Robotics and AI for Net Zero (EPSRC CDT)
About the course
The EPSRC CDT in Robotics and AI for Net Zero (RAINZ) is a joint programme between the Universities of Manchester, Glasgow and Oxford. It will train 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.
The research focus of the CDT will be on robotics and AI (RAI) to provide step-changes at each stage of the lifecycle of Net Zero energy generation assets, such as wind turbines, solar arrays, or nuclear reactors. This will be done through the creation of new innovative technologies, workflows, etc which will increase safety, reduce costs, decarbonize operations and enhance the overall viability of such systems.
Initially students will focus on the use of 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.
Attendance
The first year of this course is based at the University of Manchester. Following this, RAINZ students studying at Oxford will move to the University of Oxford, and will be subject to the University's residence requirements for full-time students.
Provision exists for students on some courses to undertake their research in a ‘well-founded laboratory’ outside of the University. This may require travel to and attendance at a site that is not located in Oxford. Where known, existing collaborations will be outlined on this page. Please read the course information carefully, including the additional information about course fees and costs.
Resources to support your study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of world-class resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.
The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK. It includes the main Bodleian Library and libraries across Oxford, including major research libraries and faculty, department and institute libraries. Together, the Libraries hold more than 13 million printed items, provide access to e-journals, and contain outstanding special collections including rare books and manuscripts, classical papyri, maps, music, art and printed ephemera.
The University's IT Services is available to all students to support with core university IT systems and tools, as well as many other services and facilities. IT Services also offers a range of IT learning courses for students, to support with learning and research.
There are strong links with researchers in other departments in the mathematical and physical sciences and, ever increasingly, with researchers and practitioners in medical science departments and University hospitals.
The research clusters are well-supported by experienced teams of technical, computing, and administrative support staff. You will have access to well-equipped research areas and workshops.
Supervision
For RAINZ students based at the University of Oxford, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the Department of Engineering Science and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.
Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Engineering Science.
As well as supervision, the student will be a part of a RAINZ cohort of students that will take part in meetings and training activities throughout their period of study. Students based in the Oxford Robotics Institute will also take part in group and Institute meetings.
Assessment
In the first year at the University of Manchester, students will be continually assessed as part of their MSc course. 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.
All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of six terms as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.
A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require a satisfactory research proposal and evidence of research skills (usually in the form of a draft paper). Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within ten terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.
Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination.
The final thesis is normally submitted for examination during the fourth year and is followed by the viva examination. The final award for Oxford-based students will be a DPhil awarded by the University of Oxford. To be successfully awarded a DPhil you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners.
Graduate destinations
As this is a new course, there is no graduate destination data. However graduates are expected to pursue a course in either the net zero industry or academia.
Changes to this course and your supervision
The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made if a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency occurs. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.
Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.
For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.
Initial assessment by RAINZ CDT
Your application will initially be assessed by the RAINZ CDT against the entry requirements for the particular project you are applying to.
If your application passes this initial assessment, you will be invited to submit an application to the University of Oxford (please refer to the How to Apply section of this page for further details). A successful application to the University of Oxford is a requirement of entry to this course. Your application to the University of Oxford will be assessed against the entry requirements shown below.
An interview with the University of Oxford will be conducted following your application.
Entry requirements for entry in 2025-26
Proven and potential academic excellence
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
We know that factors such as socio-economic circumstances and school performance can make it difficult for students to demonstrate their full potential. This course is taking part in an initiative to use contextual data to help us to better understand your achievements in the context of your individual background. For further details, please refer to the information about improving access to graduate study in the How to apply section of this page.
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. Contextual data may also be used in the assessment of studentships.
Degree-level qualifications
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.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
GRE General Test scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
- Applicants are not expected to have publications prior to admissions, although they may be useful evidence of research potential. The department understands that not all applicants will have had the opportunity to carry out publishable research.
English language proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's standard level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score per component |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.0 | 6.5 |
TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition' (Institution code: 0490) | 100 | Listening: 22 Reading: 24 Speaking: 25 Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced* | 185 | 176 |
| C2 Proficiency† | 185 | 176 |
*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
†Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement.
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
References
You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Supporting documents
You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The How to apply section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.
Performance at interview
Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.
An initial shortlisting process will be run by the RAINZ CDT team based on your application and its fit to your nominated projects.
Interviews will be conducted by members of the RAINZ consortium as well as the supervision team for one of the projects you have applied for. Interviews will typically cover both the technical background knowledge required for the project, as well as more general skills and experience related to engineering, robotics, and AI.
Details of the timescales for interviews and decisions will be published on the RAINZ website.
Offer conditions for successful applications
If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our 'After you apply' pages provide more information about offers and conditions.
In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:
Financial Declaration
If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a Financial Declaration in order to meet your financial condition of admission.
Disclosure of criminal convictions
In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any relevant, unspent criminal convictions before you can take up a place at Oxford.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
This course may require you to obtain an ATAS certificate before you can apply for a visa/immigration permission. If you are offered a place, the academic department will confirm whether an ATAS certificate is required. If so, they will also send you the information you need to apply for one. You can apply for ATAS whilst your offer is conditional and before the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued. Further information about ATAS is available on the student visa webpages.
Other factors governing whether places can be offered
The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:
- the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the About section of this page;
- the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
- minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.
Engineering Science
Established in 1908, the Department of Engineering Science brings together the study of all branches of engineering at Oxford. It has a community of around 140 academics, 770 graduate students and 200 postdoctoral researchers and research fellows at any given time.
