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  5. Computer Science
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PhD/MPhil Computer Science

Postgraduate research degree

Your Computer Science PhD/MPhil programme will focus on a specialist area that aligns with the interests of our staff. Work in a vibrant and dynamic community of researchers, with expert training.

School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering Department of Computer Science

Research centres and groups

  • Adaptive Computing Systems
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Visualization and GIS
  • Human-Computer Interaction Design
  • Machine Learning
  • Software Reliability

Key information

Starting date Deadline for application
1st Apr 2021 1st April 2021 14th Jan 2021 14th January 2021
1st Jul 2021 1st July 2021 15th Apr 2021 15th April 2021
1st Oct 2021 1st October 2021 16th Jul 2021 16th July 2021
1st Feb 2022 1st February 2022 16th Nov 2021 16th November 2021

Duration

Full-time
2 – 4 years
Part-time
3 – 7 years
PhD by prior publication
1 – 2 years

Overview

We welcome applications for the Computer Science PhD/MPhil programme if your primary research interest is one of the following areas:

  • Computer Science
  • Geographical Information Science and Data Visualization
  • Human Computer Interaction Design
  • Software Systems Engineering
  • Creativity Science
  • Software Reliability
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Our department of Computer Science is located within the School of Mathematics, Computer Science Engineering. We have the following research centres:

  • Adaptive Computing Systems
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Data Visualization and GIS
  • Human-Computer Interaction Design
  • Machine Learning
  • Software Reliability

You will become a focused researcher committed to developing skills and undertaking rigorous research. Also become part of a pioneering community of academics.

We provide you with extensive support through a structured programme of supervision and training.

Structure

We offer the following types of award:

  • PhD by Major Thesis
  • PhD by Prospective Publication
  • PhD by Prior Publication
  • MPhil.

We also welcome enquiries from candidates who wish to spend one year at City, University of London as part of a PhD Sandwich programme.

Degree Pathway

This takes place towards the end of the first year of registration for full-time candidates. Review for part-time candidates will be towards the end of the second year.

The PhD programme concludes with the candidate submitting their research in the form of a PhD thesis. Then attending a viva voce examination with two examiners, at least one of whom will be external to City.

For full details about the City PhD programme structure, please see the Guide for Research Students.

Requirements

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a record of high academic achievement. The minimum requirement is a good undergraduate degree (first or upper second class honours) in a relevant subject from a UK university, or a recognised equivalent from an overseas institution.

In exceptional cases, we will consider applications from individuals whose undergraduate degree is in a less relevant discipline but who hold a relevant Masters degree with at least a merit level pass. We will also consider applications from individuals with extensive professional experience in the area of their proposed research.

English requirements

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English. We require a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components.

Please note that the UK Border Agency currently requires us to confirm that you are at level B2 or above in all components of English before issuing visa documents.

For more information see our English language proficiency requirements at City.

Visa requirements

If you are not from the European Economic Area / Switzerland and you are coming to study in the UK, you may need to apply for a visa or entry clearance to come to the UK to study.

The way that you apply may vary depending on the length of your course. There are different rules for:

  • Students on courses of more than six months
  • Students on courses of less than six months
  • Students on a pre-sessional English language course.

For more information see our main Visa page.

Fees and funding

Full-time UK:£6,120 per year

Part-time UK:£3,060 per year

Full-time Overseas/EU:£18,360 per year

Part-time Overseas/EU:£9,180 per year

The writing-up fee for all candidates is £500 per year (max 1 year).

External candidate study of this course costs £2,080 (UK) or £6,500 (Overseas/EU) either as a part-time or full-time option.

Fees for doctoral candidates are charged annually and cover registration, supervision and examination. Fees are subject to review each year and are likely to increase by approximately 3% annually.

Support for PhD study

Prospective students are encouraged to explore doctoral Grants and funding opportunities such as:

  • PhD Studentship in Industrial Artificial Intelligence
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering Doctoral Studentships
  • Research Council studentship awards, if available.

Our bursaries are non-repayable sums of money granted by the University, usually based on need.

Our loans are repayable sums of money granted by the University or other body.

Our scholarships are when the University pays towards your Study fees. You may also be eligible for further funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loans

The Government has introduced a new Postgraduate Doctoral Loans scheme which can provide a loan of up to £25,000.

This will be over three years to support study for a doctoral degree.

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study. It can be used alongside any other forms of support you may be able to receive.

For more information, please see our Postgraduate Doctoral Loans page.

We welcome applicants funded through a wide range of schemes including:

  • The Science Without Borders scheme for Brazilian citizens
  • The Indonesia-UK DIKTI Scholarship Programme, for faculty members at Indonesian Universities to study for a doctorate in the UK.
  • The EU Erasmus Mundus programme.

Academic support

City has a well-established structure and processes to support your research.

Supervision

All research students are appointed a supervisory team consisting of at least two supervisors. One of these will be designated as the first point of contact with responsibility for ensuring that effective supervision is provided.

Training

The supervisory team will discuss training requirements with the candidate when study is commenced. We may recommend that a candidate takes a number of taught modules. This way they will benefit from the specialist Masters courses in the Department of Computer Science.

Development

Research students are provided with a desk, PC and bookshelves in a shared office space and have access to shared printing facilities. Specialist facilities, such as the City Interaction Lab, are also available where relevant to the research topic.

All research students are strongly encouraged to contribute to our research environment and to attend regular research seminars and meetings.

The City Doctoral College can provide more information about graduate degrees.

How to apply

We accept applications on an ongoing basis for entry in October, January and April. Please see the requirements section above for eligibility criteria.

It is essential that you contact a member of staff in the department you are interested in. You can then discuss your ideas for research (research proposal).

Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider your application without this pre-requisite.

Details of relevant academic staff can be found here.

You are advised to submit your application at least 12 weeks before your proposed start date. This will allow for us to consider and process your application.

Once you have identified a supervisor who will accept to guide through your research, please submit an application online.

Supporting documents

To apply online, an applicant will need to submit the following supporting documents:

  • Research proposal. The Research Proposal should be a maximum of 3 sides A4. See guidance on writing your research proposal.
  • Copies of degree certificates and transcripts – original will be requested before an offer is made.
  • Official work e-mail addresses (not private ones) for two referees (one of which must be an academic).
  • Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable).
  • Evidence of sponsorship (if applicable).

See guidance on writing your research proposal

Apply now

  • Select one of the available starting dates to start your application.

    1st Oct 2021 1st Feb 2022 1st Apr 2021 1st Jul 2021
  • Select one of the available starting dates to start your application.

    1st Oct 2021 1st Feb 2022 1st Apr 2021 1st Jul 2021

Apply now

Full-time
  • 1st Oct 2021
  • 1st Feb 2022
  • 1st Apr 2021
  • 1st Jul 2021
Part-time
  • 1st Oct 2021
  • 1st Feb 2022
  • 1st Apr 2021
  • 1st Jul 2021

Find a supervisor

Dr Ilir Gashi

Head of Computer Science

Department of Computer Science

Dr Eduardo Alonso

Reader in Computing

Dr Ernesto Priego

Lecturer

Department of Computer Science

Dr Cristina Gacek

Senior Lecturer

Department of Computer Science

Useful links

  • Department of Computer Science
  • Doctoral College
  • School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering
  • Student wellbeing
  • Terms and conditions

Contact details

  • Research enquiries

    +44 (0)20 7040 8116

    pgr.smcse.enquire@city.ac.uk

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