Macquarie University–University of St Andrews Joint PhD Scholarship in AI and Vulnerable Consumers 2027

Macquarie University in Australia and the University of St Andrews in the UK are offering a fully funded joint PhD scholarship for research into how artificial intelligence can protect the independence, trust and decision-making power of vulnerable consumers.

The research will examine how AI-powered services affect people who may struggle with digital technology, particularly older adults, as human alternatives disappear from essential services such as banking, healthcare and government support. The successful candidate will investigate inclusive AI design, consumer trust, human oversight and safeguards against automated errors, comparing the regulatory environments of the UK and Australia.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineDecember 18, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorMacquarie University
• City to studyNew South Wales
• School to studyMacquarie University
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• AUD$40,900 (2027 rate) while on Macquarie University campus;
• £20,467 per annum pro rata while on University of St Andrews campus

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated candidate who has:

• a strong honours and/or master’s degree (ideally including a substantial research component) in marketing, management, consumer behaviour, psychology, human–computer interaction or a related discipline
• training or experience in quantitative research methods, such as survey and experimental design and multivariate analysis (eg mediation and moderation analysis)
• familiarity with, or willingness to develop skills in, qualitative methods such as in-depth interviewing
• a strong interest in AI-enabled services, consumer vulnerability, responsible AI or inclusive service design
• excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Research outputs such as conference papers or publications are an advantage.

Eligibility

Admission and scholarship criteria of both universities must be met.

• For St Andrews, refer to how to apply and entry requirements.
• For Macquarie University, refer to PhD entry and English language requirements and graduate research scholarship eligibility criteria.

Applicants must not already:

• hold a doctoral degree
• be matriculated for a doctoral degree at the University of St Andrews, Macquarie University, or another institution.

Application Documents

EOI documents to be submitted:

• CV including information about publications
• transcripts of most relevant/recent degrees
• information about thesis components (thesis mark, word count, weight/length in comparison to the degree overall)
• statement of suitability as a candidate for the project (max 500 words)
• indication that the student meets the English language requirements for entry into a PhD program at both universities, or willingness to obtain relevant English language proficiency test results.

Check also:
ANU Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026
University of Canberra Research Scholarships 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Submit your expression of interest (EOI) to:

• Professor Graeme McLean (St Andrews supervisor) at [email protected]
• Dr Rico Piehler (Macquarie supervisor) at [email protected]
• Dr Ivan Ho (Macquarie associate supervisor) at [email protected]
• cc [email protected].

The participating schools at St Andrews and the Graduate Research Academy at Macquarie in coordination with the academic supervisors will complete the selection process.

For more information, kindly visit the Macquarie webpage.