Programme description

The PhD is a three-year (or six year, if taken part-time) degree resulting in a substantial thesis.

As one of the largest Departments of in the UK we cover a huge spectrum of Computer Science topics. We currently have ten individual research groups ranging from Advanced Processor Technologies to Text Mining. Our core Computer Science research is augmented by interdisciplinary research taking place at the interface with discipline areas including mathematics, physics, medicine and biology. A detailed overview of the Department's research groups and core and interdisciplinary research themes can be found in the 'research' section of our website .

We're keen to receive applications from potential research students in all areas. Although your application is through the Department, you are basically applying for a place in a research group or with a particular supervisor. You therefore need to look through the research groups to find a suitable topic or potential supervisor. Alternatively you can identify a possible PhD project from our list of available projects.

Aims

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form and must contain material of a standard appropriate for peer-reviewed publication.

Coursework and assessment

As a research student you would typically work in an office with three/four other researchers from your group. You would be encouraged to present papers at conferences and publish your results in academic journals. We run several research training course-units and you can take course-units on a number of our Masters programmes. Opportunities are also provided to supplement income by undertaking laboratory demonstrating and other teaching support work.