PhD Study : Deep Learning for Video Analytics

Summary

This PhD project is a three-year research programme on deep learning for video analytics. It is an integral part of the research and development programme of an EPSRC-funded project Multimodal Video Search by Examples (MVSE) (EP/V002740/1). MVSE is a multi-partner project, including Ulster University, University of Surrey, University of Cambridge and the BBC. It will develop new technologies to enable users to search efficiently and accurately for relevant content in large multimedia archives; for example, to locate any half-remembered clip from any half-remembered TV programme in 30 seconds or less.

The PhD researcher will work in a team of investigators and researchers at Ulster University and with other partner institutions. The PhD researcher will have opportunities to visit the other partner institutions, to travel to attend conferences, and to work with media experts at the BBC in both Belfast and London.

The PhD researcher will have access to a range of PhD training opportunities, including teaching support experience (for which additional remuneration is available). Additionally, the PhD researcher will have opportunities to develop valuable inter-personal skills through working in a project team with a wide variety of people at the highest level of research in the UK.

Eligibility:

Applicants must meet the UK residency requirements in order to be eligible to apply for this funded opportunity. This means that you must have been resident in the United Kingdom for the full three year period before the first day of the first academic year of the course.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Publications record appropriate to career stage

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living