Overview
The Informatics - IPAB - Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation programme offered by The University of Edinburgh covers domains such as visual perception, dynamic control of robot systems, active sensing and decision making, biomimetic robotics, computer-based generation of external phenomena, such as images, music or actions, and agent-based interaction within computer games and animation.
Supported by the dynamic research culture of IPAB, you can develop robots that learn their own motor control, mimic animal behaviours, or produce autonomous and coordinated team actions. Or you can work with systems that interpret real images and video, or generate complex behaviour in animated characters.
We aim to link strong theoretical perspectives with practical hands-on construction, and provide the hardware and software support to realise this vision.
Our robotics labs contain a range of mobile platforms, robot manipulators, humanoid robots, and custom-built sensor and actuation systems that attract continuous interest from funders, industry and members of the public.
Recent developments include the UK's only NASA Valkyrie robot platform, application of robotic hardware to prosthetics and assisted living, and a team that competes in the international robot soccer league.
The machine vision lab has facilities for 3D range data capture, motion capture and high-resolution and high-speed video, and the high performance computing needed for graphics is well supported, including hardware partnerships with companies such as NVIDIA.
Career opportunities:
While many of our graduates go on to highly successful academic careers, others find their niche in commercial research labs, putting their knowledge and skills to use in an industry setting.
Several of our recent graduates have set up or joined spin-out robotics companies. Our graphics researchers have strong connections to the media and games industries.
Programme Structure
- The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs, if any, and invite you to attend lectures relevant to your research topic. These lectures may be selected from those offered to MSc students, or may be specialist courses and seminars organised by the School's various research groupings.
- Towards the end of the first year you will be expected to submit a thesis proposal which identifies a specific research topic, reviews the relevant literature, outlines a plan of research to address the topic, and describes progress made so far.
- Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD. Your thesis is expected to be submitted at the end of the third year, followed by an oral examination. You will be awarded a doctorate if your thesis is judged to represent an original contribution to knowledge in your chosen area.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
- Starting
- Apply before
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Please submit your completed application at least three months prior to desired entry date.
Language
Delivered
Disciplines
Informatics & Information Technology Video Games & Animation Computer Sciences View 5 other PhDs in Video Games & Animation in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a computing or engineering field. You should have strong programming skills.
Tuition Fee
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International
28000 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 28000 GBP per year during 36 months.
Home fees have still to be agreed
PhD part-time fees
- International/EU: £14,000
MSCR FT
- Home: £9,700
- International/EU: £31,100
MSCR PT
- Home: £4,850
- International/EU: £15,550
MPhil FT
- International/EU: £28,000
MPhil PT
- International/EU: £14,000
Living costs for Edinburgh
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.