PhD in Computer Science

Join a vibrant and internationally-respected research community working at the cutting edge of computer science.

Study in a dynamic and challenging department, where academic rigour and excellence is at the heart of everything we do. You'll have the opportunity to work with leading academics and be part of a growing community of postgraduate researchers.

Your research

The focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research methods to support your growing expertise.

During your PhD, your academic progress will be assessed through formal and informal meetings, written work, seminars and presentations.

Your research will culminate in a thesis of up to 80,000 words and an oral examination, known as a viva, where you are questioned about your thesis. To successfully pass the course, your thesis should represent an original contribution to scientific knowledge or understanding, and have the potential to influence practice, policy and understanding in your field of interest.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Computer Science.

The Department of Computer Science is located on Campus East.

Entry requirements

To apply for these courses you should hold, or expect to hold, an honours degree in computer science or a related field, with a 2:1 or first-class honours (or overseas equivalent).

We are willing to consider your application if you do not fit this profile, providing you are able to demonstrate that you have sufficient computer science knowledge and experience to succeed on the programme.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Apply for the PhD

Apply for the PhD (by distance learning)

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

Identify a supervisor

You should find a potential supervisor in the Department whose area of research overlaps with yours.

Our research focuses on different interdisciplinary areas of computer science and reflect the core strengths and expertise within the Department. Explore our research groups to find more information about the aims and objectives of the group and the names of group members. You can use this information to identify the groups where interests match your own and identify a potential supervisor for your research. 

You're welcome to email a prospective supervisor informally to find out more about their research or to ask if they might be considering taking on a postgraduate researcher.

Explore our research

Interviews

If we are impressed by your full application, personal statement and references, we will invite you to an interview.

The interview panel will be made up of your potential supervisor(s) and an independent academic. During your interview, it is important that you demonstrate an understanding of your chosen topic and its supporting theories.

For students based outside the UK, interviews are held via Zoom. Applicants based in the UK are offered the opportunity to attend their interview in York. If you choose to attend in person, your visit will include a tour of the Department and its facilities.

If your first language is not English, you should be fluent enough to speak confidently about your intended area of research and discuss your background and interests with a panel of academics.