Application Process
Before applying, make sure you choose the right programme by reading the prospectus entry and programme admissions statement fully. Please see below guidance on completing your application:
Entry Requirements
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline including. The Interactive Artificial Intelligence CDT is primarily aimed at students with a first degree in engineering or science and with strong programming skills, but will also consider applicants with suitable skills acquired in employment.
The most critical requirement is a passion for artificial intelligence and the desire to explore and solve societal problems.
Candidates should have strong interpersonal skills, a willingness to learn from and teach others, a desire to be an innovative leader in the field and have strong technical abilities (programming and software engineering skills; some level of sophistication in linear algebra, probability, stats, and discrete maths).
Deadlines
Applications for September 2022 entry are now open. Current deadline for applying is Friday 18th March, however early application is recommended as the programme will close when full.
Online application
Applicants should complete the online application form, uploading all required documents directly. Guidance on uploading documents can be found in the guidance for online applications. Paper documents received by post, or electronic documents received by email, are only considered in exceptional circumstances.
Applications may not be considered until all required documents have been uploaded. If you have already submitted an application, you can upload additional documents into the ‘Post-submission uploads’ section of the application form.
You should submit as much information as possible with your application - this will ensure that we have your complete profile when reviewing your application. If you need clarification, please contact the relevant admissions team.
Writing your Personal Statement
You should treat this application as if applying for a job. We want to hear about your motivation and suitability for the programme, so generic personal statements should be avoided.
Your personal statement (one-two A4 pages) should:
- explain your motivation for applying to the programme and how it relates to your plans for the future.
- explain why you should be offered a place on the programme.
- highlight elements of your academic record which align with the focus of this programme.
- discuss what Interactive AI means to you and why you wish to study this area of AI over any other.
- highlight any other relevant skills or experience that would bring an interesting unique perspective to discussions with fellow students in the programme.
We would like to understand why you are passionate about Interactive AI, what excites you, where you think you could learn and extend your knowledge and what you could add to the cohort of students. We want you to be clear why you are interested in the topic and what you wish to achieve through doctoral studies in the CDT.
Assessment of applications
All applicants are considered on an equal basis in line with the University’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded into the ethos of the CDT; we believe a diverse cohort leads to creativity, exciting research, and increased impact. For the Interactive AI CDT, diversity is not solely achieved by recruiting a diverse student cohort but developed from an inclusive and supportive culture which makes everyone feel welcome. This is integral to the expectation we have that our cohort will not only support each other, but learn from each other and respect differences. The CDT, alongside the University of Bristol, are actively promoting real change in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion, and will actively monitor and support the CDT reaching its equality, diversity and inclusivity goals.
Applicants are considered holistically on their own merit and in competition with the rest of the applicant cohort during that academic cycle.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with members of the CDT management team. This is a fundamental part of the selection process and only candidates shortlisted following the application will be invited.
All interviews are conducted by members of staff who have been trained in equality, diversity and inclusion with respect to recruitment techniques. All interviews are undertaken in accordance with the University's policy on equal opportunities.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English, and whose full undergraduate degree was not taught in an English-speaking country, must hold/achieve a minimum score in an approved English language test as specified in Profile B of the University's English Language Requirements Policy.
Please read the further information about English language requirements and conditions of offer.