Informatics: AIAI: Foundations and Applications of Artificial Intelligence, Automated Reasoning, Agents, Data Intensive Research PhD, MScR

At the Artificial Intelligence and its Applications Institute (AIAI), we enable computer systems to reproduce and complement human abilities, work with people, and support collaboration between humans.

We conduct world-leading research in the foundations of Artificial Intelligence, for example, in:

• knowledge representation and reasoning
• emergence of meaning
• theory and ontology change
• creativity
• computer-based proof

We also research its applications to intelligent systems, for example:

• autonomous and multi-agent systems
• social computation
• scientific collaboration platforms
• web semantics and linked data

Our research methods focus on the development of models of knowledge, reasoning, and interaction that can be used to understand and automate aspects of human and machine intelligence, but are also understandable and usable to the designers and users of AI systems in order to address broader issues such as fairness, accountability, transparency and safety.

To achieve this, we combine theoretical research into AI models, architectures and algorithms with a strong element of applied research. This has led to a strong track record in using our methods to address real-world problems in:

• healthcare
• scientific collaboration
• social computing
• emergency systems
• transportation
• engineering
• aerospace

You'll find a wide range of research areas within AIAI conducted across themes such as:

• Interpretable and Explainable AI
• Neuro-Symbolic AI
• Autonomous and Multi-agents Systems
• Mathematical/Probabilistic and Logical Reasoning
• Formal Modelling and Verification
• Planning and Activity Management
• Data-Intensive Research
• Network Science

AIAI website

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, typically in an area of informatics, such as artificial intelligence, cognitive science or computer science. You should have experience in computer programming.

We may also consider a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, in engineering, linguistics, mathematics, philosophy, physics or psychology.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Academic Technology Approval Scheme

If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme clearance certificate in order to study this programme.

• Academic Technology Approval Scheme

While your research studies are a perfect route to a career in academia, your degree could also take you into the commercial world of applied AI and collaborative systems.

Software developers using AI technologies are among those who rely on the insights of our research. NASA and animation company Pixar are just two of the organisations that have recently employed our graduates.