Robotics and AI for Net Zero (EPSRC CDT)
About the course
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.
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 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, as well as guidance on what technology to bring with you as a new student at Oxford.
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
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.
Research areas
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialised themes of this course, which include:
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.
Further information
Information on academic and research staff and departmental research can be found on the department's website.
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 guidance to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
We know that contextual factors can make it difficult for candidates 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 |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 155 | 145 |
*Changes to the TOEFL iBT test are being introduced on 21 January 2026. If you are taking a TOEFL test after this date, please note that these changes may affect whether the University is able to accept this test.
†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.
Funding
We expect that the majority of applicants who are offered a place on this course will also be offered a fully-funded scholarship specific to this course, covering course fees for the duration of their course and a living stipend.
Costs
Annual course fees
The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
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 2026-27 academic year for the RAINZ CDT at Oxford.
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year at the University of Oxford
Fee status | Annual Course fees |
| Home | £10,470 |
| Overseas | £34,700 |
What do course fees cover?
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 costs information below.
How long do I need to pay 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 fees will usually increase annually, as explained in the University’s Terms and Conditions.
Graduate students who have reached the end of their standard period of fee liability will be required to pay a University continuation charge and/or a college continuation charge.
The University continuation charge, per term for entry in 2026-27 is £656, please be aware that this will increase annually. For part-time students, the termly charge will be half of the termly rate payable by full-time students.
If a college continuation charge applies (not applicable for non-matriculated courses) it will be between £150 and £500, as explained in our information about continuation charges. Please contact your college for more details, including information about whether your college's continuation charge is applied at a different rate for part-time study.
Where can I find more information about fees?
Our fees and other charges pages provide further information, including details about:
- course fees and fee liability;
- how your fee status is determined;
- changes to fees and other charges; and
- continuation charges.
Information about how much fees and other costs will usually increase each academic year is set out in the University's Terms and Conditions.
Additional costs
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 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 2026-27 academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between £1,405 and £2,105 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 (if dependant visa eligibility criteria are met).
Further information about living costs
The current economic climate and periods of high national inflation in recent years make it harder to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. For study in Oxford beyond the 2026-27 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.
A breakdown of likely living costs for one month during the 2026-27 academic year are shown below. These costs are based on a single, full-time graduate student, with no dependants, living in Oxford.
| Lower range | Upper range | |
|---|---|---|
| Food | £315 | £545 |
| Accommodation | £825 | £990 |
| Personal items | £160 | £310 |
| Social activities | £50 | £130 |
| Study costs | £35 | £90 |
| Other | £20 | £40 |
| Total | £1,405 | £2,105 |
For information about how these figures have been calculated as well as tables showing the likely living costs for nine and twelve months, please refer to the living costs page of our website.
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 assessed fairly.
Contextual 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 Friday 13 February 2026.
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, of which at least one must be academic
Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.
Professional references are welcomed, but these must be obtained from your line manager (or equivalent). At least one academic reference must be provided.
Your references will support your intellectual ability, academic achievement and potential, motivation, creativity, and ability to work singly and in a group.
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.