Connectionists: Fully funded PhD Studentships in Games and Game AI (EPSRC, UK)

[Simon Lucas]

The IGGI Programme

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Intelligent Games and Game Intelligence (IGGI) is the world's largest PhD research programme aimed at games.

IGGI has up to 12 studentships available for 2020/21 entry (starting September 2020) at the University of York or Queen Mary, University of London (QMUL). Studentships fund full fees (at a Home/EU rate) plus a tax-free living stipend, for a 4-year PhD programme.

The deadline for submitting applications for funded studentships is 23:59 GMT on 31st January 2020.

We also welcome self-funded applications throughout the year. All accepted IGGI students start at the beginning of the academic year in September.

See here for how to apply: http://www.iggi.org.uk/apply/

Who Should Apply

We are seeking diverse and motivated candidates to join our 70 current PhD students conducting interdisciplinary research in areas<http://www.iggi.org.uk/home/research-themes/> such as:

  *   Using machine learning (ML) and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) to create interesting, fun, believable game agents
  *   Augmented creativity tools that support game designers and developers, e.g. procedural content generation, AI-assisted game design and testing
  *   Understanding player experience, games user research, and game analytics
  *   Game audio and music
  *   Interaction, user experience, and learning design for games
  *   Using games and gamification to support wellbeing, learning, or social change
  *   Using Esports and other game data to study human behaviour and psychology
  *   Using game AI to improve real-world decision making

IGGI students<http://www.iggi.org.uk/students/> are a diverse group, and admission decisions are made on the basis of your potential to do good work and make a positive impact through games research. We especially welcome applications from female and minority ethnic candidates as well as other groups that are under-represented in games research and industry.

Why Apply to IGGI

IGGI brings together more than 60 researchers<http://www.iggi.org.uk/supervisors/> in games and related fields working on creating positive impact on and through games you can draw on as supervisors.
You will also receive focused skills training in game design, games research methods, game development, game AI, responsible innovation, and engaging users and the public with your work. In addition, you will have access to optional training in a wide range of topics such as HCI, graphics, audio, psychology, or AI.

You will also have opportunities to collaborate with other students and researchers, make games, and share your work through

  *   the annual IGGI Game Jam, a 48 hour game development challenge as part of the Global Game Jam, enhancing your skills in game design, development, and teamwork;
  *   the annual IGGI Conference, showcasing student research alongside industry and academic speakers;
  *   student-led events such as research seminars, board game evenings, or workshops.

IGGI will give you the opportunity to work directly with industry and social partner organisations<http://www.iggi.org.uk/industry-partners/>. Placements, research exchanges, and other forms of knowledge exchange will give you the possibility to make a direct positive impact, experience the games industry first hand, and collaborate with researchers and practitioners. Current IGGI students have worked with partner organisations such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, Bossa Studios, Google, Bloomberg, PROWLER.io, Media Molecule, BT, Splash Damage, Microsoft Research, and Sue Ryder.
<http://www.iggi.org.uk/industry-partners/>
Who Is Eligible to Apply

UK, EU, and international students are eligible to apply and receive a stipend and tuition based on EPSRC rules<https://epsrc.ukri.org/skills/students/help/eligibility/>. The UK government has guaranteed<https://www.gov.uk/government/news/eu-student-funding-continued-for-202021> that EU students enrolling in the 2020/21 academic year will continue to receive stipends and pay tuition fees covered by the IGGI grant through the duration of their studies even after the UK’s exit from the EU. Since they will arrive in the UK before December 31, 2020, they are also guaranteed the same rights current EU students in the UK (check the useful pages<https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information--Advice/EU-EEA--Swiss-Students/Brexit-immigration-fees-and-student-support-for-when-you-arrive/For-students-intending-to-study-in-the-UK-in-2020-21> by the UK Council for International Student Affairs or contact us for any questions). International students will need to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Applicants normally hold a masters degree enabling them to do games research in their chosen research area (e.g. computer science, AI, HCI, psychology, game design and development), although we do accept exceptional candidates with a fitting undergraduate degree. We also expect applicants to bring the requisite basic technical skills to succeed in our training modules in game design and development. Prior practical experience in making games is not required but a definite plus.



--
Professor Simon Lucas
Head of School
Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
Queen Mary University of London

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