PhD in Computer Science

Program Overview

The University of Essex's PhD in Computer Science empowers researchers to specialize deeply in their chosen areas, delve into contemporary design and practice, and explore the societal impact of technology. With world-class facilities and a renowned research reputation, the program prepares students for impactful careers in academia, industry, and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The PhD Computer Science program at the University of Essex is a research-focused degree that allows students to delve deeply into their chosen area of computer science. The program offers both a standard PhD and an integrated PhD, which includes a Masters-level qualification in the first year.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Develop expertise in contemporary design and practice in computer science.
• Foster an active and stimulating environment for research.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to conduct independent research and contribute to the field of computer science.

Description:

The program offers a wide range of research areas, including:

• Artificial intelligence
• Biologically inspired architectures
• Educational technology
• E-learning
• Natural and evolutionary computation
• Natural language engineering
• Software agents
• Software engineering
The program is supported by extensive networked computer facilities, software aids, and a wide range of test and instrumentation equipment. The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering boasts world-class facilities and a strong research reputation, ranked 6th in the UK for research power in computer science (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Outline:

Year 1:

• Component 01: COMPULSORY
• Computing and Electronic Systems - Research (0 CREDITS)
• This module is for PhD students who are completing the research portions of their theses.
• Component 01: CORE
• MSc Project and Dissertation (60 CREDITS)
• Students apply their learning in computer science or engineering to solve a problem.
They design, implement, and evaluate a solution, producing a dissertation on their investigation and giving an oral presentation of their work.
• Component 02: CORE
• Professional Practice and Research Methodology (15 CREDITS)
• This module prepares students for conducting independent research projects and provides them with an appreciation of research and business skills related to their professional careers.
Students select an area of Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, or Computational Finance and perform background research to define a topic and prepare a project proposal under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Component 03: CORE
• Group Project (15 CREDITS)
• This module emphasizes teamwork skills and provides students with the opportunity to apply their specialized knowledge to a realistic problem.
Teams develop a fully implemented software solution using appropriate engineering and project management techniques.
• Option from list (15 CREDITS)
• Option from list (15 CREDITS)
• Option from list (15 CREDITS)
• Option from list (15 CREDITS)
• Option(s) from list (30 CREDITS)

Year 2 - Year 4/5:

• The research element of the degree doesn't have a taught structure, allowing students to investigate their chosen topic in real depth.
• Students develop new high-level skills, enhance their professional development, and build new networks.

Assessment:

• Year 1:
• First-year modules are assessed on written examinations, practical work, and coursework.
• Year 2 - Year 4/5:
• PhD thesis is generally completed within three to four years and has a length of around 80,000 words.
• The PhD is awarded after a successful defense of the thesis in an oral examination.

Teaching:

• First-year modules provide a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the theory, methods, and applications of computer science.
• Both core and optional modules in the first year allow students to gain either in-depth specialization or a breadth of understanding.
• Postgraduates are encouraged to attend conferences and seminars and engage with the wider research community.

Careers:

• Graduates have achieved success in a variety of professions, including computing and information technology, research organizations, and university academia.
• Recent graduates have progressed to senior positions in industry and academia.
• The university's Employability and Careers Centre provides support in finding work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Other:

• The School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering is one of the largest and best-resourced computer science and electronic engineering schools in the UK.
• The program is supported by six laboratories exclusively for computer science and electronic engineering students, three of which are open 24/7.
• All computers are dual boot Windows 10 and Linux.
Apple Mac Computers are dual boot MacOS and Windows 10.
• Software includes Java, C++, Perl, MySQL, Matlab, Microsoft Office, Visual Studio, and Project.
• Students have access to CAD tools and simulators for chip design (Xilinx) and computer networks (OMNet++).
• The School has specialist facilities for research into areas including non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, intelligent environments, robotics, optoelectronics, video, RF and MW, printed circuit milling, and semiconductors.
• The University will endeavor to keep changes to a minimum and will keep students informed appropriately by updating program specifications.
• The full Procedures, Rules, and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes, and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy, and Procedures.

Home/UK fee £4,786 per year International fee £18,750 per year