Program Overview

PHD Robotics

Course summary

Undertake extensive, supervised studies in the Centre for Automation and Robotics Research Specialise in pertinent topics; including computational intelligence and human-robot interaction Develop useful research and teaching skills to assist in your project and your subsequent career Graduate with an advanced qualification in a diverse, ever-expanding and exciting topic

How you learn

Independent research Mentoring with your supervisory team Research training, including mandatory ethics and integrity sessions Teacher training Linux and ROS training Optional extra training in Matlab, OpenGL, Indesign, Illustration and After Effects

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

Software and robotics Academia

Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with

Mobile robots: pioneer, summit, guardian, Khepera, e-puck, bebot, robotina, social robot (emma) Robot Arms: Denso, Mitsubishi, Staubli, Kinova Jaco Mobile Arm: Fetch Humanoid: Pepper, NAO

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same). All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal. You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme. Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies. Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.

Fees and funding

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2025/26. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2024/25 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter. Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £8,865 per year. There will be a final writing up fee of £500. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa). An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for School of Engineering and Built Environment (PDF, 142.7KB)