Online PhD in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Why a PhD in Artificial Intelligence?
The PhD in Artificial Intelligence is designed from the ground up for advanced research in AI methods and their real‑world deployment. SMC’s AI PhD concentrates your doctoral training on the exact capabilities employers and institutions are scaling today.
Depth in AI methods
Deep learning, generative models, reinforcement learning, causal inference, evaluation and safety - applied to complex, high‑impact domains.
Cross‑disciplinary focus
You will engage with business strategy, law, and ethics to plan, deploy, and govern AI at scale—skills rarely covered in a general CS track.
Research with impact
Dissertations aim to both advance the state of the art and address adoption challenges (risk, compliance, explainability, and ROI).
At SMC, this focus is reinforced through specializations in AI Business Strategy, Technology & Intelligent Systems, AI Law, and Ethics & Governance, all delivered in a flexible online format to support working professionals.
Program at a Glance
SMC’s European‑accredited (EQF Level 8) online PhD in artificial intelligence is a research‑intensive doctoral program in AI built for leaders who want to advance scholarship and practice. Delivered 100% online with flexible pacing, it offers supervision from international faculty and specializations in AI Business Strategy, Technology, Law, and Ethics & Governance. Explore requirements, funding, and how to apply to begin your doctoral journey.
European-Accredited (EQF Level 8)
Recognized for its academic rigor and global relevance.
100% Online, Globally Accessible
Study anytime, anywhere — no campus attendance required.
Distinguished International Faculty
Learn from AI experts, legal scholars, and thought leaders worldwide.
Research with Real-World Impact
Address the challenges of AI governance, ethics, and innovation.
Flexible Tuition. Tailored to You.
SMC’s tailored tuition model makes world-class education accessible.
Where technology meets humanity - and leadership is redefined.
Defining the Future of AI
Online PhD in AI
Sample AI Research Areas
Depending on your professional background and interests, our online PhD in AI enables you to conduct research on areas that align with your expertise and goals. Build on your basic knowledge of AI or delve into ever evolving avenues of data science to work towards the career of your dreams.
Whether your experience lies in business, technology, or law, the program provides opportunities to advance AI in ways that are both significant and aligned with your ambitions. Once you’ve chosen your area of focus, you’ll complete your graduate coursework and conduct advanced research to put towards completing your doctoral dissertation.
AI Business Strategy and Innovation
For professionals with a business background, the PhD offers the chance to research how AI enhances organisational strategies and performance. You could examine how predictive analytics improves decision-making, study AI’s role in streamlining operations, or explore its potential to create personalised customer experiences. With this focus, a PhD will prepare you to lead AI-driven business transformations and develop strategies that harness AI’s full potential in competitive industries.
Ethics and Governance of AI
Explore how artificial intelligence reshapes society — and how society must, in turn, govern AI. This specialization delves into the ethical, legal, and human implications of intelligent systems, guiding you to develop frameworks that promote transparency, fairness, and accountability. Through critical inquiry and applied research, you will define how AI can be harnessed responsibly to advance innovation while upholding human dignity, trust, and global ethical standards.
AI and Law
For those with a legal or policy background, the PhD enables you to focus on frameworks that govern AI’s development and use. Your research might explore data privacy regulations, intellectual property rights, or ethical challenges in AI. Specific frameworks could include the EU AI Act, GDPR, UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, OECD AI Principles, and ISO/IEC standards. You may also examine regional approaches, such as the United States’ Executive Order on AI or China’s AI Governance Principles. A key focus could be developing AI systems that comply with diverse frameworks, ensuring they are ethical, transparent, and legally compliant when deployed globally.
AI Technology & Intelligent Solutions
If you’re a developer or engineer, this program provides an opportunity to focus on the technical challenges in AI. Research topics might include designing more efficient machine learning algorithms, improving AI interpretability, or developing applications for autonomous systems. A PhD in this area allows you to deepen your technical skills and contribute to innovations that push the boundaries of AI, positioning you as an certified expert in a rapidly advancing field
You have a possible AI research idea but you’re not sure?
Career opportunities Following a PhD in AI
Chief AI Officer (CAIO) (AI Business Focus)
As a Chief AI Officer, you will lead the integration of AI technologies within an organisation to drive innovation and growth. Responsibilities include developing AI strategies aligned with business goals, overseeing AI implementation, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. This role is pivotal in industries like finance, healthcare, and public administration, where AI is transforming operations and creating competitive advantages.
AI Consultant (AI Business and Technology Focus)
AI consultants provide expert advice to businesses and governments on maximising the potential of AI technologies. In this role, you will assess organisational challenges, recommend AI-driven solutions, and support implementation. Consultants are particularly in demand in sectors such as management consulting, manufacturing, logistics, and retail, where operational efficiency and decision-making improvements are critical.
AI Policy and Ethics Advisor (AI Ethics Focus)
With expertise in the legal and ethical dimensions of AI, you can guide organisations and governments through complex regulatory landscapes. You might focus on developing ethical AI frameworks, ensuring compliance with international standards, or advising on global policy trends such as the EU AI Act. This career is crucial for shaping responsible AI deployment and is often found in think tanks, governmental agencies, or corporations prioritising ethical governance.
AI Research Scientist (AI Technology Focus)
As a research scientist, you will lead innovation in areas such as machine learning, natural language processing, or autonomous systems. This role often involves publishing in academic journals, presenting at international conferences, and developing groundbreaking AI tools. Research scientists typically work in tech companies, academic institutions, or specialised R&D labs, driving the advancement of AI knowledge.
AI Systems Architect (AI Technology and Business Focus)
AI systems architects design and implement AI-driven solutions tailored to business needs. Responsibilities include creating scalable AI frameworks, optimising systems for real-time data processing, and ensuring integration with business strategies. This role is ideal for those who want to work at the intersection of AI development and practical business applications, with opportunities across tech companies, multinationals, and large enterprises.
AI Governance and Regulatory Specialist (AI Law Focus)
Specialists in AI governance and regulation ensure that organisations comply with AI-related laws, from data protection to intellectual property. You might also contribute to developing governance frameworks that balance innovation with responsibility. Roles in this area are found in regulatory bodies, international organisations, and large corporations adopting AI technologies.