Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Robotics

The Doctor of Philosophy in Robotics is a research-oriented degree that prepares students for careers at the cutting edge of academia, industry, and government. The program focuses on human-centered and autonomous robotics research, advancing discoveries in various aspects of robotics.

Overview

The goal of the Doctor of Philosophy in Robotics is to prepare the next generation of world-class researchers, industry leaders, academics, and educators in the field of robotics and autonomous systems. Students will enjoy the unique experience of conducting world-class research with state-of-the-art equipment and under the guidance of internationally renowned experts.

Program Details

• Mode: Full-time
• Credits: 60
• Location: On campus

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program requirements, graduates will be able to:

• Analyze a problem and apply an appropriate selection of advanced methods in robotics and autonomous systems.
• Design and integrate advanced software and hardware to realize autonomous robotic solutions, in teams and individually.
• Critically evaluate the practical and entrepreneurial feasibility for innovations in multi-robot systems, robotics, and autonomous systems across a range of sustainable applications.
• Review and critically appraise current research topics, problems, and challenges within robotics and autonomous systems.
• Discover, interpret, and communicate new knowledge orally and through novel research of top-tier publishable quality.

Completion Requirements

The minimum degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Robotics is 60 credits, distributed as follows: | Number of courses | Credit hours | --- | --- | | Core | 4 | 16 | Electives | At least two dependent on credit hours | 8 | Internship | At least one internship of a minimum of three months duration must be satisfactorily completed as a graduation requirement | 2 | Advanced research methods | 1 | 2 | Research thesis | 1 | 32 | Total | 9 | 60

Core Courses

The following core courses must be taken by all students:

• INT899: Ph.D. Internship
• RES899: Advanced Research Methods
• ROB801: Advanced Robotic Motion Planning
• ROB802: Advanced Topics in Robotics: Multi-robot Systems
• ROB803: Advanced Humanoid Robotics
• ROB804: Vision for Autonomous Robotics
• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis

Elective Courses

Students will select a minimum of two elective courses, with a total of eight (or more) credit hours. The choice of electives must be selected based on interest, proposed research thesis, and career aspirations, in consultation with their supervisory panel.

Admission Criteria

• Completed degree: MBZUAI accepts applicants who hold a completed degree in a STEM field with a minimum CGPA of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
• English language proficiency: All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, Cambridge C2 Proficiency, or Duolingo English Test.
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE): Submission of GRE scores is optional for all applicants but will be considered a plus during the evaluation.
• Statement of purpose: A 500- to 1000-word essay explaining why the applicant wants to pursue a graduate degree at MBZUAI.
• Research statement: A document summarizing the potential research project the applicant is interested in working on and clearly justifying the research gap.
• Referee recommendation: Applicants will be required to nominate referees who can recommend their application.
• Screening exam: An online screening exam that assesses knowledge and skills relevant to the chosen field.
• Admission interview: A select number of applicants may be invited to an interview with faculty as part of the screening process.

Study Plan

Students are expected to complete coursework in the first year of their degree and focus on research and thesis writing in the subsequent three years. A typical study plan is as follows:

SEMESTER 1

• ROB801: Advanced Robotics Motion Planning (4 CR)
• ROB802: Advanced Topics in Robotics: Multi-robot Systems (4 CR)
• One elective from the list (4 CR)

SEMESTER 2

• ROB803: Advanced Humanoid Robotics (4 CR)
• ROB804: Vision for Autonomous Robotics (4 CR)
• One elective from the list (4 CR)

SUMMER

• INT799: Ph.D. Internship (2 CR)

SEMESTER 3

• RES899: Advanced Research Methods (2 CR)
• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (4 CR)

SEMESTER 4

• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (5 CR)

SEMESTER 5

• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (5 CR)

SEMESTER 6

• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (6 CR)

SEMESTER 7

• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (6 CR)

SEMESTER 8

• ROB899: Robotics Ph.D. Research Thesis (6 CR)

Disclaimer: Subject to change.