Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems (EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training) (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The EPSRC CDT in Autonomous Intelligent Machines and Systems (AIMS) is a research-based course combining machine learning, robotics, vision, control, and cyber-physical systems, with academic training and industry-led projects in intelligent systems.

This course provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art view of autonomous intelligent systems, combining theoretical foundations, systems research, academic training and industry-initiated projects and thus mixing both practical and theoretical aspects of intelligent machines and systems.

Course structure
The first year, or first two years if studying part-time, is oriented towards developing your knowledge base. You will need to take 16 courses during your first year, or over two years if studying part-time. Your day will comprise of lectures each morning with laboratory sessions each afternoon.

You will undertake two mini-projects, each lasting ten-twelve weeks. These will be precursors to your DPhil study, to hone your research skills and shape your main research area (if studying part-time, you will take one in your first year and the other in your second year).

Years two to four, or three to eight if studying part-time, see an increasing emphasis on individual research. You will be encouraged to develop projects based on your own research ideas.

Training will continue alongside your research project.

Research seminars are used to discuss papers, for rehearsing conference talks and for building links between groups. An annual workshop gives the opportunity to present research to students, industrial partners and invited researchers from other universities. Industrial collaborators are invited to share their latest problems and market trends and to discuss opportunities for future collaboration.

If studying full-time, you will spend one or two months over the second or third summer in an industrial lab to gain experience in industry-led projects and expanding your horizons by engaging in an AIMS topic that is not your main one. If studying part-time, it is recommended that you take on an internship between years four and six.

After the end of the internship, further interaction will be encouraged by inviting your industrial supervisors to join your group in Oxford for short periods.

You will also be encouraged to take demonstrations of your systems to companies, government departments, as well as schools.