Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD

On our Robotics and Autonomous Systems PhD programme you’ll study, design and build novel solutions and behaviours for robots and, in general, autonomous systems.

Robotics is a multidisciplinary branch of engineering and science that deals with the design, construction, operation, and use of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing.

Robots must interact with people and objects, as well as challenging real-world environments. They must simulate human perception mechanisms, shared control, and natural multi-modal interfaces. Robots must also exhibit a high degree of autonomy and intelligence when performing highly complex tasks such as condition monitoring, prognostics and health management, and long-term persistent autonomy including validation and verification.

Designing and managing robotics and autonomous systems requires diverse skills from various engineering disciplines such as electronics, mechatronics, control, and signal processing together with state-of-the-art micro and nano-sensors, embedded multi-core computing and artificial intelligence. This PhD programme embraces all these disciplines and aims to train the next generation of innovators in the growing field of robotics and autonomous systems.

Our researchers also regularly collaborate with key players in industry. We host the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluid Systems and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies.

The University of Surrey ranked 15th in the UK for research power for engineering in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. We are now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.

Our PhD in Robotics and Autonomous Systems will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.

It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You will be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who will guide you through your studies. You will learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop your ideas, and verify them with experiments, and collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, we will develop your skills and transform you into an independent researcher.

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.