PhD Computer Science

The PhD is a three-year (or six year, if taken part-time) degree resulting in a substantial thesis.

As one of the largest Departments 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 Department's research groups and core and interdisciplinary research themes can be found in the 'research' section of our website .    

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

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to register for our upcoming webinar for prospective applicants and learn about the steps you need to take to start your journey to postgraduate research.

Apply online  

Before applying we strongly recommend that you:  

1. Either identify the research project or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) you'd like to apply for as given at https://www.cs.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/research-projects , or produce your own research proposal (including research project title) as outlined at https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/admissions/how-to-apply/research-proposal .
2. Liaise with the supervisor you'd like to supervise your research.
3. Decide how your research will be funded.

In your application you'll need to refer to; a) your chosen research project or own project name, b) your supervisor, c) your chosen funding option, and d) the details of your previous study – so make sure you’ve got that info to hand.

We require the following documents as part of an application.

• Degree certificates and academic transcripts of previous university study. If your transcripts and certificates are in a language other than English, you must provide an official translation.
• CV summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your capacity to conduct research. You must include the following:

1. Work experience
2. Any prizes/competitions that you have won for your academic work
3. Experience of presenting your work at conferences/during your degree and list any research you have published
4.  Details of your final year undergraduate project work and if appropriate your MSc project work
5. Service and leadership (in any domain including extra curricula)
6. Community activity (hackathons, societies etc)
7. Teaching or training experience (including peer support and extra curricula)
8. Soft skills: creativity, ability to work without constant supervision, good time management.

• Research Proposal outlining your research project. You must include the following:

1. Explain the importance of your research in the context of current knowledge
2. Clearly identify the objectives of the research
3. Literature review
4. Explain the methodology to be employed

If English is not your first language, we also require proof of your English language ability. If you have already taken an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application. We may be willing to consider your application without this document, but if we choose to make you an offer, the conditions will include IELTS (or equivalent qualification).

This information will also be used to shortlist you for funding interview if appropriate; you should therefore ensure that you address all requirements as outlined above.

The PhD is a three-year (or six year, if taken part-time) degree resulting in a substantial thesis.

As one of the largest Departments 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 Department's research groups and core and interdisciplinary research themes can be found in the 'research' section of our website .    

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

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.

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.