How to apply
Could you be a part of our next cohort of Robotics and AI researchers? Follow our application guide to learn how to apply.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, you must select a project. Browse our projects and get in touch with the relevant supervisor for more information. If you're unsure, please email the CDT Admissions team for guidance.
Key considerations
For your first year, you will be based at The University of Manchester. However, depending on which research project you are successful in applying for, you will be based for Years 2 – 4 in either:
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Glasgow
- The University of Oxford.
Please consider which location a project is in when making your decision.
In the project listing, it informs you which MSc you will study in your 1st year. You can find out more about these courses and their entry requirements on our programme page.
Review the available PhD projects you can research to find specific eligibility requirements. Each project listing includes an 'eligibility' section detailing its unique entry requirements, which may vary by project.
Funding for the RAINZ CDT is primarily provided for UK students. Constraints applied by EPSRC limit the number of international students we can accept to a maximum of 30% of the cohort size. Funding amounts are fixed per student, with the amount available to cover fees set at the UK fee level. International applicants will have to find alternative sources of funding to cover their international fees.
What you need
A supporting statement is a statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research; the area(s) of research you’re interested in; why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester/Oxford/Glasgow; any relevant research or work experience; the key findings of your previous research experience; and techniques and skills you’ve developed.
Summarise your academic record and highlight experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research. We ask all applicants to make their CV gender neutral, to remove the potential for any gender bias in the review process. Please do not include your name on the CV (your CV will be linked to this application, so it won’t get lost!) and remove any use of gender specific pronouns (such as he/him, she/her). Your name on the application will not be used at the review stage, only a unique reference ID.
Ready to apply?
Application deadline: 5pm, 31 January 2025
Interviews: To be confirmed
Decisions: To be confirmed.
Please complete the application form to apply for a place on the RAINZ CDT. If you have any questions, please email our Admissions team.
- Your application will go through an initial review by the admissions team to ensure you meet the main eligibility criteria
- If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be allocated a unique CDT application ID
- You will then be sent information on how to apply for a PhD at the host university (Manchester, Glasgow, or Oxford). You must submit a local PhD application within 1 week, quoting CDT application number and using the appropriate project details from the advert.
- Once the application deadline has closed, all applications will be reviewed and shortlisted.
- Applicants who are shortlisted will be invited to an interview.
View our postgraduate research website for advice on preparing for a postgraduate research interview.