Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 880 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.

Auckland Bioengineering Institute

The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI) does world-leading research that enhances the diagnosis and treatment of a range of medical conditions, as well as helping to improve the lives of people with disabilities or injuries. Our research makes a real difference in the world. We’ve designed sensors to diagnose stomach disease without needing invasive surgery;developed a tiny wireless implantable device to measure brain pressure and save the lives of children with hydrocephalus;and we lead the world in building digital models of the human body which will enhance personalised medicine approaches for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Find out more

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering offers PhD opportunities across a wide range of cutting-edge fields, from communications and AI to energy systems and photonics. Based at a global top 10 university in London, our doctoral researchers benefit from world-class supervision, state-of-the-art facilities, and deep connections with industry - making UCL EEE an outstanding place to pursue ambitious, high-impact research.

Find out more

Faculty of Social Sciences

Immerse yourself in your specialty in a faculty that shares your passion for researching the social world. At the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Social Sciences, whether you’re driven by a desire to shape policy or advance theoretical understanding, we’ll empower you to become the expert in your field. An internationally recognised faculty, we bring together brilliant minds to address global social challenges through innovation and partnership across the social science disciplines and beyond. Join our exciting research community and you’ll benefit from our flexible programmes, inclusive, collaborative ethos and track record of influencing real-world change.

Find out more

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Make your mark at the leading edge of science and engineering research. At the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, we’re studying stars as they explode, inscribing the human genome into crystals, shaping the future of human interaction with AI, helping build brighter liveable cities, and using chemistry for sustainable manufacturing. We’re looking for innovators, critical thinkers and curious minds to join us in driving new discoveries, with real opportunities for impact through our links with industry and governments and our enterprise initiatives. In return you’ll benefit from multi-million-pound research facilities, the expertise of leading specialists and a supportive, inclusive research community.

We have 880 Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

We have 880 Computer Science PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

Why study a PhD in Computer Science?

Develop Skills and Knowledge

Further Career Development

Improve Employability

What do prospective Computer Science PhD students think about study?

Auckland Bioengineering Institute

Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Faculty of Social Sciences

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

HALEU Criticality Modelling for Deconversion Process Design and Safety

Rewiring the DNA Backbone for Programmable Materials

(SATURN CDT) Constitutive modelling of nuclear graphite under HTGR/AMR service conditions using physics-informed machine learning

Leveraging and developing Deep Learning-based methods for experimental structural biology

PhD at FZJ, High-res. time-resolved microstructural evolution under ion irradiation via TEM

NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium

Dual-omics profiling and ensemble machine learning for mapping cell state dynamics and exposure thresholds in response to nanoplastic–biotoxin co-exposures

PhD Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship (GEMS 2026). Research Project: AI-Driven Adaptive Mobility for Resilient Transport in Flood-Prone Urban River Basins

High dimensional panel data analysis

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Enable Equitable Pharmacovigilance Research Capacity Building

Microplastics as Trojan Horses: AI and Engineering Approaches to Antibiotic Pollution

Artificial Intelligence for Digital Construction and Infrastructure Management

Post-Quantum Zero-Knowledge Proofs and Trustworthy AI

Supporting policymakers to incentivise effective and equitable land use change for Net Zero with AI

Root cause analysis of cyber security incidents

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