PhD in 2025

Tuition costs 12,100 USD per year. Applications for the Sep 2026 intake are due by Aug 31, 2026.

At the forefront of technical innovation, the Centre for Automation and Robotics Research (CARR) at Sheffield Hallam University offers a specialized environment for doctoral candidates to pursue rigorous, self-directed research. This programme is designed for ambitious scholars seeking to push the boundaries of robotics, whether your interests lie in computational intelligence, human-robot interaction, or the complex mechanics of autonomous systems.

As a candidate, you will engage in deep, supervised exploration within a community that prizes both technical excellence and practical application. You will have access to an impressive array of industry-standard hardware, ranging from mobile platforms like the Pioneer and Summit to sophisticated robotic arms from Denso, Mitsubishi, and Kinova, alongside social robotics platforms like Pepper and NAO. This is an ideal environment for those looking to bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world implementation.

Research-led environment

The programme emphasizes collaborative development, pairing you with a dedicated supervisory team—including a Director of Studies—to guide your project. You will benefit from:

• Advanced training modules in Linux, ROS, and research integrity.
• Opportunities to contribute to university-wide research conferences and seminars.
• A culture of mentorship that develops your capabilities as both a researcher and an educator.
• Professional development tracks covering technical tools like Matlab, OpenGL, and digital illustration suites.

Sheffield Hallam University, established in 1843 and based in Sheffield, is a large modern university serving around 31,000 students, including approximately 3,100 international learners. The university is known for applied teaching, industry-aligned courses and strong professional links across disciplines from business and health to engineering and the creative industries. Students benefit from modern facilities, well-equipped labs and specialist studios tailored to career-focused learning.

The campus ethos emphasizes employability: placements, work-based projects and employer partnerships are embedded across many programs, helping students gain practical experience and build professional networks. Academic staff work closely with industry and regional employers on applied research and innovation, creating pathways into internships and graduate roles. Dedicated student support services assist with academic skills, careers advice and wellbeing.

Sheffield itself is a friendly, affordable student city with good transport links to the north of England and easy access to green spaces and cultural venues. International students often highlight the city’s welcoming community, active student societies and opportunities to balance study with outdoor activities. For those seeking a practical, career-oriented university experience in the UK, Sheffield Hallam offers strong employer engagement, supportive services and an accessible urban lifestyle.