardless of background, you must be able to demonstrate strong mathematical aptitude (minimally to A-Level standard or equivalent) and good experience of programming.
- We particularly encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in technology.
- The majority of candidates must satisfy UKRI’s updated funding eligibility criteria for ‘home’ students. Full details can be found on our [website](https://slt-cdt.sheffield.ac.uk/apply).

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**Applying:**\
Applications are now sought for the September 2022 intake. The deadline is **31 January 2022**\
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Applications will be reviewed within 6 weeks of the deadline and short-listed applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held in Sheffield or via videoconference.\
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See our website for full details and guidance on how to apply: <https://slt-cdt.ac.uk>\
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For an informal discussion about your application please contact us by email at: [sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk)\
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*By replying to this email or contacting [sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:sltcdt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk) you consent to being contacted by the University of Sheffield in relation to the CDT. You are free to withdraw your permission in writing at any time.*