Computing and Mathematics

Program Overview

PhD Computing and Mathematics

Overview

The PhD programme in Computing and Mathematics offers a dynamic research environment for students pursuing advanced research in computational sciences and mathematical theory.

Why choose this course?

The programme offers unique advantages for researchers:

• Cross-disciplinary research opportunities
• State-of-the-art computational facilities
• Experienced supervision teams with proven completion records
• Regular research seminars and workshops
• Virtual and physical collaborative research spaces
• Industry-relevant research projects
• Global research community engagement

What's unique about this course?

• Flexible Study Options: Choose between on-campus or distance learning pathways
• Dual Discipline Focus: Combine advanced computing with mathematical theory
• Research Computing Facilities: Access to high-performance computing clusters and specialist software
• Expert Supervision: Work with leading researchers in computing and mathematics
• Remote Research Support: Dedicated virtual learning environment for distance learners
• Industry Partnerships: Strong links with technology companies and research organisations

What happens on the course?

The PhD programme follows three essential milestones:

1. Registration
   • Submit online 'Expression of Interest' form
   • Receive conditional offer if application is satisfactory
   • Work with allocated supervisor on research proposal development
   • Attend interview with final research proposal
   • Gain Faculty Research Committee (FRC) approval based on:
     • Sound research proposal with potential for postgraduate award
     • Appropriate resourcing for the research
   • Formal admission to the programme
2. Progression (18 months full-time/36 months part-time)
   • Produce a detailed progress paper summarising:
     • Research achievements
     • Future research plans
     • Research methods
   • Deliver oral presentation at progression workshop
   • Undergo independent assessment by FRC-nominated assessor
   • Receive recommendations from FRC to either:
     • Proceed as proposed
     • Proceed with specific amendments
     • Be placed 'at risk'
     • Change research degree sought
3. Examination
   • Submit completed thesis
   • Undergo oral examination (viva voce)
   • Assessment by two qualified examiners:
     • At least one external to the university
     • Second external examiner if candidate is university staff
   • Receive recommendations from examiners to University's Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC)
   • Final award decision

Throughout these milestones, students receive:

• Regular supervisory meetings
• Access to research training events
• Opportunities to present at colloquia
• Support from the Doctoral College
• Teaching skills development opportunities

Potential Career Paths

• Research Scientist
• Data Science Specialist
• Algorithm Developer
• Academic Researcher
• Scientific Software Developer
• AI/ML Research Engineer
• Computing Science Lecturer

Course Fees and Finance

Entry Requirements

Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

• a first or upper second class honours degree, or
• a master’s degree, or
• evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

For an applicant wishing to pursue a Research Degree in the area of Computing & Mathematics, whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (Writing - 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any other component) or its equivalent.

Funding

Financial support for research study

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £30,301, to cover fees and living expenses.

Research Areas

We welcome research proposals in areas including:

• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Mathematical Modelling
• Computer Vision and Graphics
• Cryptography and Security
• Numerical Analysis
• Software Engineering
• Data Science and Analytics
• Theoretical Computer Science
• Applied Mathematics
• Computational Mathematics

What skills will you gain?

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The School of Mathematics and Computer Science seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.

Skills You Will Gain

Technical Skills:

• Advanced Programming
• Mathematical Modelling
• Algorithm Development
• Data Analysis
• Research Computing
• Software Development
• Statistical Analysis

Research Skills:

• Scientific Writing
• Research Methodology
• Project Management
• Data Visualisation
• Technical Communication
• Problem-Solving
• Critical Analysis