Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD

Programme overview

FARSCOPE aims to train the next generation of innovators in the growing field of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS). The vision of the programme is ubiquity - or robots everywhere - enabling students to think beyond a robot's technology and about its environment. Our four-year programme leads to the award of a joint PhD degree from both the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England. A PhD is a uniquely challenging and rewarding endeavour, especially in a cutting-edge field such as RAS.

We have enhanced the standard individual PhD in various ways to give you the best possible start on your RAS research and innovation career. This programme includes:

specialist taught modules in a wide variety of RAS technologies to equip you for research;
exposure to a diverse range of industry and academic RAS topics to give you a broad view of the potential and context of RAS;
cohort-based skills training, including enterprise, public engagement, communication and research methods;
group projects and industry study workshops to foster creativity, practical skills and integration.

You will have your choice of specialist topics from more than 50 academic supervisors. The centre is based at the Bristol Robotics Lab, the largest specialist robotics laboratory in the UK, plus you'll have access to all the combined facilities of both partner universities.

The FARSCOPE CDT programme has no funding for students outside of the EU, but any applications received from self-funded international students will be considered.

Careers

Students graduating from this programme will be suited to careers in industry, as ambassadors for robotics across many different sectors, or starting their own enterprises.