Shape the Future of Audiences, AI, and Creative Technologies
Fully Funded PhD Studentships | Starting October 2026
ADAPT-AI is seeking passionate researchers and practitioners from diverse backgrounds to join our innovative doctoral training programme exploring how audiences experience and engage with creative technologies and artificial intelligence.
What is ADAPT-AI?
ADAPT-AI (Analysing and Diversifying Audience Participation with Creative Technologies & AI) is one of just ten AHRC-funded Doctoral Focal Awards in the UK. We’re training the next generation of leaders who will shape how audiences interact with immersive experiences – from VR and AR to AI-powered creative content.
Working with world-leading cultural venues including Serpentine Arts Technologies, Southbank Centre, Barbican Immersive and more, you’ll develop cutting-edge research skills alongside practical expertise in machine learning, extended reality, ethical audience analysis, and inclusive participation methods.
Why ADAPT-AI?
We value many paths to doctoral research. Whether you come from academic study, professional practice in creative industries, or have taken a non-traditional route to research – your unique perspective and experience are what we’re looking for.
You’ll join a consortium of three distinctive London institutions:
King’s College London – expertise in digital humanities and AI
London South Bank University– strengths in media production and community engagement
Guildhall School of Music & Drama– world-leading performance and creative practice
Plus, you will have access to cutting-edge facilities, millions of audience members annually through our partners, and a supportive community of researchers working at the intersection of creativity and technology.
Three Ways to Apply
1. Collaborative Doctoral Awards (CDAs)
Co-design your research with industry partners on pre-defined projects addressing real-world challenges
2. Industry Defined Challenges
Respond to specific questions posed by creative industry partners
3. Independent Proposals
Develop your own research idea aligned with ADAPT-AI’s three core themes
Our Three Research Themes
Audience Interfaces – How AI and creative technologies enhance audience analysis and engagement
Audience Interaction – Novel methods for audience participation and interaction
Audience Integration – Integrating diverse audiences into cultural experiences
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from people with:
– Academic qualifications in relevant fields (arts, humanities, creative practice, social sciences)
**or** significant professional experience in creative industries, technology, audience development, or related sectors
– A passion for understanding and diversifying audiences
– Interest in ethical and responsible use of creative technologies
– Commitment to inclusive research practices
We recognise that excellence comes in many forms. If you have deep professional expertise, creative practice experience, or have overcome barriers to reach this point – we want to hear from you.
Funding Package
Funding will be for 3.5 years (full time) or 7 years (part time).
Both UK and international applicants are eligible, and up to 30 per cent of studentships can be applied to international applicants.
– Full tuition fees covered
– Annual stipend (UKRI rate: £22,780 (incl LWA) full time for 2025/26)
– Research training and support
– Access to state-of-the-art facilities
– Opportunities to attend conferences and workshops
2026/27 Collaborative Doctoral Award Project:
Beyond Engagement with Serpentine Arts Technologies
Measuring Creative R&D, Audience Impact and Innovation in Art and Technology
Develop new frameworks for how arts organisations measure their R&D contributions to innovation – moving beyond simple visitor numbers to capture the full impact of creative-technology work on audiences and innovation ecosystems. Working with Serpentine’s Arts Technologies team, you’ll have direct access to groundbreaking projects at the intersection of art, AI, and emerging technologies.
How to apply
Application deadline: 13 February 2026
Shortlisting will take place after applications close during February/March 2026
Interviews will take place during March 2026
Outcomes will be notified during April 2026
Start date: October 2026
Funding will start 1 October 2026. Term dates at each Higher Education Institution may differ – please refer to their website for details.
Step One: choose your pathway to access the appropriate application form:
CDA Application Form Independent Proposal Application Form Industry Challenge Application Form
To help with planning, you can download a PDF version here. Please note: only forms completed on the links above will be accepted – please do not email PDFs.
Step Three: apply via the formal admissions process at your selected Institution
King’s College London Guildhall School of Music & Drama London South Bank UniversityStep Four: Pay attention to the specific notes
To apply to King’s College London, please apply to the ‘Culture, Media & Creative Industries PGR Programme‘. Do not enter any supervisor details in your application. Enter the funding code: 2627ADAPT-AI.
To apply to Guildhall, please follow the instructions on the form.
To apply to London South Bank University, please apply to the ‘Arts and Creatives Industries PGR Programme‘. Do not enter any supervisor details in your application. Enter the funding code: ADAPT-AI-01.
Information Sessions
Monday 8 December 2025, 1-2:30pm [online]
To register: email adapt-dfa@kcl.ac.uk
Our commitment
The ADAPT-AI Doctoral Focal Award studentship programme is committed to supporting students from ethnic backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in UK arts, culture and heritage occupations, particularly in leadership roles (as detailed in the UK Arts, Culture and Heritage Audiences and Workforce PEC report, May 2024). We also acknowledge this underrepresentation in postgraduate research in the UK and are committed to improving access and participation at this level.
5 studentship awards for October 2026 entry will be ringfenced to applicants from the ethnic backgrounds listed below. Applicants must be UK-permanent residents who are liable for fees at the home rate and identify as one of the following ethnic groups (as identified by the applicant in the Studentship Application Form):
Asian or Asian British (including Bangladeshi or Bangladeshi British, Chinese or Chinese British, Indian or Indian British, Pakistani or Pakistani British, any other Asian Background)
Black (including African or African British, Caribbean or Caribbean British, any other Black Background)
Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Groups (including White or White British and Asian or Asian British, White or White British and Black African or Black African British, White or White British and Black Caribbean or Black Caribbean British, any other Mixed or Multiple Ethnic Background)
Other* (including groups that do not fit into the above categories)
*Applicants will be asked to provide further details if this box is ticked.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is a priority for ADAPT-AI. We strongly welcome applications from a diverse range of career paths, backgrounds and all sections of the community who are underrepresented in postgraduate research, as well in the arts and creative industries.
Questions?
Contact the ADAPT-AI team at: adapt-dfa@kcl.ac.uk