Join the Future of AI: Google DeepMind Research Ready Programme

Unlock your potential and begin your journey into the world of artificial intelligence (AI).

In partnership with Google DeepMind, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Hg Foundation, Cardiff School of Technologies is pleased to offer an 8 week fully funded summer internship for  computer science-related undergraduates(See the eligibility criteria for more details).

This highly immersive programme is designed to provide  a robust foundation in AI, combining academic rigour with hands-on experience, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Delivered through a Venture Studio model,  participants will work collaboratively to conceptualised and develop an AI-focused mock start-up, gaining valuable insight into innovation, product development, and commercialisation.

Programme highlights include:

• An intensive week-long entrepreneurship workshop delivered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship, covering ideation, team formation, business model design, and venture development.
• Guest lectures from industry leaders, offering real-world perspectives on the applications, impact, and future of AI across a range of sectors.
• Tailored academic sessions and dedicated mentorship from a diverse and dynamic team of experts from Cardiff Met and partner institutions.
• A structured lecture series on research methodologies, designed to strengthen technical capabilities while supporting innovation and exploration of future career pathways in AI, both academic and entrepreneurial.

This programme offers a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge AI knowledge, enhance employability, and gain first-hand experience of how ideas progress from concept to entrepreneurship or research.

Eligibility

This internship is available to recent graduates or students (in their final or penultimate year of study) in a computer-science or AI related subject from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Please make sure you meet the following criteria before applying:

Essential criteria (all required)

• Must be a resident of the UK and eligible to pay UK home fees.
• Must have the right to live and work full-time in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Must be in the penultimate or final year of an undergraduate degree or have recently completed an undergraduate degree in computer science, AI, or a related subject.
• Must not be currently enrolled in or have completed a Masters or PhD programme.

Socioeconomic criteria (at least one required)

• Eligible for free school meals during secondary education.
• Residing in an area ranked in the lowest two deciles according to deprivation indices like WIMD or POLAR.
• Experienced care from a local authority at any point.
• In receipt of full state support for maintenance during their undergraduate studies.
• Identify as having Black or Asian or Minority Ethnicity.
• Be in the first generation of your family to study at undergraduate level.
• Have refugee status

What Can You Expect?

The internship blends theoretical learning with practical application, equipping you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in AI-related careers or postgraduate research. Here’s what’s offered through the programme:

• AI Expertise: Weekly lectures on machine learning, data ethics, privacy, and responsible AI principles. Explore how AI is transforming industries like healthcare, computer vision, and large language models. You will also learn about Web 3.0 technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency.
• Collaborative Entrepreneurial Innovation: Work in small groups to design and develop a product and business model for a mock AI startup. Learn how to develop a business model, marketing strategy to promote your business, and regulatory issues associated with startups.
• Real-World Insights: Engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs through guest lectures and case study sessions, gaining valuable perspectives on the practical applications and societal impact of AI. The opportunity of a "Dragons' Den"-style finale where you’ll present your project to experts.
• Community and Support: Benefit from tailored mentoring and an inclusive, collaborative learning environment that fosters peer interaction, confidence building, and leadership development.

Course Includes

• An 8-week full time (35 hours/week) internship placement at Cardiff School of Technologies, Llandaff Campus from 1^st June 2026 – 24^th July 2026.
• A generous stipend (£441/week for 8 weeks).
• Free accommodation at Cardiff Met Accommodation (or paid equal amount weekly if rented privately).
• Travel money to and from Cardiff at the start/end of the programme (£200 max).

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via this form by Friday 6^th March 2026.

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide:

• University Transcript / Profile of Marks
• Personal Statement Details of your referee
  Referees do not need to submit their reference letter at the initial stage. However, if shortlisted, referees will be requested to submit a reference letter within a short deadline. Therefore, we strongly suggest you speak with your referee beforehand.

Selection Process

1. Shortlisting
   • a. Applicants need to pass ALL Essential Criteria and ONE of the Socioeconomic criteria.
   • b. Based on the transcript submitted, academic performance will be evaluated.
   • c. Based on the personal statement, motivation, potential, and personal commitment to future career in AI will be evaluated.
2. Final Selection
   • a. Based on the reference letter.

Contact

For any administrative queries, please contact: cst-deepmind@cardiffmet.ac.uk For any other queries about the course, please contact the programme lead: Dr Imtiaz Khan IKhan@cardiffmet.ac.uk