PhD Studentships in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero in United Kingdom

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ CDT) is recruiting Cohort 2 PhD students for a fully funded doctoral programme starting in September 2026.

This opportunity is designed for students interested in Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and research for a Net Zero world. The CDT offers a collaborative cohort experience and connects students with industry and government partners, supporting research with impact across academia, industry, and the public sector.

Students will spend Year 1 at The University of Manchester, with Years 2–4 based at one of the partner universities depending on the project: The University of Manchester, The University of Glasgow, or The University of Oxford. The first-year MSc course is project-dependent, and applicants are expected to choose a project before applying.

Eligible applicants should hold, or be predicted to achieve, an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM discipline, with at least a 2:1 (or international equivalent). Programming experience is required, and applicants must not already hold a PhD. Individual projects may have additional requirements, including nationality or residency conditions.

Funding is strong: successful applicants receive a 4-year studentship covering tuition fees at the Home rate, a tax-free stipend at the UKRI minimum rate, and a Research Training and Support Grant for travel, conferences, secondments, consumables, and other research activities. Home applicants in Cohort 2 also receive a £10,000 per year TechExpert enhancement. International applicants may be considered, but only a limited number of places are available and fee waivers are handled case by case by the host institution.

There are two application phases for Cohort 2. Phase 2 has a deadline of 15 May 2026, 5:00 pm UK time. Applicants can select up to three PhD projects on the application form. If shortlisted, candidates will later submit a formal application through the host university portal.