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PhD in Computer Science

PhD in Computer Science

 

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 USA 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.

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.

 

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.
   

Programme unit list

The programme unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this programme of study.

 

Title Code Credit rating Mandatory/optional
Scientific Methods II – Fundamental Aspects of Research Methodology COMP85 5 Mandatory
Scientific Methods I – Scientific Evaluation, Experimental Design and Statistical Methods COMP86 5 Mandatory
Scientific Methods III – Academic Writing and Impact Studies COMP87 5 Mandatory
Starting Your Postgraduate Research COMP88 0 Mandatory
Preparing Papers and Presentations COMP89 0 Mandatory

Course Level:
PhD

Overview

Duration:

  • Full-time PhD 2-4 years
  • Part-time PhD 3-6 years

Entry requirements: We normally require a student to have a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualifications in a relevant subject.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The minimum academic entry requirements for a Doctorate programme are either:

i) a 2:1 USA Honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD

ii) an undergraduate degree at 2:1 or above and Masters award at Merit level in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD, or equivalent international qualifications

Whilst the most common first degree is Computer Science, we also consider students with backgrounds in an appropriate subject for the research topic (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, biology and medicine).

The Department may require a 1st Class Honours degree or international equivalent for some research projects. This requirement is specified at the discretion of the academic supervisor involved under the relevant advertised project.

How your application is considered

We consider your full academic history including which course units you have taken and the marks obtained. Even if you have met our minimum entry requirements, we will take into account your marks in relevant undergraduate and postgraduate taught course units in our final decision making.

If you graduated more than three years ago, we will also consider the information contained on your CV and any relevant work experience you have to assess if you are still able to fulfil the entry criteria.

Interview requirements
An interview is required for entry to this programme of study. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by the admissions team.
Deferrals
Admissions staff will decide whether to offer places to applicants for deferred entry on their courses and you should not assume that they will grant all such requests. If you request deferral for more than one year, you would normally be required to re-apply, as your chosen course, and your suitability for it, would change over time. English Language test results can only be considered to be current for two years from the test date.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
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