The department has grown to become a world leading academic unit with a portfolio that incorporates most engineering disciplines, with many faculty members working in several areas. It maintains an exceptional reputation in multiple aspects of engineering, leading in the training of young minds, and excelling at innovating - all the while working closely with companies such as Google, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover and Dyson. The department has an annual turnover of around £73m, of which research grant income is approximately £34m.
Professors work at the vanguard of new technology development, innovation, and implementation, and their research impacts on government policy, industry, healthcare, infrastructure, communications, transport, and security. The department has an excellent record of engagement with industry and of translating research results into real-world applications. It has generated numerous successful spin-out companies.
The department is located across several sites. The central Oxford buildings in the Keble Triangle house the main lecture theatres as well as many of the labs. Nearby is The Oxford Robotics Institute, a cutting-edge research institute in the field of robotics and autonomous systems, and the Oxford e-Research Centre, a multidisciplinary data science research and education institute. Other research groups and Institutes such as the Oxford Thermofluids Institute and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering are located on different sites in and around Oxford.
Funding
All applicants who are offered a place on this course will be offered a fully-funded scholarship, covering all course fees for the duration of their course and a living stipend.
Costs
Annual fees for entry in 2025-26
The fee rates at the University of Manchester for each of the first year MSc courses are published in the links under 'MSc options' on the RAINZ CDT website.
For an indication of costs at the University of Oxford, the table below shows the annual course fees for the 2025-26 academic year for the RAINZ CDT at Oxford.
Annual fees for entry in 2025-26 at the University of Oxford
Fee status | Annual Course fees |
| Home | £10,070 |
| Overseas | £33,370 |
Information about course fees
Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges.
Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.
Continuation charges
Following the period of fee liability, you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.
Where can I find further information about fees?
The Fees and Funding section of this website provides further information about course fees payable to the University of Oxford, including information about fee status and eligibility and your length of fee liability. The RAINZ CDT website provides information about fees payable at TBC.
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees (or, after fee liability ends, continuation charges) and living costs. However, please note that, depending on your choice of research topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips. You will need to meet these additional costs, although you may be able to apply for small grants from your department and/or college to help you cover some of these expenses.
Living costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
Living costs for full-time study
For the 2025-26 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,425 and £2,035 for each month spent in Oxford. We provide the cost per month so you can multiply up by the number of months you expect to live in Oxford. Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to budget for the costs of a student visa and immigration health surcharge and/or living costs for family members or other dependants that you plan to bring with you to Oxford (assuming that dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).
Further information about living costs
The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2025-26 academic year, it is suggested that you budget for potential increases in living expenses of around 4% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. For further information, please consult our more detailed information about living costs, which includes a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs.
Please note that the estimated living costs above are for study at the University of Oxford. You are advised to consult the guidance about living costs at the University of Manchester for the first year of the course.
College preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs).
If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief introduction to the college system at Oxford and our advice about expressing a college preference.
If you are a current Oxford student and you would like to remain at your current Oxford college, you should check whether it is listed below. If it is, you should indicate this preference when you apply. If not, you should contact your college office to ask whether they would be willing to make an exception. Further information about staying at your current college can be found in our Application Guide.
The following colleges accept students on the RAINZ CDT :
Before you apply
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
Application process
The first stage of admission to the RAINZ CDT is administered by RAINZ CDT. You should visit the RAINZ CDT website for application instructions and deadline information. To apply and for further details about the course you are advised to contact the RAINZ CDT admissions team using the details on their website.
Your application will be initially assessed by the RAINZ CDT against the eligibility requirements for the particular project you are applying to. If your application passes this initial assessment, you will be invited to submit an application to the University of Oxford using the standard graduate application procedure.
Application fee - waived for all applications to this course
The application fee of £20, which is usually payable per application to the University of Oxford, will be waived for all applications to this course. When you submit your application you will not be shown the screen that collects payment details and you will not need to enter a waiver code.
Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?
Informal enquiries about the overall RAINZ CDT, including questions about the admissions process, should be made to the RAINZ CDT admissions team using the details on their website. Enquiries about individual projects should be made to the supervisors listed for each project.
Improving access to graduate study
This course is taking part in initiatives to improve the selection procedure for graduate applications, to ensure that all candidates are evaluated fairly.
Socio-economic data (where it has been provided in the application form) will be used as part of an initiative to contextualise applications at the different stages of the selection process.
Stage 1: Apply to RAINZ CDT for initial assessment
You must first apply to RAINZ CDT by 5pm on Tuesday 11 February 2025.
How to Apply to RAINZ Apply to RAINZ CDT
Stage 2: Apply to the University of Oxford
If your application has passed the initial assessment by RAINZ CDT, you will be invited to complete an application to the University of Oxford. Only candidates who have been invited to proceed and provided with a unique CDT application ID should submit an application to the University of Oxford.
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application.
If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.
Proposed field and title of research project
Under 'Proposed field and title of research project' enter the title of the research project that you are applying to.
You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).
Proposed supervisor
Under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the lead supervisor on the research project you are applying to.
Referees:
Three overall, at least two of which must be academic
You do not need to add your referees to your application as the department will receive these from the RAINZ CDT team. Please enter Referee1 ([email protected]), Referee2 ([email protected]) and Referee3 ([email protected]) in the referees section and tick the boxes to confirm that you are happy for the referees to be contacted. This should enable you to submit your application.
Official transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.
Statement of purpose/personal statement:
A maximum of 1,000 words
A personal statement is required and must be in English. You can re-use the statement provided in your RAINZ CDT application.
If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
After you've submitted your application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed. You can find out more about our shortlisting and selection process in our detailed guide to what happens next.
Find out how to manage your application after submission, using our Applicant Self-Service tool.