UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
CDT-D2AIR is now accepting applications for full-time students starting in September 2027.
Application deadline: Friday, 27 November 2026.
Prospective students should familiarise themselves with the CDT-D2AIR programme and research themes, before they begin their application.
CDT-D2AIR is an in-person, full-time programme. 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 tuition fees and monthly stipends at the UKRI research council rate (precise 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 an optional international placement. A small number of studentships for international applicants (covering all university fees) are available each year but we expect these positions to be highly competitive.
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 be able to demonstrate 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. Regardless of your nationality, all applicants must satisfy the university's English language requirements.
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 email their reference letters 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 (see Entry Requirements, above).
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.
All applications must be submitted through the Heriot-Watt Postgraduate Programmes application website.
Under On-Campus Programmes, select Postgraduate Research (e.g., PhD, MPhil).
For the location of study, select Edinburgh.
For the Programme, select Dependable and Deployable Artificial Intelligence for Robotics, PhD.
For the Study Option, please select Dependable and Deployable Artificial Intelligence for Robotics - PhD - Edinburgh - September 2027 - Full-Time. No part-time option is available for this programme.
In the Funding section, for the question "How Will You Fund Your Studies?", select Scholarship. Enter CDT-D2AIR for the "Name of Scholarship or Sponsor".
Leave the sections on "Research Project Information" and "primary supervisor" blank.
After you have submitted your initial application, you should receive an email confirming receipt of your application and providing a link for uploading your supporting documents.
Attach your CDT-D2AIR Supplementary Information Form in place of the Project Proposal document in the Supplemental Items section.
Ensure that all of the other required documents listed above are uploaded to your application.
We are unable to process incomplete applications. Emailed applications will not be accepted.
The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, 27 November 2026. All applications received by this date will be considered for the first round of student places. All required documents supporting your application must be received by the deadline, including reference letters.
Application reviewing may take several weeks and will not begin until applications have closed. We are aiming to send out first round decisions in January 2027. Successful applicants will be contacted with information about the next stage of the application process, which will include an interview. Unsuccessful applicants will also be contacted about the outcome of their application. We will be unable to provide any information on your application while it is under consideration. We expect to send out decisions about first round offers in March 2027.