Program Overview

Overview

The Computer Science Integrated PhD combines taught Master's computer science modules with research. This program provides an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research, working within a research group guided by experts and supported by a team of advisers.

Our Computer Science Research

Our research reflects our strengths, capabilities, and critical mass. Research supervision is available under our seven research areas:

• Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning (AMBER)
• Open Lab
• Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS)
• Scalable Computing
• Secure and Resilient Systems
• Educational Practice in Computing
• Networked and Ubiquitous Systems Engineering (NUSE)

Research Excellence

The excellence of our research has been recognized through awards of large research grants. Three recent examples are:

• Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data, funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics, funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• A £10m project to look at novel treatment for epilepsy, funded by the Wellcome Trust and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research Grant

Qualifications Explained

The Integrated PhD (IPhD) contains a significant and tailored taught component, assessed annually, and culminates with a research project written up as a thesis. The taught component is the main difference between the IPhD and a standard PhD program.

What You'll Learn

The IPhD combines taught Master's level modules with research. As an IPhD student, you'll initially study alongside students on one of our computer science Master's. You can choose from one of the following:

• Advanced Computer Science MSc
• Bioinformatics MSc
• Cloud Computing MSc
• Computer Game Engineering MSc
• Cyber Security MSc
• Data Science MSc
• Data Science and AI MSc
• Data Science with Visualisation MSc
• Human-Computer Interaction MSc

How You'll Learn

Delivery and teaching methods include:

• Taught modules
• Research skills training
• Personal and career development training
• Support from our doctoral training centers, Faculty Training Programme, and Research Student Support Team

Assessment Methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Design or creative project
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Professional skills assessments
• Oral examination
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Reflective log
• Written exercise

Your Development

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development program is designed to help you perform better as a researcher, boost your career prospects, and broaden your impact. The program covers:

• Techniques for effective research
• Methods for better collaborative working
• Essential professional standards and requirements

Your Future

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. Members of our industry advisory group help to ensure that the program is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. There are opportunities to choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 170 for Computing Science and Information Systems - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. The USB brings together academia, the public sector, communities, business, and industry.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):

• Home students: Full time, 48 months, tuition fees (per year) not set
• International students: Full time, 48 months, tuition fees (per year) £33,500-£43,700
• Home students: Part time, 96 months, tuition fees (per year) not set
• International students: Part time, 96 months, tuition fees (per year) not set

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for 2026 entry:

• A 2:1 honors degree and/or a merit master's degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a related discipline such as engineering, systems engineering, or mathematics
• Relevant industrial computing experience and transferable skills are also valued

How to Apply

The course starts in September, and there is no application closing date. International students are advised to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK. The deposit is non-refundable but will be deducted from tuition fees when you register.