FARSCOPE Centre for Doctoral Training - an innovative PhD in Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Are you interested in Robotics and research?

Now is a great time to get involved in Robotics and Autonomous Systems research. FARSCOPE’s vision is ubiquity – robots everywhere – and our PhD programme is designed to get you thinking beyond a robot’s technology and about its environment. We need future robots that are:

• Smart - matching robust hardware with intelligent software to behave well in unstructured settings
• Safe - trusted on a technical and societal level to operate unsegregated in the world
• Scalable - designed and programmed for large scale deployments and evolution of roles
• Social - able to interact naturally with humans

Much more than just research

FARSCOPE is an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems based in the Bristol Robotics Laboratory – the largest specialist robotics laboratory in the UK. We offer a 4-year PhD programme specifically designed to give you both the multidisciplinary tools and contextual knowledge to tackle today’s research challenges in future autonomous robotic systems. As a FARSCOPE student, you are registered at both the University of Bristol and University of West of England and as such enjoy access to both institution’s facilities and services.

Year 1 allows you to develop background skills while exploring different research topics. At the start of year 2, you choose your PhD research with one of our College of Supervisors in any of the research themes available. Throughout your PhD, we support you with complementary skills training and a range of other opportunities.

Do you want to become part of a community of innovators?

FARSCOPE offers you a cohort-delivered programme that promotes outward-looking innovation. Throughout your PhD, you will have peer-support from students within your year group and with other students within the Centre. You will also have a dedicate industry mentor.

Our aim is to enable you to converse across application and technology silos, develop academic and industry networks and ultimately pursue a future career as a Robotics and Autonomous Systems innovator.

Are you eligible to apply?

We have scholarships available for UK students at the standard RCUK rate. We are also able to fully-fund two international applicants per year. We are looking for candidates with an upper-second class degree or international equivalent in engineering, physics, mathematics or related subject. Other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Apply here
Please select Robotics and Autonomous Systems FARSCOPE (CDT) on the Programme Choice page.

The application deadline to be considered for the second round of interviews is Wednesday 1^st March 2023. These interviews will take place between 3^rd to 7^th April 2023.

Please note that these dates may be subject to minor changes depending upon applicant and staff availability.

We appreciate and value difference, seeking to attract, develop and retain a diverse mix of talented people that will contribute to the overall success of Bristol and help maintain our position as one of the world’s leading universities.