Programme

The RAINZ CDT programme will prepare you to become part of the next generation of multi-disciplinary robotic systems engineers.

As part of a cohort in a collaborative research environment, you will explore and develop solutions to real-world problems. Each year will have a cohort challenge, giving you the opportunity to work on an overarching research challenge, co-created with industry partners, across your four years in the CDT. 

When you first join RAINZ CDT, you will undertake one year of taught studies at The University of Manchester, before undertaking your PhD at your host institute (Manchester, Oxford or Glasgow).

Year 1

Depending on the PhD project you have applied for, you will be enrolled onto an appropriate MSc at The University of Manchester to help you gain the knowledge needed to succeed in your PhD research:

• You must achieve a GPA of at least 65% in the exams to be considered for progression to the PhD.
• The choice of MSc is defined by the project supervisors based on the needs of the research topic and cannot be changed by the applicant.
• You will not be awarded an MSc, as the summer period will be spent undertaking a CDT summer school rather than an MSc Dissertation.

Years 2 – 4

You will undertake your PhD studies on your chosen research project, moving to your host institute, but continuing to collaborate on a daily / weekly basis with the rest of the cohort. In addition to your research, you'll have the opportunity to attend additional training schools, workshops and symposia. Every year, you’ll take part in a residential research sprint where you can demonstrate relevant aspects of their research on industry defined demonstration rigs.