Computer Science

Program Overview

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Computer Science PhD Program

Overview

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) aims to enhance the way we use technology in communication, data science, computing systems, cyber security, power electronics, intelligent control, and many related areas. You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 40 countries worldwide.

Subject Summary

You will have the opportunity to develop and refine appropriate research skills and learn how to carry out significant, high-quality, original research in your specified research area, as well as having the opportunity to work with some of the most passionate internationally recognised researchers in their field.

Computer Science Highlights

Professional Accreditations

• ECIT brings together, in one building, internationally recognised research groups specialising in key areas of advanced digital and communications technology.

Industry Links

• Queen’s researchers have strong links with the local industry, which boasts a rich mix of local startups and multi-nationals. Belfast is the second fastest growing region in the UK in terms of Knowledge Economy activity (Northern Ireland Economy Report, 2018).
• CSIT brings together research specialists in complementary fields such as data security, network security systems, wireless-enabled security systems, intelligent surveillance systems; and serves as the national point of reference for knowledge transfer in these areas.

World Class Facilities

• The state-of-the-art £14m Computer Science Building and the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology offer bespoke research environments.
• The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), with state-of-the-art technology, offers a bespoke research environment.

Internationally Renowned Experts

• You will be working under the supervision of leading international academic experts.

Key Facts

• Research students are encouraged to play a full and active role in relation to the wide range of research activities undertaken within the School and there are many resources available including:
  • A wide range of personal development and specialist training courses offered through the Personal Development Programme
  • Access to the Queen's University Postgraduate Researcher Development Programme
  • Office accommodation with access to computing facilities and support to attend conferences for full-time PhD students

Student Testimonials

• To do a PhD was one of the most challenging but rewarding decisions I have taken. While having a PhD was helpful in the job market, the real benefit was in stretching my mind and deepening my thinking. This is proving particularly useful as I head up a new local R&D team which has to stay ahead of the game by exploiting the latest research.
• Tim Jones, R&D Team Leader, Mintel

Course Structure

• There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods. You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.
• Over the course of study you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School.
• You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree. The decision as to whether you should undertake a PhD is delayed until you have completed ‘differentiation’.
• Differentiation takes place about 8-9 months after registration for full time students and about 16-18 months for part time students: You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’. The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study. Sometimes students are advised to revise their research objectives or to consider submitting their work for an MPhil qualification rather than a doctoral qualification.
• To complete with a doctoral qualification you will be required to submit a thesis of approx 80,000 words and you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.
• A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.
• The PhD is open to both full and part time candidates and is often a useful preparation for a career within academia or consultancy.
• Full time students are often attracted to research degree programmes because they offer an opportunity to pursue in some depth an area of academic interest.
• The part time research degree is an exciting option for professionals already working in the education field who are seeking to extend their knowledge on an issue of professional interest. Often part time candidates choose to research an area that is related to their professional responsibilities.
• If you meet the Entry Requirements, the next step is to check whether we can supervise research in your chosen area. We only take students to whom we can offer expert research supervision from one of our academic staff. Therefore, your research question needs to engage with the research interests of one of our staff.

Assessment

• Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present write up their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.
• This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.
• The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Feedback

• Supervisors will offer feedback on the research work at regular intervals throughout the period of registration on the degree.

Facilities

• Full time PhD students will have access to a shared office space and access to a desk with personal computer and internet access.

Learning and Teaching

Entrance Requirements

• Graduate
  • The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
• International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) | £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) | £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £5,006
• EU Other | £25,600
• International | £25,600

Funding and Scholarships

• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
• If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
• To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
• You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Program Outline

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Computer Science (CSC-PHD) at Queen's University Belfast: Detailed Program Information

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Degree Overview

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Overview:

The CSC-PHD program at Queen's University Belfast offers students the opportunity to pursue high-quality, original research in various areas of computer science. The program emphasizes a dynamic research environment, collaboration with internationally recognized researchers, and the development of strong research skills.

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Objectives:

Upon completion of the CSC-PHD program, graduates will:

• Possess extensive knowledge and expertise in their chosen research area.
• Develop and refine advanced research skills.
• Contribute to the advancement of knowledge through original research.
• Be prepared for careers in academia, research institutions, or industry.

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Program Description:

• The program is designed for students with a strong academic background in computer science or a related field.
• Students are expected to conduct independent research under the supervision of a faculty member.
• The program offers opportunities to participate in research projects, attend conferences, and collaborate with other researchers.
• Students are also encouraged to participate in the Graduate School's professional development programs.

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Highlights:

• Strong research focus with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Collaboration with leading international researchers.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Vibrant research community with students from over 40 countries.

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Outline

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Research Areas:

The program offers supervision in various research areas, including:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Computing Systems
• Power Electronics
• Robotics
• Sensor-based Systems
• Wireless Communications

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Course Content:

There is no specific course content as such. Students are expected to take research training modules offered by the School, focusing on quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students can also attend postgraduate skills training organized by the Graduate School.

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Program Structure:

• Students typically register as 'undifferentiated PhD students' initially, demonstrating their capacity for research before moving forward.
• Differentiation occurs 8-9 months after registration for full-time students and 16-18 months for part-time students.
• Successful differentiation allows students to continue their research and eventually submit a thesis of approximately 80,000 words.
• A final viva voce (oral examination) with external and internal examiners is required to defend the thesis.

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Program Duration:

• Full-time: 3-4 years
• Part-time: 6-8 years

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Learning and Teaching:

• The program focuses on independent research and learning under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Students receive individualized feedback and support throughout their research journey.
• The program offers access to research seminars, workshops, and conferences.

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Assessment

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Assessment Processes:

• Students present their work at regular intervals to their supervisor, who provides written and oral feedback.
• An annual progress review requires students to present their work to a panel of academics for approval to continue their research.
• The final assessment involves a thesis defense through an oral examination with external and internal examiners.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Originality and significance of research
• Quality of research methodology
• Clarity and depth of analysis
• Effective communication of research findings

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Teaching

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Teaching Methods:

• The program emphasizes independent research and learning.
• Students receive guidance and support from their supervisors.
• The School offers research training modules and workshops to enhance research skills.

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Faculty:

• The program benefits from a team of internationally recognized researchers with expertise in various computer science areas.

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Unique Approaches:

• The program fosters a collaborative research environment where students can learn from and interact with other researchers.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support their research endeavors.

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Careers

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Career Paths:

• Academia: Research positions in universities or research institutions.
• Industry: Research and development roles in technology companies.
• Consultancy: Providing expert advice and solutions to organizations in various sectors.

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Career Opportunities:

• The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in computer science research, development, and application.
• Graduates are well-equipped to contribute to advancements in various technological fields.

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates of the program have secured positions in leading research institutions, technology companies, and academic institutions worldwide.

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Other

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Additional Information:

• The School offers several funded PhD opportunities for qualified candidates.
• The program provides access to a wide range of personal and professional development resources.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in international research collaborations.

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Points to Note:

• Entry requirements and fees are not included in this detailed program information.
Please refer to the provided context or official program website for specific details.
• The information provided here is based on the given context and may not be exhaustive.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Northern Ireland (NI):

TBC

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Republic of Ireland (ROI):

TBC

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England, Scotland or Wales (GB):

TBC

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EU Other:

£25,600

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International:

£25,600

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EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status:

charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident.

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EU students who are ROI nationals resident in GB:

charged the GB fee.

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EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI):

charged tuition fees in line with international fees.