Funding

Self-funded

Project code

LAW50360125

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 Faculty of Business and Law, and will be supervised by Dr Daniel Bedford, Dr Henry Pearce and Dr Susan Yin. 

 

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 advancement and expanding application of AI offers significant opportunities but also profound challenges for humanity. While AI promises advancement in areas such as healthcare, education, and sustainability, its growth has introduced novel mechanisms of social control, presenting a risk of human rights violations. These include breaches of privacy, algorithmic discrimination, and procedural unfairness. As AI increasingly encroaches on decision-making processes in sensitive areas like sentencing, safeguarding fundamental human rights emerges as a key priority.  

 

This research examines the capacity of existing human rights frameworks, many of which were established long before the current digital era, to address the emerging capabilities of AI. In particular, it evaluates whether these frameworks adequately govern AI’s far-reaching implications or whether tailored international instruments are needed to mitigate emerging risks. Particular attention will be given to the protection offered by the European Convention on Human Rights, given the Council of Europe’s efforts to establish AI-specific mechanisms.

 

This project will assess recent international initiatives, such as the adoption of the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on AI, to determine their effectiveness in addressing gaps left by established human rights mechanisms, such as the ECHR. This treaty seeks to align AI's entire lifecycle with human rights standards by establishing broad principles and requiring the implementation of relevant legislative, administrative, or other measures at the domestic level. This project will assess whether such a governance model can effectively safeguard human rights and explore the specific actions required and taken by states to operationalise the standards contained in that treaty. 

 

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  (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.

An LLM in International Human Rights Law or Law and Technology is desirable. 

 

How to apply

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.