Funding

Self-funded

Project code

LLAW5031025

Department

School of Law

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6 year part-time PhD project.

The PhD will be based in the School of Law and will be supervised by Dr Daniel Bedford. 

 

The work on this project could involve:

  • Evaluating the adequacy of established human rights frameworks in addressing the challenges AI poses for the protection of fundamental principles, such as human dignity. 
  • Examining the development of new international human rights instruments for regulating AI, focusing on the effectiveness of the safeguards they contain and the obligations they impose.
  • Identifying the actions required to give effect to the positive obligations to put in place measures to respect dignity, autonomy, and equality.
  • Comparing human rights-based approaches to AI regulation with alternative regulatory models, assessing their effectiveness in addressing the societal impacts of AI.

The rapid evolution and application of artificial intelligence (AI) present distinct challenges to human dignity. Current human rights instruments may not adequately address these challenges, prompting discussions on the necessity for AI-specific human rights frameworks. This project may evaluate the existing legal instruments and explore the need for distinct rights frameworks tailored to AI.

Recent initiatives, such as the Draft Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law by the Council of Europe, represent significant steps toward formulating binding international norms that aim to uphold established human rights standards while addressing AI-specific issues. This proposed treaty purports to ensure that all activities within the lifecycle of AI are fully consistent with human rights standards. However, the treaty does so by outlining broad principles that require the adoption of appropriate legislative, administrative, or other measures. This project may explore what concrete measures may need to be implemented to uphold principles of human dignity, autonomy, and equality effectively in the context of AI. 

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding availability: Self-funded PhD students only. 

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only – eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable.

Entry Requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in law or related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Daniel Bedford (daniel.bedford@port.ac.uk) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Law PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process. 

Please also include a research proposal of 1,000 words outlining the main features of your proposed research design – including how it meets the stated objectives, the challenges this project may present, and how the work will build on or challenge existing research in the above field. 

When applying please quote project code:LLAW5031025