Computer Science Research PhD

Program Overview

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Computer Science Research PhD

Key information

Award: PhD Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: 3-4 years full time and 6-8 years part-time

The Department of Informatics welcomes postgraduate research students from around the world to join our world-leading community of researchers. Working under the guidance of internationally renowned supervisors, our PhD students explore fundamental scientific questions and key societal challenges and opportunities in an increasingly complex digital world.

The Department has an extensive research profile, with major externally funded projects, a strong publication profile, and significant research activity.

Our research is organised around our research groups, and you can find details of the current range of research projects and interests on the Department's research pages.

Partner organisations

We have strong links with industry, government, and other academic institutions. Our research has been supported by several companies from the aerospace, automotive, financial, IT, and telecommunications sectors.

How to apply

1. Search our Research Groups to find your supervisor

There are two ways to apply. You can search our list of funded or non-funded projects or, you can approach a supervisor and present a speculative research proposal.

We are especially interested in receiving applications from students planning their research projects in fields that will enhance the strength of the Department’s research groups.

2. Apply via the King's Apply Portal

When you have identified a project or developed a research proposal with a supervisor, submit an online application via King's Apply.

For 'Programme Name', enter 'Computer Science Research MPhil/PhD' and mention your intended supervisor and the project in the 'Research Proposal' area.

Application procedure

You should complete the application form and send all appropriate documentation as listed in the requirements. Ideally, you should indicate the names of potential supervisors. Your application is evaluated by the relevant individual academic. Applicants may be interviewed, online for those not based in the UK. We aim to notify you of the result within six weeks of receipt of an application by the Department.

The Department accepts students for October, February, and June entry, however, applicants are strongly encouraged to start their degree at the beginning of the academic year in October, when the College offers a full induction programme.

An ATAS certificate is required for successful applicants applying for this course whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. Further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate can be found on our International Student Advice pages.

Personal statement and supporting information

You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:

• Personal statement: Yes, A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
• Research Proposal: Yes, The proposal should explain in some detail precisely the field of study that you want to contribute to and current research gaps, what you want to do and how you propose to do it.
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: Yes, Two references are required with at least one academic. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Other: Yes, A CV (Resume) is required as part of your application.

Application closing date

We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process. In addition, if you receive an offer, this programme requires all non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (with some exceptions) to have an ATAS certificate before they can enrol at King’s and this can take some time. We therefore advise applying as soon as possible to avoid any delay in obtaining this certificate.

The final application deadlines are detailed below; on these dates, the programme will close at 23:59 (UK time) and we will open for the corresponding intake in 2026 soon after the same intake has passed in 2025.

• February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
• June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
• October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
• February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
• June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status

Please note that some project and funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above, so please check carefully.

Fees or Funding

For funding opportunities please explore these pages:

• List of funding opportunities
• External funding opportunities for International students
• King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC)

UK Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £6,936 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £3,468 per year

International Tuition Fees 2024/25

• Full time tuition fees: £30,240 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £15,120 per year

UK Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £7,500 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £3,750 per year

International Tuition Fees 2025/26

• Full time tuition fees: £32,400 per year
• Part time tuition fees: £16,200 per year

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King's terms and conditions.

Study environment

We support a thriving community of PhD students from all over the world, who play a vital part in advancing innovation and cutting-edge discovery across our research. The Department also leads the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Safe and Trusted Artificial Intelligence, which is training the next generation of researchers in model-based AI approaches and their use in ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of AI systems.

Our renowned research profile attracts funding grants and projects from major national and international funders as well as business and industrial partners and public sector bodies. We have also created a thriving ecosystem of research partnerships and collaborations with industry, the public sector, and the arts and cultural institutes.

The Department is housed in Bush House in the heart of London, featuring state-of-the-art teaching and office spaces as well as computer lab workstations.

Our PhD students have access to excellent library facilities and designated PhD offices within the Department. Regular group seminars are organised providing PhD students a chance to showcase their research and receive feedback from academic staff and peers. Work from the department is regularly showcased at the Science Gallery London.

Our facilities are within easy reach of the British Computer Society and the Institute of Engineering & Technology (and the IET Library), with access to a formidable collection of scientific journals and other technical material.

Our staff and students come from all over the world, providing a rich environment for teaching and research, and we are committed to advancing equality, diversity, and inclusion across everything we do. The Department has a friendly and inclusive culture, with regular social events bringing staff and students together.

Postgraduate training

Department and College induction events are scheduled at the beginning of your degree to prepare you for life as a PhD student. All students are required to complete 10 days of training each year.

There is a centrally provided programme of training coordinated by the King's Doctoral College and the NMES Graduate school offers a range of unique training for our students with a focus to support PhD research and the PhD journey. The NMES Graduate School also organises a variety of social and research events for students from hosting the NMES PGR Welcome event, Science walking tours, Winter and Summer social parties, movie and board game nights, to Presentation and Writing coffee mornings, a space for students to present their research work to peers and receive feedback. One of the highlights in the NMES PGR calendar is the Research Competition, where 3rd year students across all five departments present their research in a 3-minute video culminating in an in-person event where all finalist videos are viewed, and the winners receive their prize.

Research students are encouraged to submit papers to conferences and supported with travel to present papers and posters.

Our research students are also encouraged to teach alongside their studies to help prepare them for a potential future career in academia.

Entry requirements

UK requirements

• Bachelors degree with 2:1 honours degree in computer science or a closely related subject, and a good background in the area of intended research.
• Applicants who do not meet the undergraduate requirements but have or are currently studying an additional Masters with Merit in computer science or relevant subject may be considered.

Equivalent International qualifications

Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

English language band: D

To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.

For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.

Research groups

Algorithms and Data Analysis

The group develops algorithmic solutions and concrete implementations for various applications.

Cybersecurity

The group studies design, modelling, analysis, verification, and testing of networks and systems.

Distributed Artificial Intelligence

Understanding AI in social and economic contexts where an intelligent entity may be interacting with other entities.

Human Centred Computing Research

The group is concerned with the design, development, and evaluation of human computer systems.

Reasoning and Planning

The group focuses on the fundamental AI challenge of creating, representing, and reasoning.

Software Systems

The group studies design, modelling, and engineering of software systems.