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Computer Science PhD

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Degree awarded: PhD

Duration: 36 months full time

Entry requirements:

The standard academic entry requirement for an MPhil or PhD is an Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline, or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree or international equivalent.

The school may require a First Class Honours degree or international equivalent for some research projects. This requirement is specified at the discretion of the academic supervisor involved.

Whilst the most common first degree is Computer Science, we also consider students with backgrounds in an appropriate subject for the research topic (eg mathematics, physics, engineering, biology and medicine).

Course fees: For entry in the academic year beginning September 2013, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £3,900
    International students (per annum): £16,500
  • PhD (part-time)
    UK/EU students (per annum): £1,950
    International students (per annum): £8,250

Scholarships/sponsorships:

Each year the School provides a number of studentships, predominantly for UK and EU nationals. These studentships pay tuition fees and a stipend to cover living expenses for three years. Whilst funding for international students is limited, the School sometimes offers funding (usually a contribution to tuition fees) to international PhD students with an exceptional academic background, or who have secured partial funding. Further information about Computer Science funding opportunities is available here.  

In addition to School level funding, Project Studentships are often available at various points throughout the year. The Project Studentships are attached to specific research projects taking place in the School and are usually fully funded by the EPSRC, other Research Councils or Industry. They typically pay tuition fees and maintenance for three years. A list of current project studentships is available here.

Related website: www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/phd/

Academic department: School of Computer Science

Contact email: pgr-admissions@cs.man.ac.uk

Contact telephone: +44 (0)161 275 0699

How to apply: Apply online

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N

Course description

The PhD is a three-year degree resulting in a substantial thesis.

As one of the largest Schools of in the UK we cover a huge spectrum of Computer Science topics. We currently have ten individual research groups ranging from Advanced Processor Technologies to Text Mining. Our core Computer Science research is augmented by interdisciplinary research taking place at the interface with discipline areas including mathematics, physics, medicine and biology. A detailed overview of the School's research groups, core and interdisciplinary research themes and current projects is available here.    

We're keen to receive applications from potential research students in all areas. Although your application is through the School, you are basically applying for a place in a research group or with a particular supervisor. You therefore need to look through our research to find a suitable topic or potential supervisor. Alternatively you can identify a possible PhD project from our list of available projects. 

Course aims

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge. The results of this research shall then be embodied in a thesis or other appropriate form and must contain material of a standard appropriate for peer-reviewed publication.

Full entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

The standard academic entry requirement for an MPhil or PhD is an Upper Second Class UK Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant science or engineering discipline, or a first degree with an additional UK Masters degree or international equivalent.

The school may require a First Class Honours degree or international equivalent for some research projects. This requirement is specified at the discretion of the academic supervisor involved.

Whilst the most common first degree is Computer Science, we also consider students with backgrounds in an appropriate subject for the research topic (eg mathematics, physics, engineering, biology and medicine).

English language: Students whose first language is not English need to achieve a minimum of IELTS 7 (with 7 in writing), Cambridge Proficiency minimum level C or TOEFL iBT 100+ (24 in writing). Students who have been in full-time education in the UK for 3 years are exempt from this requirement. More detailed information about English language requirements is available here.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

Advice to applicants

Applications should include copies of any relevant certificates, including IELTS scores if appropriate, a full CV, 2 academic references, transcripts, a research proposal, and/or an indication of the research group or project preferred.

To avoid delays in the processing of applications please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the application process and fully understand the level of information required. Detailed guidelines are available here.    

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Progression and assessment

As a research student you would typically work in an office with three/four other researchers from your group. You would be encouraged to present papers at conferences and publish your results in academic journals. We run several research training course-units and you can take course-units on a number of our Masters programmes. Opportunities are also provided to supplement income by undertaking laboratory demonstrating and other teaching support work.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Support Office. Email: disability@manchester.ac.uk

Academic department

School of Computer Science

Academic department overview

See: About the School.

Contact details

Contact name: Postgraduate Research Admissions Officer

Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 0699

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 275 6200

Email: pgr-admissions@cs.man.ac.uk

Website: www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/phd/