PhD Computer Science: The University of Manchester

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. They currently have nine individual research groups ranging from Artificial Intelligence to Visual Computing. Their 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.

They'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 their 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.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

For the academic year 2009/10 and 2010/11, 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 require a minimum of IELTS 7 or Cambridge Proficiency minimum level C. TOEFL 600 (paper based) or 250 (computer based) may be considered, but IELTS is the preferred qualification. The final decision on the standard of English remains with the Admissions Tutor and other very strong evidence of proficiency may be acceptable.