Project Overview
About the Position
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) is a 4-year fully funded PhD programme across the Universities of Manchester, Glasgow, and Oxford. The programme covers the full lifecycle of Net Zero energy generation assets including wind turbines, solar arrays, and nuclear reactors.
Programme Structure
- Year 1: Taught MSc at the University of Manchester. Must achieve average of 65% or higher to progress to PhD studies.
- Years 2-4: PhD research at Manchester, Glasgow, or Oxford, depending on project.
- Annual residential research sprints where students demonstrate work on industry-defined demonstration rigs.
- Supported by more than 20 companies from net zero and robotics sectors providing funding, training, secondments, and facilities access.
Partner Research Groups
- Glasgow: Autonomous Systems and Connectivity division. RAI test environment with multi-robot fleets, self-certification of autonomy systems, and international teleoperation trials.
- Manchester: Robotics and AI Centre. One of the UK's premier robotics centres with interdisciplinary partnerships.
- Oxford: Robotics Institute. Expertise in machine learning, AI, computer vision, fabrication, multispectral sensing, perception, and systems engineering.
Funding
- 4-year studentship covering tuition fees at Home rate.
- Tax-free stipend at UKRI minimum rate: £21,805 (2026/27 UKRI minimum) for (2026/27 rate applies), rising annually with inflation.
- TechExpert enhancement: Home applicants receive additional £10,000 per year (approximately £30,780/year total for Home students).
- Research Training and Support Grant covering travel, consumables, conferences, and secondments.
- Accessibility fund for students with specific needs.
- International applicants: Limited studentships (max 30% of cohort per EPSRC rules). Funding fixed at Home fee level. Discuss tuition fee waivers at interview. Visa fees, travel, and IHS not covered.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related STEM discipline with at least Upper Second-class (2:1 with 65% average) or international equivalent.
- Demonstrable programming experience required.
- Cannot already hold a PhD qualification.
- Individual projects may have further project-specific requirements.
Application Process
- Select a project first. May apply for up to three projects on a single application form. Do not contact supervisory team members directly.
- Prepare documents including official university transcripts (undergraduate and postgraduate). Non-English transcripts need authenticated English translations.
- Complete the RAINZ CDT application form when applications open.
- If progressing, submit formal application through host university portal.
- Applications checked against academic entry requirements, reviewed by academic panel, shortlisted candidates invited to online interviews.
About RAINZ CDT
RAINZ is the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and AI for Net Zero, bringing together Manchester, Glasgow and Oxford universities. Its doctoral programme develops robotics and artificial intelligence for managing critical energy infrastructure. Researchers combine training with collaborative projects addressing inspection, maintenance and the transition toward net zero.
Official website: https://www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk/
Application dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Cohort 2 (Sept 2026 start) | All phases closed |
| Next round (Cohort 3) | Expected to open around January 2027 |
Contact
- Email: rainz@manchester.ac.uk
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Official Link
- CDT website: https://www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk/
- How to apply: https://www.rainz-cdt.ac.uk/apply/
Important Notes
- Applications made through RAINZ CDT website, not standard university portal.
- Avoid generic or AI-generated responses in applications.
- If lacking formal Robotics/AI experience, still encouraged to apply; first-year training builds those skills.
- Join the RAINZ mailing list and follow LinkedIn for updates on Cohort 3.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official portal before the deadline: Next round expected January 2027 - Join mailing list. Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents — early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme?
Applications for this listing stay open on a rolling basis — there is no fixed closing date (Open - Apply as soon as possible). Apply early: rolling awards are often confirmed in the order applications are received.
Is EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805/year.
Who is eligible to apply for EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by RAINZ CDT.
How do I apply for EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme?
Applications for EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme are submitted directly to RAINZ CDT through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) PhD Programme offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.