PhD Studentship: An adaptive AI-driven Approach to Accessibility for Visual Impairments in Games

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester Metropolitan University invites applications for a PhD by thesis integrated with a doctoral teaching assistant contract. The project investigates how Artificial Intelligence can create adaptive accessibility solutions to make games more inclusive for players with diverse needs.

The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary supervisory team; supervision spans adaptive systems, accessibility and human-computer interaction, and AI, with collaboration with academics,

Qualifications

• Experience of game development using Unity engine, evidenced by portfolio submitted with application.
• Strong programming skills and ability to conduct independent research to a high academic standard.

Skills

Unity

Programming

Education

Computing-related degree

Job description

Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities to make games more accessible and inclusive for everyone. This PhD project will explore how AI can support players with visual impairments by enhancing understanding, navigation, and interaction within game worlds. Potential areas include dynamic guidance systems, adaptive game content, and personalised accessibility features that respond to players’ needs in real time.

The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary supervisory team, benefiting from expertise in adaptive systems, accessibility and human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence. The research will provide valuable experience in game development, user-centred design, accessibility research, and experimental evaluation.

The project offers access to specialist facilities, an established research community, and opportunities to collaborate with academics, industry partners, and users. As part of our supportive doctoral environment, the student will receive training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Objectives

This PhD project will explore how Artificial Intelligence can create adaptive accessibility solutions that make games more inclusive for players with diverse needs. The research aims to:

• Develop an open-source toolkit capable of intelligently adapting game experiences to individual accessibility requirements across different game genres.
• Identify key requirements, design and train AI-driven adaptation methods, and evaluate their effectiveness in both laboratory and real-world settings by working with players, developers, and accessibility stakeholders.
• Provide opportunities to publish research, develop advanced skills in AI, accessibility, and game technologies

Funding

These are doctoral teaching assistant positions that combine a PhD programme with a university teaching contract. Your time will be split approximately 60% on research and 40% on teaching. This provides excellent preparation for candidates considering an academic career at a university. The teaching component will typically run over the 22 teaching weeks per year and the 4 assessment weeks. You will help deliver an outstanding student experience by supporting lead academics with classroom and lab teaching and assessment, further building the skills developed within your PhD research programme.

The position is grade 6 with a current salary of £31,236 and includes payment of home PhD tuition fees for the duration of the 6-year award. Home students can apply. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Candidate requirements

Applicants should hold, or expect to achieve, a First-Class or Upper Second-Class (2:1) degree in a computing-related discipline.

Essential

• Experience of game development using engines such as Unity, evidenced through a portfolio of work submitted with their application.
• Strong programming skills and the ability to undertake independent research to a high academic standard.