Course summary
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. Society needs AI experts with the ability to act as a bridge between domain experts and AI technology. 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 over the course of their career. The PrO-AI CDT pulls together the University of Bristol's proven track record in AI (AI university of the year 2024) and cohort-based doctoral training, to deliver highly-trained AI innovators with the transferable skills to deliver societal impact across domains. The first year of the programme is a balance of flipped classroom style lectures, seminars, workshops, and group and independent projects. This training offers a first-class foundation for developing and completing a PhD project with our wide range of academic supervisors. Beyond the first year, you will focus on your PhD project in addition to cohort and cross-cohort activities. Throughout your programme you will participate in and build an online portfolio of transferable skills training inspired by the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (https://vitae.ac.uk/vitae-researcher-development-framework/). This includes training in areas such as responsible innovation, entrepreneurship, hosting visitors, organising events, public engagement, and citizen science. Full details of our programme can be found on the Centre for Doctoral Training in Practice-Oriented Artificial Intelligence website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/cdt/practice-oriented-ai/programme-details/
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/phd-practice-oriented-ai.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries.
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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £5106 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £5106 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27500 | Year 1 |
| International | £27500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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.
For more information, please view the programme page on our website.
Sponsorship information
We have a number of UKRI and University funded studentships covering fees, a stipend at an enhanced rate and a travel budget which will be allocated to successful candidates. Home students Fully-funded studentships are available for successful home students. To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the required residency criteria set out by UKRI. Information can be found on the UKRI website: https://www.ukri.org/what-we-do/developing-people-and-skills/esrc/funding-for-postgraduate-training-and-development/eligibility-for-studentship-funding/ International students If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be classed as an international student. A limited number (up to 30%) of UKRI fully-funded studentships are available through the PrOAI CDT for international applicants. Please note, these studentships do not cover the costs associated with obtaining a visa (including healthcare surcharge) or relocating to the UK. Self-funded or sponsored international students are welcome to apply. Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU