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level: PG top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: false part_time: false start_month: October, March location: Waterside

​​Computing MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works​​

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  3. ​​Computing MPhil/PhD/PhD by Published works​​

Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG

  • Duration

    MPhil Full Time (on and off-site): 12 months – 3 years MPhil Part Time (on and off-site): 30 months – 5 years
    PhD Full Time (on and off-site): 2 – 4 years PhD Part Time (on and off-site): 3 – 6 years
    PhD by Published Works Part Time (on and off-site): 1 – 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

Updated 16/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 16/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

Earn your doctorate in computer science and elevate your expertise in the field with a postgraduate research degree from the University of Northampton. Whether you pursue a PhD, MPhil, or PhD by Published Works, our programmes are designed to enhance your knowledge and research abilities. Our programme is informed by active researchers, industry professionals, and academic bodies, ensuring the content is up-to-date, relevant, and engaging. As a research student, you will undertake a sophisticated research project guided by a select group of academic experts and a Director of Studies. Commitment to personal skill development and scholarly presentations is expected. Upon successful thesis defence, you will be awarded the most prestigious degree from a UK university, positioning you for advanced management roles within the industry. Applications are welcomed across all our dynamic research domains. Find out more about our Centre for the Advanced and Smart Technologies (CAST)​​.

The submission cut-off for the October intake is the 1 August, while the deadline for the March intake falls on the 11 December. 

Highlights

  • ​​Advance the field of computing and computer science.
  • ​Team of distinguished professionals.  ​
  • Delve into pioneering research domains.
  • ​Exceptional guidance and oversight.
  • Robust supervisory techniques and assistance.
  • Collaborate with renowned specialists.​

Entry Requirements

​​Candidates applying should possess a Master’s qualification or have achieved a 2:1 or first-class honours in a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) in a field relevant to the proposed project.  Equivalent academic backgrounds will also be considered, particularly if you have gained experience or developed a keen interest in your field of work after your formal education.

​Additionally, it is required that you substantiate your preparedness to undertake the proposed project detailed in your application. This substantiation should be presented as a comprehensive research proposal.  Please view the guidance notes on how to write a proposal for a research degree.​

Acceptance into the Computing PhD programme is contingent upon the following conditions:

  • ​A positive outcome from the interview conducted by the University.
  • ​Availability of appropriate Research Supervision Support.​

  • Applicants for the Computing PhD whose primary language is not English are required to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in all aspects of English, particularly in writing. This is typically evidenced by achieving a score of at least 7.0 overall on the IELTS exam, with a minimum of 6.5 in each section including writing, or an equivalent qualification.

    ​The Computing PhD academic programme demands engagement with intricate theoretical discussions and texts, necessitating a strong command of English. Consequently, candidates with an IELTS score below 5.5 in any category, or an equivalent score, will unfortunately not be eligible for consideration.

Course Content

  • The computing doctoral program, available as both full-time and part-time, is designed for individuals who are focused on a specific research question or topic and are committed to conducting independent research that will make a novel contribution to the field. For those aiming for a career in research, this programme represents the ideal pathway to achieve that goal.

    This research programme offers a unique opportunity for you to hone your area of expertise and enhance your technical abilities. You will receive mentorship from a select group of scholarly specialists, all coordinated by a Director of Studies to ensure a focused and enriching academic experience.

    As you embark on research projects, you will first undergo comprehensive training tailored to your field and the project. This foundational training is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to carry out your research autonomously and proficiently. You are anticipated to actively participate in further skill enhancement and training opportunities. Additionally, you will have the responsibility to showcase your research findings within various academic settings.

    The evaluation of your doctoral degree will involve the submission of a comprehensive written thesis, followed by an oral defence examination, commonly known as a viva voce.

    For full details of how to apply for a Research degree at the University of Northampton, please visit How to apply for research degree study.

  • ​​What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?  

    ​The primary distinction between a traditional PhD and a PhD by Published Works lies in the pathway to achieving the doctoral degree. A PhD by Published Works is a streamlined, part-time doctoral program designed for individuals who have conducted substantial research over an extended period.

    Candidates for this type of PhD have a portfolio of publications derived from their research efforts, which have been disseminated in various reputable formats or peer-reviewed journals.

    ​On the other hand, a traditional PhD, often referred to as a full PhD, represents the conventional approach to doctoral studies.

    This Computing PhD programme is available across a wide array of research disciplines. Pursuing a full PhD involves engaging in independent and novel research. The culmination of this research journey is the presentation of a comprehensive thesis that encapsulates the findings and contributions of the candidate’s scholarly work.

    ​Do I require an ATAS certificate? 

    If you’re a researcher coming to the UK as a visitor, on a VISA or are already in the UK and have a VISA, you may need to obtain an ATAS certificate before beginning any relevant research activity in the UK.  It is your responsibility to check if you require ATAS clearance.
    ​
    ​You must have your ATAS clearance certificate to allow you to apply for your sponsored visa.
    ​
    ​Further guidance is also available on the UK government website: ATAS guidance. ​

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

  • UK – Full Time: £5,700
  • UK – Part Time: £2,845
  • International – Full Time: £16,350
  • International – Part Time: £7,640

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

  • UK – Part Time: £3,600
  • International – Part Time: £7,840

Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    Doctor of Philosophy Degrees, including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) practice based in the Arts, Master of Philosophy (MPhil):

    UK Students

    • Full time: £5,340
    • Part time: £2,695

    International Students

    • Full time: £15,480.00
    • Part Time: £7,245

    Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works, including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works:

    • UK part time: £3,400
    • International part time: £7,460

    Please visit the funding page for more details on how to fund your study.

Staff

Michael Opoku Agyeman, Professor of Computer Engineering

Professor of Computer Engineering
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Michael Opoku Agyeman
Mu Mu, Professor of Human-Centred Data Intelligence

Professor of Human-Centred Data Intelligence
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Mu Mu
James Xue, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

James Xue
Triantafyllos Kanakis, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Triantafyllos Kanakis
Yinghui Zhang, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Yinghui Zhang
Suraj Ajit, Associate Professor in Computer Science

Associate Professor in Computer Science
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Suraj Ajit
Mark Johnson, Senior Lecturer - Computing

Senior Lecturer - Computing
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Mark Johnson
Anastasios Bakaoukas, Senior Lecturer in Games Programming

Senior Lecturer in Games Programming
Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

Anastasios Bakaoukas

Careers and Employability

When you finish this course, you will be able to find research and development roles within the industry or progress into an academic career or enter business at a managerial level. Our graduates have gone on to further study and secured jobs in senior positions around the world. ​

Is this course for you?

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