Program Overview

Overview

The Computer Science MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University offer students the opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. The programs are supported by experienced computer scientists within research groups and with the support of a team of advisers.

Research Areas

Research supervision is available under seven research areas, which reflect the strengths, capabilities, and critical mass of the School of Computing. These areas include:

• 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 School of Computing's research excellence has been widely recognized through awards of large research grants. Recent examples include the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data and the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics.

Qualifications Explained

The MPhil and PhD programs are available in all subject areas. The MPhil is a research training program that leads to the completion of a 40,000-50,000 word thesis. The PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award that involves original research leading to the completion of an 80,000-100,000 word thesis.

How You'll Learn

On starting the program, students identify and research an open question before formulating an approach to answering it. After agreeing on a topic with their supervisor, students conduct a literature review and refine their research goals. Following their initial research, students submit a project proposal and give a presentation about their work. Once their project proposal is approved, students conduct their supervised research and write a thesis.

Your Development

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development program is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, and essential professional standards and requirements.

Your Future

The Careers Service at Newcastle University is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers. The service provides support and guidance to help students achieve their career goals.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked among the top universities globally, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading research. The university is also ranked among the top 140 universities globally and among the top 160 universities in the world for sustainable development.

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. The building provides specialist teaching spaces and facilities for postgraduate students, including wellbeing spaces and a prayer room.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the MPhil and PhD programs vary depending on the student's research topic and resource requirements. The fees range from £33,500 to £43,700 per year for international students. There are also scholarships available for EU and international students, including a 25% discount on the international fee.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the MPhil and PhD programs include a 2:1 honors degree and/or a merit master's degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a related discipline. English language requirements also apply, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent.

How to Apply

To apply for the MPhil or PhD program, students should first find and contact a research supervisor from the School of Computing. The application portal has instructions to guide students through the application process, and students can choose to start their application, save their details, and come back to complete it later. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK.