Computer Science PhD

Program Overview

This PhD program trains students in research methodologies, enabling them to identify and address knowledge gaps. Students complete a written thesis and present their research orally, receiving expert supervision and conference attendance support. Graduates pursue careers in academia and industry, with a strong job placement success rate and high average salaries.

Program Outline

Assessment:

• In the first year, you will focus on learning what research is already published and identifying gaps in knowledge.
You will start to formulate your own research questions.
• In year two, you'll start to answer the questions you created in year one.
• In the final year, you'll finish your research and prepare for writing your thesis.
• You will complete a written thesis of up to 100,000 words, with expert support and advice from your academic supervisor(s).
You will also take a verbal examination called a viva voce where you explain your project in-depth to an examination panel.

Teaching:

• You'll meet with your supervisor at least 10 times per year.
Most of our students have 15-20 meetings per year.
• Our research groups hold regular seminars which PhD students can attend.

Careers:

• Many PhD graduates choose to continue an academic career.
You may start with a postdoctoral position or a teaching fellowship.
• However, there is a need for PhD graduates in industry too.
Graduates typically work in:
• finance
• logistics
• energy
• manufacturing
• 100% of postgraduates from the School of Computer Science secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.
The average annual salary for these graduates was £36,160.

Other:

• The school's research topics include:
• artificial intelligence
• computational optimisation
• computer vision
• cyber security
• data science
• functional programming
• human-computer interaction
• machine learning

UK fees: £5,100 International fees: £28,600