Computing and Information Science

Program Overview

This PhD program provides innovative research with industry collaboration in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity. Students receive support from expert supervisors, develop valuable skills in academic writing and conferencing, and have ample opportunities to contribute within the dynamic research community. The flexible completion times and part-time options make this an accessible choice for individuals seeking advanced expertise while balancing their commitments.

Program Outline

Teaching:

We’ll assign supervisors – a primary and relevant specialists – to support you during your research. There’ll be formal two-weekly reviews, with informal help available any time. Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:

• Prof Marcian Cirstea - Marcian is an active professional in digital systems, focusing on artificial intelligence and the use of computer aided design tools & methods applied to digital systems modelling and rapid prototyping using VHDL and FPGAs.
• Dr Silvia Cirstea - Silvia has over ten years' research experience in mathematical modelling for engineering and medical applications.
• Dr Razvan Dinita - Razvan's research focuses on cloud computing software development, optimisation, and security, web and software engineering, web and software security and, programming languages.
• Dr Arooj Fatima - Arooj's research interests include semantic search, knowledge acquisition, effective user interfaces, reliable techniques to evaluate usability and intelligent web applications.
• Dr Cristina Luca - Cristina conducts research in artificial intelligence with particular interests in semantic technologies, machine learning and neural networks.
She has 18 years research and teaching experience in the general area of computer science.
• Dr Ian van der Linde - Ian carries out cross-faculty research in the areas of computing, vision and healthcare.
His research interests include vision science, image processing, behavioural psychology, eye-tracking and electrophysiology, algorithms and computational methods in psychology.
• Dr George Wilson - George's research interests include all kinds of spatial data manipulation, including image analysis and 3D-gaming.
• Adrian Winkles - Adrian's research focuses on malware detection and digital forensics, computer networking, network and system security, network and system management, virtualisation and cloud computing and, remote laboratory representation.
• Dr Jin Zhang - Jin's research areas include electronic systems modelling, smart antennas, the study and design for development of novel artificial metamaterials components in the mid-infrared range and microwave frequency regions.
Also, the design of quasi-optical components for millimetre-wave astronomy and electromagnetic modelling and simulations.

Careers:

We provide comprehensive research training in fields such as academic writing, conference presentation and research methods. The skills you’ll develop will be invaluable in your wider career.

Other:

• Completion times:
• MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.
• PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.
• PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.
• We also offer the opportunity to combine doctoral research with your full-time career, making a substantial contribution to the development of professional practice in your area, through our Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering DProf.

UK students, 2024/25 (per year) £4,786 UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year) £2,392 International students, 2024/25 (per year) £15,900 International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year) £7,950