Program Overview

Course summary

PHD Computing and Informatics

The PhD in Computing and Informatics allows you to undertake research into a wide range of relevant areas. You’ll have the advantage of experiencing applied research first-hand, in a dynamic and diverse environment. You’ll have all the support you need to develop your skills, learning to become an independent successful researcher and make a significant contribution to knowledge in applied computing and/or informatics.

How you learn

• supervised study
• independent research
• workshops and seminars
• mentoring sessions
• attending seminars and conferences
• interacting with other research students in a dynamic environment

You learn from a supervisory team that includes a Director of Studies and one or more second supervisors with expertise and interest in your research area.

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• research and leadership roles in the digital and computing industries
• highly-qualified roles in academia
• government, NGOs and charities
• supporting roles in all different areas that use computing solutions

Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with:

• industry-standard laboratories
• cutting-edge facilities and equipment

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

All students

• All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).
• All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.
• You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes.
• Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.
• Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.
• Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with at least 6.5 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.

Additional information for EU/International students

• If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
• For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students

• Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2024/25 is £2,393 per year.
• An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.
• Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.
• If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees.

International students

• Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2024/25 is £8,605 per year.
• There will be a final writing up fee of £500.
• (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa).
• An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities.
• Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans

• Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

• The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses.
• These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses.
• Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

Legal information

• Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.