The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI) is one of the world's leading interdisciplinary centres for research on the ethics, governance and societal impact of artificial intelligence. Its researchers publish world-leading research, advise governments and international bodies, and lead the public discussion on AI and its consequences for society.
The PhD in AI and Society will train upcoming researchers and leaders, equiping them to address the societal challenges and opportunities arising from the development and deployment of AI. It is an interdisciplinary PhD focused on critically examining how AI affects societies, institutions and individuals, and how those effects should be understood, regulated and governed. The course admits students from a broad range of backgrounds — including political science, sociology, public policy, philosophy, law and psychology as well as technical fields — who will form part of an interdisciplinary cohort researching in areas such as:
Ethics of AI
Examining the ethical questions raised by the development and deployment of AI systems, including fairness, accountability, responsibility and the implications of AI for human values and wellbeing.
Governance and Policy
Studying how AI development and deployment can be governed at national and international levels, from regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act to the work of advisory bodies, safety institutes and international organisations.
Law and Regulation
Advancing understanding of the legal challenges posed by AI, including liability, human rights, accountability and the frameworks needed to govern new innovations such as AI agents.
Politics, Economy and Society
Investigating the political, economic and social impacts of AI diffusion, including its effects on work, institutions, democracy and collective societal preparedness for transformative technological change.
By the end of the PhD, students are expected to have produced original work making a significant contribution to knowledge at the intersection of AI and society.
Learning outcomes
The programme will train the next generation of researchers and leaders in AI by:
providing them with a world-leading interdisciplinary research and education environment,
providing them with the critical tools to engage with the forefront of academic knowledge, methods and applications in AI and Society,
developing the advanced skills and abilities to identify, approach and address practical interdisciplinary research challenges,
supporting students to develop a broad and deep understanding of the social, political, economic, policy, legal and ethical aspects of AI development and deployment,
developing the ability and initiative to identify, address and approach relevant and complex challenges across industry, government and society.
Employability
Graduates will combine domain expertise with critical cross-disciplinary perspectives on AI, positioning them to pursue careers in academia, government, international organisations, the technology sector and civil society. For those intending to continue in academia, the course is an excellent preparation for postdoctoral research positions.
Continuing
It is not necessary to have a Master's degree to gain entry to the PhD; applicants can apply on the basis of their undergraduate degree. The course provides a natural next step for graduates of AI-related master's courses at Cambridge, including the MPhil in Ethics of AI, Data and Algorithms and the MSt in AI Ethics and Society, though all applicants are assessed on equal terms through the standard admissions process.
Open Days
LCFI will hold an online webinar in November 2026. Please see the LCFI website for information on how to register for this event.
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options.
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars
Practical, step-by-step information about preparing a strong application for postgraduate study. Find out more on the Discover Cambridge webpage.
Virtual Postgraduate Open Days
The November Open Days focus on subject and course information. Webinar recordings are available until May.
Events for international students
Join us for Q&A webinars, funding webinars or get in touch with our regional managers. Find out more about events for international students.
For more information about all upcoming events visit our events pages.