The EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) is run by the Universities of Manchester, Glasgow and Oxford. It trains the next generation of engineers in the robotics and AI (RAI) technologies needed to support the UK's net zero agenda.
Students on the RAINZ CDT will be trained in both research and commercialisation of robotics and AI technologies to support the lifecycle asset management of critical net zero energy generation infrastructure.
RAINZ is structured around an innovative cohort training and research model to ensure graduates are not only subject matter experts, but have highly valuable skills in teamworking, multi-disciplinary systems integration, industrial engagement, and commercialisation. Each cohort will be recruited to conduct research directed towards an industry co-created, cross-sector cohort challenge which will be different for each new cohort.
To learn more about the research topics you’ll have the opportunity to explore, please refer to the Research areas section on this page.
Initially students will focus on the use of Robotics and AI (RAI) in operations and maintenance of Net Zero assets (O&M), through inspection, maintenance, and repair activities and in the decommissioning of infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion).
The research in the CDT will also support the decarbonization of these assets across their lifecycle phases in a diverse range of sectors. The scope of research will expand through the lifetime of the CDT to include the other lifecycle phases: design, logistics, construction, and recycling.
Within Oxford, research will focus on RAI topics aligned with the research themes of the principle investigators within the Oxford Robotics Institute.
In Year 1, students will be enrolled onto an MSc at The University of Manchester related to their PhD research. Within this year students must achieve a GPA of at least 65% in the exams to be considered for progression to the DPhil. Students will not be awarded an MSc, as the summer period will be spent undertaking a CDT summer school rather than an MSc dissertation.
Once an Oxford student has moved to the DPhil portion of the CDT, they will be based in the Oxford Robotics Institute within the group or groups of their local supervision team.
September 2026
Wellington Square Campus
Wellington Square,
Oxford,
Oxfordshire,
OX1 2JD, Southern England, United Kingdom
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours.
The qualification above should be achieved in one of the following subject areas or disciplines:
engineering;
computer science;
physics;
mathematics with evidence of programming experience; or
an appropriate numerate/physical science discipline.
A previous master's degree is not required in order to be considered for the course.
Applications from mature students or students returning from industry to education are also encouraged. In these cases the degree requirements may be demonstrated through appropriate professional experience.
For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
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