Fully Funded PhD in AI for Lens Design

Project Overview

About the Position

The University of Surrey is offering a doctorate on AI-assisted camera-lens design.

The project combines computer vision, graphics and computational imaging to connect optical design choices with image quality.

Official Project Title

Smart optical design: AI tools for the next generation of cinematic camera lenses

Research Focus and Methods

Develop differentiable, data-driven models for forward imaging simulation and inverse lens design. Investigate ways to propose lens architectures that meet imaging or perceptual objectives.

Research Training and Development

Research connects AI methods with industrial optical-design problems.

Funding and Duration

Studentship funding and award conditions

Component	Details
Award	PhD studentship; selection is competitive
Programme	Surrey studentship
Duration	42 months (3.5 years)
Stipend	£21,805 per year at the advertised 2026/27 UKRI rate; later rates follow the award terms.
Tuition and research support	Home fees or an international-fee waiver, stipend, research training and travel funds.
Award conditions	Selection is competitive; an advertised project does not guarantee a studentship.
Stipend amount status	£21,805 is the published 2026/27 reference rate. Subsequent academic-year rates and the amount in an individual funding offer should be checked separately.

Eligibility and English Language

Applicant qualifications and funding eligibility

Component	Details
Applicant eligibility	Worldwide applicants may apply, subject to programme and university requirements.
Academic preparation	First-class or high 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in computer science, electronic engineering, applied mathematics, physics or a related subject; a relevant master’s is preferred.
Project interests and skills	Strong mathematics and Python or C/C++; relevant vision, graphics or machine-learning experience. Rendering or optics experience is desirable.
English language	Meet the host university’s English-language admission rules. An approved alternative or exemption may apply; IELTS is not universally mandatory.

About University of Surrey

University of Surrey is a public research university in Guildford, England. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, business, health, humanities and social sciences. Its teaching and research connect academic foundations with professional practice, supported by partnerships and work addressing questions in technology, health and contemporary society.

Official website: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/

Application Dates and Location

Deadline, start date and research location

Item	Details
Application deadline	17 January 2027
Start date	1 April 2027
Research location	Guildford, United Kingdom

Contact

Email: m.volino@surrey.ac.uk
Email: j.guillemaut@surrey.ac.uk

Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.

Important Notes

Application deadline: 17 January 2027 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.

How to Apply

Apply through the Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD link in the advert.
Instead of a research proposal, upload a document stating the project title and relevant supervisor.
Complete the programme’s remaining supporting-document requirements.

Application Checklist

Document stating the project title and relevant supervisor, uploaded in place of a research proposal
Other supporting documents required by the linked PhD programme; consult its current checklist

Supervisors and Contact

Supervisory team and contact details

Supervisor	Role	Email
Dr Marco Volino	Primary Supervisor	m.volino@surrey.ac.uk
Dr Jean-Yves Guillemaut	Co-supervisor	j.guillemaut@surrey.ac.uk

Application Preparation

For application preparation, see How to Email a PhD Supervisor: 7 Templates and Practical Tips, How to Read a PhD Job Advert: Funding, Eligibility and Application Steps and Is a PhD Funded for International Students? How to Check the Advert.

Official Link

Application guides

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Frequently asked questions

Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.

What is the deadline for PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK?

The application deadline is 17 January 2027. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source gives neither a closing time nor a time zone.

Is PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK fully funded?

This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year.

Who is eligible to apply for PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK?

This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Surrey.

How do I apply for PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK?

Applications for PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK are submitted directly to University of Surrey through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.

Is an English proficiency test required for PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK?

Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.

What study level does PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK offer?

This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.

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PhD in AI for Cinematic Camera Lens Design at University of Surrey, UK