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Software Reliability

How to Apply

All applications must be made on the Application for Research Degree form.

Please submit the following with your application:

  • Two copies of the completed application form, including your research proposal (see our detailed guidance on writing a research proposal)
  • Proof of academic qualifications (i.e. grade transcripts from your previous degree(s);
  • Proof of English language proficiency where appropriate (i.e. if you do not speak English as your first language); and
  • Two confidential references (one of which must be academic)

Important note: we cannot process applications until we have received all the relevant documents specified above.

References: It is your responsibilty as applicant to request references from your nominated referee, ensuring these are sent onto the School in good time. Please send a reference request letter to each of the referees named on your application. Please note that one of your references should be from the institution where you obtained your previous degree. To ensure confidentiality, each reference must be placed in an envelope by the referee which should be sealed, signed across the seal and the signature covered with clear tape. You may ask your referee to either send on the confidential reference to you, for forwarding with your application, or you can ask your referee to send on their reference directly to the School, in which case please advise us at the time of submitting your application.

Please send your application to the relevant Departmental or Centre Research Degrees contact to:

School of Informatics
City, University of London
Northampton Square
London EC1V 0HB

Note: If you are applying for a City, University of London PhD studentship, please send your completed application to Robin Syred, to be received by him no later than the publicised deadline.

Deadlines for applying and start dates

There are no deadlines for applying for unfunded PhD study but you are advised to submit your application at least six weeks before your proposed start date as applications can take a number of weeks to be considered and processed. There are two possible start dates each year: 1 October and 1 February.

There are usually deadlines attached to applying for any studentships that are advertised from time to time.

Entry requirements

Entry qualifications

Applicants should normally have attained a minimum of a good first degree (first or upper second class honours) in a relevant subject from a UK university, or a recognised equivalent from an overseas institution. Exceptionally, the School can however consider applications from those with extensive professional experience in the area of their proposed research

English language

For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English language proficiency will be required. We require a minimum TOEFL score of 250 in the computer-based test (minimum score of 100 in the internet-based test), or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

Fees and funding

Academic year 2010/11

MPhil/PhD
Home/EU students - Full time £3,441 Part time £1,695 External £792
Overseas students - Full time £9,850 Part time £4,925 External £2,465

PhD by Prior Publication (minimum period of registration is 1 year, maximum is 2 years)
Year 1     Year 2
Home and EU    £6,600     £3,300
Overseas          £19,700   £9,850

Fees shown are per year of study and are subject to a likely increase annually by approximately 3%.

Fees can usually be paid in instalments. Further information about paying fees can be obtained from the Finance Office.

Funding: PhD studentship opportunities

Further information on applying for a City, University of London studentship (starting October 2011) is available here. Any current studentships offered by the School of Informatics will be advertised here.