We have 1,638 Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

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Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 1,638 Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhDs in Computer Science are doctoral research degrees that allow students to deeply explore a particular aspect of computing and technology.

Specifics vary drastically between programmes, but may involve research into the complexities of algorithms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the impact of computing technologies on society.

Entry requirements typically include an undergraduate degree in an appropriate subject such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Engineering. A relevant Masters degree may also be required depending on the programme.

Why study a PhD in Computer Science?

Develop Skills and Knowledge

A PhD in Computer Science allows you to not only develop your own knowledge of Computer Science, but also to make a unique, original contribution to the subject as a whole. By doing so, you will hone a variety of transferable skills, such as:

  • Research and Analytical Skills: Ability to design, conduct, and analyse complex research projects.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Expertise in evaluating computing theories and practices to address challenges.
  • Communication and Presentation Skills: Proficiency in effectively conveying ideas and findings to diverse audiences.

Further Career Development

If you're hoping for a career in academia, a PhD is typically required. Other research-based careers may likewise require a PhD, and even when they don't, employers will value the research skills and knowledge developed during your degree. For more information, please visit our PhD employability guide.

After completing your PhD in Computer Science, a potential career option might be employment as a Computer Systems Engineer. According to UK salary data from Glassdoor, a Computer Systems Engineer earns an average of £36,166 per year, dependent on factors such as experience, employer and employment location.

Improve Employability

Completing a PhD may also improve your employability. According to the UK government's LEO Graduate and Postgraduate Outcomes survey, 82% of Computer Science PhD students were in further education or employment three years after graduation.

What do prospective Computer Science PhD students think about study?

We host the Pulse postgraduate survey to understand the motivations, concerns and expectations of students just like you. For prospective Computer Science PhD students in 2023:

  • 76% were either positive or very positive about employment after graduation.
  • 71% preferred on campus learning, 10% preferred online/distance learning, and 19% preferred a blended approach.
  • 18% were interested in part-time study.
  • In order of popularity, the top three study motivations were:
    • Subject interest
    • Challenge
    • Career progress

If you'd like to make your voice heard, why not complete our survey? Your feedback will help us ensure our site is as helpful as possible for students like you!

Note: This guidance was produced with the assistance of AI. However, all data is derived from reliable, authoratitive sources, and all content has been reviewed by humans.

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Medical AI: From 3D Imaging and Vision-Language Models to Surgical Robotics and Clinical Agents

  Research Group: Digital Healthcare and Medical Imaging Research Group
Applications are welcome from prospective PhD students, research master students, and visiting scholars who are interested in developing advanced artificial intelligence methods for healthcare. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr L Z Zhang
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Fully Funded PhD Studentship in AI-Based GNSS Spoofing Detection

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship in resilient positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), machine learning and RF signal processing at University College London (UCL), in collaboration with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Read more
 Supervisor: Prof M Ritchie
 Year round applications  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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YES-27-A-16: Can machine-learning weather models improve weather forecasts for Africa?

Motivation. Over more than the last 60 years, forecasting using numerical weather prediction (NWP) has provided a slow and steady “quiet revolution”, with progress in skill giving enormous socioeconomic benefits. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof J Marsham, Dr RK Keane, Dr Prince Xavier
 12 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Understanding the Biotechnological Potential of Archived Polar Samples - Towards Net-Zero polar Biotechnology

This PhD is part of the Net Zero Polar Science DTP, which aims to make polar science possible in a net zero world. For further details visit https://nzps-dtp.ac.uk/. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof D Pearce, Dr A Jones, Dr K Hughes, Prof Peter Convey, Dr J Finnigan
 6 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Quantum Control of Molecular Spins Using Advanced Magnetic Resonance

Molecular spin systems offer exciting opportunities for next-generation quantum technologies, including quantum computing, sensing and information storage. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr J Liu
 7 December 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Vitamin K in Irish animal-source foods - composition, production-system determinants and nutritional significance

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University is pleased to announce that a Maynooth University Doctoral Scholarship will be available in the Department of Sport Science and Nutrition at Maynooth University for a suitably qualified and successful applicant intending to commence their PhD studies in January 2027. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr P Dunne, Prof T Hill
 30 November 2026  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Identifying the nature of dark matter using cosmological data

  Research Group: Theoretical Particle Physics & Cosmology
Overwhelming evidence, from the Universe’s first light (cosmic microwave background) to the Milky Way, shows that most of the Universe’s mass is invisible dark matter (DM). Read more
 Supervisor: Dr KR Rogers
 12 February 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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Hinduja PhD Scholarship

4-year scholarship worth £270,000+. In partnership with the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Advanced Engineering for Personalised Surgery & Intervention (AE-PSI). Read more
 Funded PhD Programme (Students Worldwide)  4 Year PhD Programme  EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training
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Deep neural network models of music perception, from sound to pleasure

Why does the same piece of music thrill one listener and leave another cold? This PhD will develop deep neural network models of how people perceive and enjoy music, and use them to explain why listeners of different ages and cultures experience music differently. Read more
 Supervisor: Dr M Pearce
 27 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Modelling Cyclist Safety Perception and Behaviour Using Agent-Based Simulations

Active travel, including walking and cycling, is vital for the environment and public health but levels of cycling remain well below expectations. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr M Jaber, Dr R Clegg
 27 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Sensory-Grounded Affective Intelligence in Large Language Models

How does a familiar voice evoke comfort, a crowded environment generate anxiety, or a sensory description communicate emotion without explicitly naming it? Human emotional understanding is closely connected to sensory perception, personal experience and social context. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr Y Long, Prof M Poesio
 27 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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AI-powered system to analyse insect behaviour in laboratory conditions

This is a project for candidates, eligible for CSC funding (https://www.csc.edu.cn/article/2214). This project will take advantage of computer vision and robotics to develop an AI-powered system for automated image acquisition and analysis of freely behaving insects, confined to laboratory arenas of cages. Read more
 Supervisors: Dr O Riabinina, Dr A Atapour-Abarghouei
 10 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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AI-powered system to study brain anatomy and neuronal activity of mosquitoes, bees and flies

This is a project for candidates, eligible for CSC funding (https://www.csc.edu.cn/article/2214). Read more
 Supervisors: Dr O Riabinina, Dr A Atapour-Abarghouei
 10 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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AI-powered system to monitor biodiversity and study behaviour of key wild pollinators

This is a project for candidates, eligible for CSC funding (https://www.csc.edu.cn/article/2214). Read more
 Supervisors: Dr O Riabinina, Dr A Atapour-Abarghouei
 10 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)
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Active Room Acoustics with Microphone and Loudspeaker Arrays (with L-Acoustics)

Array-Based Architectures for Sustainable Active Acoustics Systems. Project Summary. What if a concert hall could change its acoustics electronically, adapting from speech to chamber music or a symphony, without requiring extensive architectural modifications?. Read more
 Supervisors: Prof F Fazi, Prof P Nelson
 11 January 2027  PhD Research Project  Competition Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)