Program Overview

Computing and Information Science MPhil, PhD

Overview

Our research groups are shaping the world with innovative technologies and applications, often in collaboration with industry. We encourage PhD candidates to take an active role in our School's research community, in areas currently ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and Applications, Imaging Technologies, Vision and Acoustics, IoT, Digital Systems and Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, Educational Technologies and Cyber Security.

Full Description

We have a large multidisciplinary academic team ready to support you in your studies working across our two research groups, Computing, Informatics and Applications and Cyber Security and Networking.

Much of the research our Computing, Informatics and Applications (CIA) research group undertakes is both applied and collaborative, and includes links with industrial partners. We’re particularly interested in how computational and artificial intelligence (AI) methods can be used to improve people's lives and increase productivity. The group has specific expertise in image and signal processing, data visualisation, mobile devices, 2D/3D modelling, distributed computing, wireless environments, the application of sound and imaging technology in assisted living, online virtual environments, the Internet of Things (IoT), and sensor technology.

Our Cyber Security and Networking (CSN) research group has close working strategic relationships with industry, professional bodies, law enforcement, government agencies and academia in the delivery of operationally focused applied information and application security research. The primary aims of CSN are to help the UK and partner nations tackle cyber-crime, be more resilient to cyber-attacks and educate its users for a more secure cyberspace and operational business environment. The CSN research group also incorporates a Cisco Networking Academy Programme (CNAP). The goal of which is to bring infrastructure technologies and techniques to a wider audience and research new ways of applying them.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll have access to wide-ranging expertise, as well as first-rate computing facilities, at our campus in Cambridge, where you’ll enjoy formal research training as part of our research programme. A significant number of our students choose to pursue their programme part-time, integrating their research degrees with their professional lives. Equally, if you wish to join us full-time, you’ll be part of a group that collaborates with industry on theoretical and applied research, as well as consultancy projects.

There will be opportunities to present your work and represent us at internal, national and international scientific conferences, and you'll be fully immersed in our research activities.

In addition to our Computing and Information Science PhD, we've also identified a range of innovative research project opportunities for you as a postgraduate researcher.

We also offer the opportunity to combine doctoral research with your full-time career, making a substantial contribution to the development of professional practice in your area, through our Professional Doctorate in Science and Engineering DProf.

Completion Times

• MPhil: full-time 1-3 years, part-time 2-4 years.
• PhD via progression from MPhil, including that period: full-time 2.5-5 years, part-time 3.5-6 years.
• PhD: full-time 2-4 years, part-time 3-6 years.

Supervision and Support

We’ll assign supervisors – a primary and relevant specialists – to support you during your research. There’ll be formal two-weekly reviews, with informal help available any time.

Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:

• Prof Marcian Cirstea - Marcian is an active professional in digital systems, focusing on artificial intelligence and the use of computer aided design tools & methods applied to digital systems modelling and rapid prototyping using VHDL and FPGAs.
• Dr Silvia Cirstea - Silvia has over ten years' research experience in mathematical modelling for engineering and medical applications. Her research interests also include acoustic and psycho-acoustic modelling, smart technologies for assisted living, assisted living for the visually impaired and the elderly, signal processing techniques for multimodal data fusion, mobility and navigation aids for the visually impaired and, artificial intelligence.
• Dr Razvan Dinita - Razvan's research focuses on cloud computing software development, optimisation, and security, web and software engineering, web and software security and, programming languages.
• Dr Arooj Fatima - Arooj's research interests include semantic search, knowledge acquisition, effective user interfaces, reliable techniques to evaluate usability and intelligent web applications.
• Dr Cristina Luca - Cristina conducts research in artificial intelligence with particular interests in semantic technologies, machine learning and neural networks. She has 18 years research and teaching experience in the general area of computer science.
• Dr Ian van der Linde - Ian carries out cross-faculty research in the areas of computing, vision and healthcare. His research interests include vision science, image processing, behavioural psychology, eye-tracking and electrophysiology, algorithms and computational methods in psychology.
• Dr George Wilson - George's research interests include all kinds of spatial data manipulation, including image analysis and 3D-gaming.
• Adrian Winkles - Adrian's research focuses on malware detection and digital forensics, computer networking, network and system security, network and system management, virtualisation and cloud computing and, remote laboratory representation.
• Dr Jin Zhang - Jin's research areas include electronic systems modelling, smart antennas, the study and design for development of novel artificial metamaterials components in the mid-infrared range and microwave frequency regions. Also, the design of quasi-optical components for millimetre-wave astronomy and electromagnetic modelling and simulations.

Where You'll Research

Your Faculty

The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.

Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.

Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.

Fees & Funding

Course Fees

• UK students, 2024/25 (per year): £4,786
• UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £2,392
• International students, 2024/25 (per year): £15,900
• International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year): £7,950

Bench Fees

In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.

Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.

We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.

If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.

For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:

1. £500
2. £1,200
3. £2,200
4. £4,500
5. £8,900

PhD by Published Work

• Initial registration: £1,500
• Full registration: £4,500

Writing Up Fees 2024/25

• £1,200

Entry Requirements

• MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
• PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.

Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.

If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.