Find out about the MLSystems selection process and timeline. Selection Process OverviewThe figure below illustrates the CDT MLSystems selection process from application stage to offer stage. What we are looking for when selecting candidates We take an evidence-based assessment against competencies to select and appoint the best students on the CDT. When assessing your application and conducting interviews, we will be looking for proofs of all the below competencies which are essential to conducting an excellent PhD in a cutting-edge and challenging field.You may have different sources of evidence for the different competencies and these can be drawn from a wide range of activity and experience (studies, professional experience, volunteerism or hobby etc.) but they need to be reflected in your application and in your performance at interview.Substantial knowledge of the background methodologyGood mathematical understanding and capability: a confidence and competence in handling mathematical ideas, and manipulations.Clear computational and software engineering experienceGood basic computer science understandingSubstantial proactivityClear experience of doing research and a level of capability at that researchEvidence of scientific writing capabilityEvidence of diligence, rigour, scholarliness, and accuracyEvidence of collegiality, a care for others, a willingness to help out, good working with others, and commitment to working partnershipsEvidence of excellence (awards and prizes, publications, achievements of all sorts, community engagement, project lead etc.) The CDT InterviewsInterviews are organised and led by the supervisor you have identified (or we have advised) as a prospective supervisor for your PhD project. An additional independent interviewer CDT will also be on the panel, and will act as CDT representative. The panel could potentially also include other parties, e.g. a prospective secondary supervisor as a third member. The interview will cover both technical knowledge and competencies, and the more general motivation and competency required to do a PhD.Interviews last typically an hour and may be either in-person and online depending on the panel’s availability and student location. Supervisors will contact students directly to arrange interviews. If you have any concerns round your interview or require adjustments, you can confidentially get in touch with the CDT admission team at any time.If you attend your interview in-person, the CDT will refund up to £150 of expenses (travel and accommodation). The Offer StageStudents who receive a CDT funding offer are given two options for acceptance. They can either:Firmly accept the offer they receive – It is expected that this reflects their final decision and that they will withdraw from any other PhD studentship competition elsewhere. This is typically the case when Edinburgh is their first choice. The formal admission process (EUCLID offer) is then triggered and students can begin preparing for their programme start (ATAS and visa requests as relevant, accommodation search etc.)Provisionally accept the offer they receive – This indicates that they are still waiting to hear the outcome of other PhD studentship applications elsewhere, towards which they are, in principle, more inclined or undecided. This is typically the case when Edinburgh is not their first choice. The formal admission process (EUCLID offer) is not triggered.In the case of a provisionally acceptance, the CDT will be as flexible as possible and touch base with the applicant regularly for an update. However, the CDT might ultimately set a deadline by which a final decision will be required. For international students requiring ATAS clearance, a final decision will be required by the end of April in any case. More flexibility can be given to Home applicants. The Post-offer VisitIf you receive a studentship funding at the end of our selection process and if you have not attended your interview in person, we will invite you to a post-offer visit so that you can come over to the School of Informatics in the University of Edinburgh, meet your prospective supervisors as well as the CDT management team. There will also be a chance to speak with current CDT students. This will give you a good idea of your future PhD environment and will help with your decision.A virtual visit including a similar content will be offered to students who cannot come to Edinburgh in person.Post-offer visits are individual and will be arranged at a time that both suits you and your prospective supervisor.If you attend an in-person post-offer visit, the CDT will refund up to £200 of expenses (travel and accommodation). Indicative Recruitment TimelineSpecific dates and deadlines for a current recruitment round are published on the Application Deadlines page.Round 1Recruitment Round 1 is open to all applicants (both International and Home applicants). MLSystems Recruitment Round 1 indicative timeline Applications open Beginning of October First-stage Application Form submitted by Mid-December EUCLID Full application deadline 3rd week of January Shortlisting and interviews by supervisors Late January to Late February First round of offers sent by Beginning of March Post-offer visits and first-round offer acceptance deadline Mid/Late March Second round(s) of offers (reserve list) Until end of May Round 2Rounds 2 is open to Home applicants only and is subject to studentship availability. Applications will be reviewed and assessed as they arrive and a decision made on any nominated applications every two weeks once round 1 is closed. It is therefore advised to apply as early as possible before the final deadline. MLSystems Recruitment Round 2 indicative timeline Round 2 first-stage Application Form submitted by Mid March Round 2 EUCLID Full application deadline End of March Previous Recruitment StatsYearApplied IntApplied HomeApplied TotalInterviewed IntInterviewed HomeInterviewed TotalAppointed IntAppointed HomeAppointed Total2024*62248671219281020251832320657177476132026319663854430747815* Due to the timing of this round of CDTs awards, 2024 is not a representative year. This article was published on Tuesday 26 November 2024
