PhD and research degrees

In the School of Computing we work to support our high-quality research with a vibrant postgraduate population. We welcome new PhD and MSc research students to join our research environment.

New PhD Scholarships

You can apply for a degree in any topic that falls within our range of expertise. We have scholarships that are available by competition.

Occasionally, we have additional funding linked to specific projects, with a more defined research plans. If these are available they will be listed below.

PhD in Machine Learning for Portfolio Optimisation - applications now open

Interested in postgraduate study?

In a research degree you will undertake original individual study in a specified area of computing under the guidance of an academic supervisor.

PhD study

A full-time PhD degree will require a minimum of three years’ work. While developing your own doctoral project, you will have the exciting opportunity to contribute something truly novel, and establish yourself as an expert in your domain of choice. While extremely rewarding, doctoral studies require independence, stamina, creativity and discipline.

All research students join a Research Group and are encouraged to work within the School, and to engage with the wider national and international research communities.

Our research groups:

Computational Intelligence

suggested PhD topics

Computing Education

suggested PhD topics

Data Science

suggested PhD topics

Programming Languages and Systems

suggested PhD topics

Cyber Security

suggested PhD topics

MSc study

If a three-year committment is unfeasible for you at this stage, you may consider applying for an MSc research degree. These are smaller projects, which can be completed in one year.

Career prospects

Our postgraduate students follow a various range of career paths after getting a degree. A PhD is essential for getting a good academic job. Many of our alumni get employment across a variety of sectors including high technology company, startups, and government.

Why choose Kent?

The School of Computing was ranked highly in the recent government run Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. This demonstrated the quantity and quality of academic research in the school

Research in depth: all our full-time research academics were evaluated
81% of our research was classified as world leading or internationally excellent (considered to be the highest levels of 4* or 3*)
We are ranked 12th out of 89 for research intensity
Our research has lead to significant benefits outside of academia with 100% of our research impact considered world leading or internationally excellent

National and international recognition for our research and strong links with industry underpin all our work. Our research activity is wide ranging and takes place within focused Research Groups which provide a supportive research community for all members, staff or student. If you are interested in working in these areas, the Research Group pages will give further details of the scope of work and potential projects in that area.

Find out about employability of our graduates from Dr Caroline Ling Li and Professor David Chadwick (videos courtesy of Postgraduate search).

We offer substantial support with funding for students undertaking research degrees. See funding opportunities for further details.

Our PhD students are part of a supportive community and have the opportunity to take part in an activity weekend and PG Conference each year.