University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The Computer Science PhD is a research degree centred on an independent programme of original research supervised by academic staff within the School of Computer Science. Doctoral projects span areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science, computer vision and robotics, cybersecurity and privacy, software engineering, distributed systems and networking, formal methods and programming languages, and human-centred computing.

Students spend most of their time conducting research, reading current literature and producing publications, but the programme also includes structured research training. Training typically covers research methods, statistical and computational techniques, academic writing, presentation skills and transferable professional skills. New researchers can attend relevant taught modules, seminars and advanced short courses to build specialised knowledge and laboratory skills related to their project.

Progress is monitored through regular supervisory meetings, documented research plans, annual progress reviews and a final assessment by submission of a doctoral thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). Many candidates also present at workshops and conferences and contribute to collaborative research grants and publications.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong master’s degree in Computer Science, a closely related discipline, or a first-class or upper second-class honours degree with a substantial research component or equivalent research experience. Admissions decisions take into account the applicant’s academic record, research proposal, relevant technical skills, and fit with potential supervisors and research groups.

Successful applicants typically demonstrate prior experience of research or an extended project, programming and quantitative skills appropriate to their chosen area, and the ability to work independently. International applicants must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency. Candidates without a directly relevant qualification may be considered if they can evidence equivalent professional or research experience and clear research potential.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD programme move into a wide range of careers. Many continue in academia as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers or principal investigators. Others take research and development roles in industry, including positions as data scientists, machine learning engineers, research engineers, software architects, systems engineers and cybersecurity specialists. PhD skills are also highly valued in sectors such as finance, healthcare technology, government research, and by technology start-ups and consultancies.

Doctoral training develops advanced problem-solving, project management, communication and technical skills that are applicable to leadership roles in both research-intensive and commercial environments.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham’s School of Computer Science hosts diverse research groups and laboratories with active programmes across the full spectrum of computing. Students benefit from close supervision, opportunities to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects, and access to computing and laboratory facilities. The School has established links with industry partners, research councils and international collaborators, creating routes for collaborative research and practitioner engagement.

Doctoral researchers join a supportive postgraduate community with access to dedicated training, career development services and funding opportunities. The School emphasises a research-active environment with regular seminars, reading groups and opportunities to publish and present work at leading conferences.