UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
Prospective students should familiarise themselves with the CDT-D2AIR programme and research themes, before they begin their application.
We are only accepting applications for full-time students starting in September 2026. All students will be required to be based near Edinburgh to optimise the benefits of the cohort learning experience. Studentships are limited but are open to all nationalities. Studentships are fully funded and cover home tuition fees and monthly stipends at the UKRI research council rate (fees and stipend rates will be confirmed at a later date). Students will also receive a budget with funding for travel, small pieces of equipment, and optional international placement. A small number of studentships are available to cover international tuition fees.
Applicants should have an undergraduate degree at the UK 2:1 level (or equivalent), or a higher degree, in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline. Applicants from other disciplines with an interest in robotics will also be considered (e.g., Psychology, Social Sciences, and the creative disciplines), but should have substantial exposure to computing or engineering concepts, quantitative methods, and programming experience.
If English isn't your first language, you must supply evidence of your English language proficiency with your application. The minimum requirement is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent), with no individual component less than 6.0. Please check the information on the types of English language qualifications we can accept.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and actively encourage applications from groups that are underrepresented in AI and robotics research. All appointments will be made on merit. We are committed to facilitating a shift in the culture and diversity of the AI and robotics research communities through proactive practices to support equality, diversity, and inclusion at all levels. Our work in this area was recently recognised by Informatics Europe, who awarded our previous CDT with the Minerva Informatics Equality Award. Also see our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion statement.
All applications to CDT-D2AIR must include the following documents:
A current CV.
Previous transcripts and degree certificates. If submitting transcripts and degree certificates that are not in English, please also submit a certified English translation for all documents.
A scan of the front cover and information pages of your passport.
A completed CDT-D2AIR Supplementary Information Form (see below).
Two reference letters. Please ask both referees to send their references directly to cdt-d2air@hw.ac.uk with the name of the applicant clearly indicated.
Evidence of English language proficiency if English isn't your first language.
All applicants must submit a completed CDT-D2AIR Supplementary Information Form with their application, in place of a research proposal or personal statement. Please ensure that you have familiarised yourself with the CDT-D2AIR programme and the list of potential supervisors before completing this form.
Applications must be submitted through the Heriot-Watt Postgraduate Programmes application website.
Please select Dependable and Deployable Artificial Intelligence for Robotics, PhD as the choice of Programme in the online application form.
In the Funding section, for the question "How Will You Fund Your Studies?", select Scholarship. For the question "Name of Scholarship or Sponsor", enter CDT-D2AIR.
Once you have completed the application form, an option to upload supporting documents will be made available. Please make sure you attach the CDT-D2AIR Supplementary Information Form where it asks for the Project Proposal in the Supplemental Items list of attachments.
Please ensure that you upload all of the required documents listed above to minimise delays in your application being reviewed. We are unable to process incomplete applications. Emailed applications will not be accepted.
All applications received by Friday, 14 November 2025 will be considered for the first round of student places. Applications received after this date may still be considered, if all CDT-D2AIR places haven't been filled.
Application reviewing may take several weeks. Successful applicants will be contacted with information about the next stage of the application process, which includes an interview. Unsuccessful applicants will be contacted about the outcome of their application. We will be unable to provide any information on your application while it is under consideration.