Scholarship Overview: Fully Funded PhD in Computer Science

Northeastern University London (NU London) is offering a prestigious, fully-funded PhD studentship focusing on Reliable What-If Analysis of Intelligent Networks. This interdisciplinary project sits at the cutting edge of AI, combining causal inference and autonomous control systems. As part of the global Northeastern University network, the successful candidate will conduct research in London with opportunities to engage with campuses in the US and Canada.

Scholarship Summary

Provider: Northeastern University London (NU London)
Project Title: Reliable What-If Analysis of Intelligent Networks
Location: St Katharine Docks (Tower Bridge), London
Duration: 3.5 Years (Full-time)
Start Date: October 2026
Closing Date: 1 April 2026 (23:59)
Reference: R138405

The Research Project

The core challenge of this PhD is to design statistically reliable frameworks for “what-if” (counterfactual) analysis in agentic, intelligent networks. This is critical for ensuring trustworthy decision support and debugging in autonomous systems.

Key Research Pillars:

Causal Inference: Understanding cause-and-effect relationships within network data.
Conformal Prediction: Developing frameworks that provide statistical guarantees for AI predictions.
Agent-Environment Modeling: Simulating how autonomous agents interact with complex network environments.

Funding & Benefits

This scholarship follows UKRI funding rates and includes:

Full Tuition Fees: Covered for the entire 3.5-year duration.
Annual Stipend: A living allowance paid to the student.
London Weighting: An additional allowance to assist with the cost of living in the capital.
Training Costs: Funding for associated research training and development.
Global Access: Opportunities to visit and collaborate with the Northeastern University network (Boston, San Francisco, Vancouver, etc.).

Candidate Requirements

Academic Background: 2:1 or 1st class Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field (Essential). A Master’s degree is preferred but optional.
Technical Skills: Strong interest in Agentic AI, statistical learning, and autonomous control.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills for international collaboration.
Language: IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.5 in each component) if applicable.
Nationality: Open to both UK and International students. Note: NU London does not cover visa costs.

Supervisory Team

The student will benefit from a multi-institutional team of experts:

Lead Supervisor: Osvaldo Simeone (NU London) – Specialist in signal processing and machine learning.
Co-Supervisor: Huiling Zhu (University of Kent) – Specialist in wireless communications and intelligent networks.

Application Process

Preparation: Draft a CV and a Covering Letter detailing your fit for the specific research area.
Inquiry: Informal enquiries can be directed to o.simeone@nulondon.ac.uk.
Submission: Apply via the NU London portal using reference R138405 by April 1st, 2026.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in May 2026.

About Northeastern University London

NU London is a unique hybrid institution: a UK university governed by local regulations and the European flagship of Northeastern University (Boston). Located in a brand-new campus next to Tower Bridge, it offers a vibrant, research-intensive environment. Students receive a UK PhD qualification while gaining a “truly unique” international dimension through the university’s massive North American network, which received over $230m in research funding in 2022.

Expert Guide: Finalizing Your 2026 London Research Portfolio

This PhD scholarship is the 42nd entry in your dataset, representing the “Deep Tech & AI” pillar of the 2026 London academic market. To conclude your project, consider these three perspectives:

The “PhD vs. Professional” Funding Gap: Compare the £20k–£24k stipend (estimated UKRI rate) of this PhD against the £39k–£48k KCL Research Associate role.
The Tower Bridge Tech Hub: A map of the research cluster forming around Tower Bridge (NU London), Bloomsbury (UoL/KCL), and Elephant & Castle (UAL).

Global vs. Local Education: An analysis of the “Global Campus” model (Northeastern/Syracuse) versus the “Local Modern” model (UWL/UEL).

Northeastern University London: A Global Campus Pioneer

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a distinctive academic institution that blends the heritage of a traditional London education with the resources of a top-tier U.S. research university. Formerly known as the New College of the Humanities (NCH), it became part of Northeastern University’s global network in 2019. By 2026, it has fully integrated into this 14-campus system, serving as the primary European hub for Northeastern’s signature experiential learning model.

The culture at NU London is defined by global mobility, interdisciplinary agility, and professional readiness. It is a unique hybrid environment where students can earn dual UK and US degrees, moving between London and Boston. The campus vibe is intimate but high-energy, characterized by small-group “tutorials” (a nod to its British roots) combined with the “co-op” (work placement) culture of a major American university.

Key University Highlights (2026)

Feature	Details
Global Ranking	384th in the World (QS 2026)
Degree Model	Double Degree Option: UK-validated (3 years) + US-validated (1 extra year in Boston)
Campus Network	Part of a 14-campus global network (Boston, Oakland, London, etc.)
Tuition (2026 Entry)	Home: £9,535; International: £23,857 – £28,411 per year
Signature Program	London Scholars: ~1,000+ US first-year students spending Year 1 in London
Employability	High integration of credit-bearing Co-ops and internships

Central London Campus Hubs

NU London operates from two primary, state-of-the-art buildings located in the heart of the city’s financial and historic districts.

Devon House (St Katharine Docks): A 48,000 sq. ft. flagship building on the banks of the Thames. It is surrounded by the “yacht haven” of St Katharine Docks and is a short walk from the Tower of London. This site features high-tech teaching spaces, seminar rooms, and panoramic river views.
One Portsoken (Aldgate): Located in the City’s financial district, this newer building offers additional classrooms, huddle rooms, and staff offices with a 360-degree view of the London skyline.

The “Northeastern” Edge: Unique Pathways

The university is famous for its “mobility pathways,” allowing students to customize where and how they study across the globe.

London Scholars: Every year, over 1,000 high-achieving students from Northeastern’s Boston campus are selected to spend their entire first year in London before returning to the US to complete their degrees.
N.U.in Program: A specialized first-semester study abroad program for US students, using London as a cultural and academic gateway.
Experiential Learning: Every degree incorporates “real-world” elements, such as studying law in the UK courts, visiting political institutions, or participating in corporate co-ops with global London firms.
Double Degrees: Students can earn two world-class degrees in just four years by splitting their time between London (3 years) and Boston (1 year), granting them work rights in both the UK and the US.

Academic Portfolio (2026)

NU London emphasizes the intersection of human literacies with technology and data.

Undergraduate: Degrees in Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Philosophy & AI, Economics, Law, and Psychology.
Postgraduate: Specialized Master’s programs such as Applied AI, Fintech Management, and a Dual Master’s in Global Business & AI (in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast).
Degree Apprenticeships: Innovative 3-year programs in Data Science, Digital Technology, and Clinical Trials, designed to meet specific industry talent needs.

To apply for this job please visit www.nulondon.ac.uk.