From cyber security, programming languages and concurrency, to artificial intelligence, data sciences, and interdisciplinary work with biosciences and psychology, a PhD in Computer Science will set you at the forefront of technological development, allowing you to make a difference in tomorrow's world.

As a research student within the School, you undertake original individual study in a specified area of computing under the guidance of an academic supervisor. You become a member of one of our research groups, where you work alongside other students and staff engaged in work in your field. 

We have many partnerships, both nationally and internationally, with universities and industry. You are encouraged to engage with these partners, as well as forge your own relationships in the wider research community. 

PhD study is extremely rewarding, as it gives you the opportunity to contribute something completely new to your area and to establish yourself as an expert. It also requires stamina, creativity and discipline.

Find out more information about our research programme.

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How to apply

To apply for a PhD, we recommend you contact one of our academics before completing your application.

You can find out about the research interests of our staff on our research groups pages

Approach potential supervisors to discuss your research topic to identity the supervisor(s) you want to work with and to get advice on how to prepare a research proposal.

You can find more details about the application process on our postgraduate how to apply page.  

When you are ready to apply, click the link below to submit your application.

How we support you

You will work closely with your supervisor, a member of academic staff, who is your principal source of support. If you choose a research area that has interdisciplinary aspects, you may have more than one supervisor. 

In addition to regular supervision, you will be supported by a supervisory panel of three academic staff who provide further structured input and guidance.

We support you in becoming an effective researcher through a series of weekly workshops taken in the first year. These cover research-specific subjects including how to access journals and review research publications, how to write and publish academic articles and how to present your work at seminars and conferences. You may also attend workshops on key transferable skills including communication, time management and teamwork provided by Kent Graduate and Researcher College.

Research was always something I liked, so for me I was taking my favourite parts of all my previous degrees and just doing more of it.

Research groups, topics and supervisors

We produce world-leading research across a wide range of areas which creates interesting opportunities for our students and researchers. You can find out more about our staff on our People page. See below to find a topics/supervisor in one of our research groups.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science  This group brings together interdisciplinary researchers investigating the interface between computer science and the domains of bioscience, cognition and physics. See a sample list of PhD topics and supervisors in Artificial intelligence and Data Science.

Cyber Security This group focuses on the technical aspects of particular classes of security problems. See a sample list of PhD topics and supervisors in Cyber Security.

Programming Languages and Systems This group researches both practical and theoretical aspects of programming language design and system building. See a sample list of PhD topics and supervisors in Programming Languages and Systems.

Students in the makerspace, The Shed

Fees and funding

Applications are welcome from those who have secured funding or are self-funded, as well as from those who are still looking for financial support. If you do not have your own funding, please tick the box in your application to say that you would like to be considered for funding

If you are self-funded, you can apply for loans for doctoral study, and you can also apply for a scholarship.

The University of Kent and the China Scholarship Council are jointly providing up to 20 fully funded PhD scholarships per annum for Chinese students to study at University of Kent's UK campuses. The deadline for applications is 2 February.

Further information about scholarships and funding.

students working at computers
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