Practice-Oriented Artificial Intelligence
- PhD
Overview
Practice-oriented artificial intelligence is about bridging the gap between complex problem domains such as those found in science and research, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and techniques that could be used to solve problems in those domains. We need AI experts with the ability to act as a bridge between domain experts and AI technology.
But rather than delivering ‘AI for x’ experts for a fixed domain 'x', which might quickly lose its importance or utility, our Practice-Oriented Artificial Intelligence (PrO-AI) doctoral training programme will deliver experts with the flexibility to adapt to new domains during the course of their career. The PrO-AI CDT pulls together the University of Bristol’s proven track record in doctoral AI training and its unique and comprehensive strengths in AI applied to a range of science and research areas including health, environment and energy, and creative industries, to deliver highly-trained AI innovators with the transferable skills to deliver societal impact across domains.
Programme structure
The PrO-AI training programme consists of a Foundation Year followed by three years of PhD study.
Practice projects offer ‘deep dives’ into a research domain. You will liaise with domain experts to get an understanding of their expertise, expectations and success criteria. Exploring different domains will allow you to acquire the transferable skills that will be key when moving between domains in your future career.
The 'Foundations of Practice-Oriented AI' module will run in a student-led, ‘flipped classroom’ manner and covers:
- the main topics in data-driven AI, knowledge-intensive AI and human-AI interaction;
- human-centred and participatory methodologies to bring those AI techniques into practice;
- and the legal and ethical context that will help students to do so responsibly and in a manner beneficial to society.
Academic mentors attend the sessions to gauge their mentee’s knowledge and identify areas where further study will be beneficial as part of the 'Research Orientation' module, which completes your foundational training in an individual-centred manner and guides you on the way to choosing a research topic for the summer project and subsequent PhD research.
Throughout your programme you will participate in and build an online portfolio of transferable skills training inspired by the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. This includes training in areas such as responsible innovation, entrepreneurship, hosting visitors, organising events, public engagement, and citizen science.
Entry requirements
Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper-second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
The CDT is primarily aimed at students with a first class degree in engineering or science and with strong programming skills, but applicants with suitable skills acquired in employment will also be considered. Applicants need to have prior knowledge and experience with selected contemporary AI techniques and demonstrate this in their application.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £4,758 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £26,000 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2024/25
The CDT programme has funds to support approximately ten studentships per year including tuition fees, stipend (£22,622/year), research and travel expenses.
Applications received from self-funded/sponsored international students are welcome and will be considered.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Graduates will have the sought-after skills to adapt quickly to a problem domain in science and research that they haven't worked in previously. They can become part of new and existing world-class research groups, as well as pursue highly rewarding careers in a variety of industries around the world.
Our industry partners cover a broad range of AI technologies and play different roles in enhancing the PrO-AI training programme. Current partners operate in the following industry sectors:
- Aerospace
- AI Consultancy
- Cloud computing
- Data analytics
- Digital democracy
- Digital transformation
- General Insurance
- Geo-mapping
- Global electronics
- Hardware design
- Home energy services
- IT solutions
- Mission-critical solutions
- Online coaching
- Pharmaceuticals
- Renewable energy
- Semiconductors
- Technology Consultancy
- Volumetric VR
Meet our supervisors
The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.
Research groups
Contact us
- Contact
- Admissions team
- admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk
- Contact
- Programme enquiries
- proai-cdt-admissions@bristol.ac.uk
- Faculties