Integrated PhD Computer Science
University of Essex
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Different course options
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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

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Location

Colchester Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

4 years

Course info

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Qualification

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Location

Colchester Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 years

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Computer Science
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Domestic
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Course info

An Integrated PhD provides a route into research study if you do not have a Master’s degree, or have very little research training. It enables you to spend your first year completing a Masters-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years. We also offer a ‘standard’ PhD in this subject which can be studied either full-time (3-4 years) or part-time (6-7 years).In your first year, this course provides you with the flexibility to master the areas of computing that ...Read more

An Integrated PhD provides a route into research study if you do not have a Master’s degree, or have very little research training. It enables you to spend your first year completing a Masters-level qualification, followed by a full-time PhD studied over 3-4 years. We also offer a ‘standard’ PhD in this subject which can be studied either full-time (3-4 years) or part-time (6-7 years).

In your first year, this course provides you with the flexibility to master the areas of computing that interest and excite you most. You choose from a range of topics including:

  • Intelligent systems and robotics
  • Machine learning and data mining
  • Human language understanding and text processing
  • Computer game development
  • Cloud and web technologies
  • Computer security
  • Evolutionary computation

In your second year you move into the PhD element of the course. Our research activity and supervision for the research part of this degree is concentrated in the following principal research areas: artificial intelligence, biologically inspired architectures, educational technology, e-learning, natural and evolutionary computation, natural language engineering, software agents and software engineering. Our cross-disciplinary projects draw on the expertise of our electronic engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, physicists, and psychologists.

Our work is supported by extensive networked computer facilities and software aids, together with a wide range of test and instrumentation equipment. Our research covers a range of topics, from the theory of computation and the philosophy of computer science, computational intelligence and computer games to artificial intelligence and robotics, with most of our research groups based around laboratories offering world-class facilities. Our impressive external research funding stands at multi-million pounds per year, and we participate in several EU initiatives and undertake projects under contract to many outside bodies, including government and industrial organisations.

Our School is a community of scholars leading the way in technological research and development. Today’s computer scientists are creative people who are focused and committed, yet restless and experimental. We are home to many of the world’s top scientists, and our work is driven by creativity and imagination as well as technical excellence. More than two-thirds of our research is rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent' (REF 2014).

Your future

Studying within our School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering provides both the recent graduate and the practising computer scientist with the opportunity to gain new skills or enhance existing ones.

Our graduates have achieved success in a variety of professions. Many have pursued careers in computing and information technology, while others have gone on to work in research organisations or become university academics.

Our recent graduates have progressed to a variety of senior positions in industry and academia. Some of the companies and organisations where our former graduates are now employed include:

  • Electronic Data Systems
  • Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
  • Bank of Mexico
  • Visa International
  • Hyper knowledge (Cambridge)
  • Hellenic Air Force
  • ICSS (Beijing)
  • United Microelectronic Corporation (Taiwan)

We also work with the university’s Employability and Careers Centre to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
35/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
30th
What students say
MN
Muhammad Nauman Aslam
29 Feb 24

It was..Read more

H
Harish
29 Feb 24

The best aspect of my uni experience was definitely the sense of community and camaraderie among students and faculty. The support system I found there was invaluable, whether it..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 1)
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Entry requirements

A good honours degree, or international equivalent, in: Computer Science; Computer Engineering; Computer Networks; Computer Games; Computing; Software Engineering, Electronic Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Telecommunication Engineering; Information Engineering; Automation; Mechatronic Engineering; Mathematics or Physics. Our four-year integrated PhD allows you to spend your first year studying at master’s level in order to develop the necessary knowledge and skills and to start your independent research in year two. Graduates of Computer Science; Computer Engineering; Computer Networks; Computer Games; Computing; Software Engineering must have studied: ONE programming module (e.g., C, C#, C++, Java, Python, Object Oriented programming, Advanced Programming); ONE maths module (e.g., Mathematics; Calculus; Algebra; Differential Equations); and ONE other computing related module (e.g., Database, Web development, Software engineering, Operating system, Computer architecture; Computer systems etc.). Graduates of Electronic Engineering; Electrical Engineering; Telecommunication Engineering; Automation; Mechatronic Engineering; Mathematics; Physics must have studied: ONE programming module (e.g., C, C#, C++, Java, Python, Object Oriented programming, Advanced Programming), ONE maths module (e.g. Mathematics; Calculus; Algebra; Differential Equations) and ONE other math module (e.g. Mathematics, Calculus, Algebra, Differential Equations, Probability and statistics, Signals and systems, Control theory, Control systems, Computer systems, Embedded systems, Microprocessors).

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£4,786 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£18,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

£18,750 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

Fees will increase for each academic year of study.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Computer Science reviews

Computer Science
Computer Science
MN
Muhammad Nauman Aslam
29 Feb 24
MSc Computer Networks and Security
It was...
Read more
H
Harish
29 Feb 24
MSc Data Science and ITs Applications
The best aspect of my uni experience was definitely the sense of community and camaraderie among students and faculty. The support system I found there was invaluable, whether it...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Essex
University of Essex , Colchester

The University of Essex prides itself on being at the forefront of research innovation and global change....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
30th
University of Essex
University of Essex Wivenhoe Park Colchester Essex CO4 3SQ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Hythe   0.6 miles away

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