UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
UKRI AI CDT in Dependable and Deployable AI for Robotics (CDT-D2AIR)
NOTE: We are not accepting applications to CDT-D2AIR at this time. Any applications received at this point may be rejected without review. Please see the expected application timeline below for the next round of applications.
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 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 an optional international placement. A small number of studentships for international applicants 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 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.
We are no longer accepting applications for September 2026. We expect the next round of applications for entry in September 2027 to begin in the autumn. A preliminary timeline is given below:
Expected opening of applications: Monday, 21 September 2026
Deadline for submitting applications: Friday, 20 November 2026
First round decisions and invitations to interview: Friday, 18 December 2026
Expected first round offers: Friday, 26 February 2027
Applications received before the opening date may be rejected without review. Updates to the application process and timeline (which is subject to change) will be posted here.