Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation PhD, MScR
Awards: PhD, MScR
Study modes: Part-time, Full-time
Funding opportunities
Studying at IPAB has not only allowed me to further my own research goals it also provides me with a network of great researchers in close proximity. The exchange and support of ideas as well as the sense of community through regular socials and talks are a big part of what makes the institute a great research environment.
The Institute of Perception, Action and Behaviour (IPAB) focuses on how to link computational perception, representation, transformation and generation processes to external worlds, in theory and in practice.
This 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
- 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 systems development, and provide the hardware and software support to realise this vision.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Informatics | 3 Years | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
You carry out your research within a research group under the guidance of a supervisor. You will be expected to attend seminars and meetings of relevant research groups and may also attend lectures that are relevant to your research topic. Periodic reviews of your progress will be conducted to assist with research planning.
A programme of transferable skills courses facilitates broader professional development in a wide range of topics, from writing and presentation skills to entrepreneurship and career strategies.
The School of Informatics is committed to advancing the representation of women in science, mathematics, engineering and technology. The School is deploying a range of strategies to help female staff and students at all stages in their careers and we seek regular feedback from our research community on our performance.
Our robotics labs attract continuous interest from industry, government and members of the public, containing:
- a range of mobile platforms
- robot manipulators
- humanoid robots
- custom-built sensor and actuation systems
Recent developments include:
- the UK's only NASA Valkyrie robot platform
- application of robotic hardware to prosthetics and assisted living
- a team that competes in the international robot soccer league
Our new Edinburgh Centre for Robotics (ECR) brings collaboration with Heriot-Watt University to expand the range of facilities and applications we can explore, helping fund research training.
The machine vision lab has facilities for:
- 3D range data capture
- motion capture
- high-resolution and high-speed video
The high-performance computing needed for graphics is well supported, including hardware partnerships with companies such as NVIDIA.
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.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, typically in an area of informatics, such as artificial intelligence, robotics or computer science. You should have experience in computer programming.
We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in engineering, mathematics, or physics.
IPAB researchers come from many different academic backgrounds, but most of our research requires prior training in mathematics and/or physics.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.
| Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | Informatics | 6 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
| PhD | Informatics | 3 Years | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Informatics | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
| MScR | Informatics | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Most PhD students in Informatics receive full scholarships to cover their tuition fees and living costs.
Others may use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- scholarships
- borrowing money
- taking out a loan
- family support
- personal savings
- income from work
- employer sponsorship
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
Featured funding
- School of Informatics scholarships for research students
- Research scholarships for international students
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarship
UK government postgraduate loans
If you live in the UK, you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan from one of the UK’s governments.
The type and amount of financial support you are eligible for will depend on:
- your programme
- the duration of your studies
- your tuition fee status
Programmes studied on a part-time intermittent basis are not eligible.
Other funding opportunities
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- IGS Admissions Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5635
- Contact: phd-admissions@inf.ed.ac.uk
- School of Informatics Graduate School
- Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AB
- Programme: Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation
- School: Informatics
- College: Science & Engineering
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
PhD Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation - 6 Years (Part-time)
PhD Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation - 3 Years (Full-time)
MSc by Research Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc by Research Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation - 2 Years (Part-time)
Applications are now open and can be submitted all year round. However, please note that to be considered for School of Informatics funding, you must apply by one of the following deadlines:
| Round | Application deadline | Places awarded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25 November 2024 | by 30 April 2025 |
| 2 | 17 February 2025 | by 30 April 2025 |
Please submit your completed application at least three months before your desired entry date. If you need an ATAS certificate you must submit your application at least six months before your desired entry date.
You must submit two references with your application.
You must submit an application via the EUCLID application portal and provide the required information and documentation. This will include providing:
- the name of a proposed supervisor
- a Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- a research proposal (three to five pages long)
- degree certificates and official transcripts for ALL completed and in-progress degrees (plus certified translations if academic documents are not issued in English).
- contact details for two academic references
Only complete applications will progress to the academic selection stage.
Read through detailed guidance on how to apply for a PGR programme in the School of Informatics:
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- IGS Admissions Administrator
- Phone: +44 (0)131 651 5635
- Contact: phd-admissions@inf.ed.ac.uk
- School of Informatics Graduate School
- Office 3.42, Informatics Forum
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9AB
- Programme: Informatics: IPAB: Robotics, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics and Animation
- School: Informatics
- College: Science & Engineering