The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on offering support and development opportunities for PhD Students in STEM. You will be able to network with postgraduates outside the University through training from the Doctoral College, while our School of Mathematics and Computer Science grants Teaching Skills Development among other CV-complimenting qualities. Upon receiving your award for your oral examination and thesis, you will be able to progress in the directions explored by many of our alumni – including academic, government, NGO and private work – or to apply yourself in a new position of your choosing.
PhD Postgraduate research in Computer Science
Why choose this course?
What happens on the course?
The PhD programme in the School has the following three milestones:
- Registration
- Progression
- Examination
Registration
Applicants who satisfy the entry requirements are encouraged to complete the online 'Expression of Interest' form. If the initial application is satisfactory, a conditional offer will be issued and a potential supervisor will be allocated who will provide guidance on the research proposal development.
An interview will take place when the final draft of the research proposal is submitted for approval. The granting of the interview does not imply that the applicant will necessarily be admitted to a research degree programme.
Subject to the satisfactory interview and that the Faculty Research Committee (FRC) is satisfied that: a) the research proposal is sound and has the potential to deliver a postgraduate research award; and b) the proposal is appropriately resourced, the applicant will be admitted to the research degree programme.
Progression
All students who wish to study for a PhD are required to complete a progression within 18 months (for full-time students) or 36 months (for part-time students).
The student at the progression needs to produce a paper which summarises his/her achievements on the research programme and outlines future research plans (including research methods), and conduct an oral presentation of the paper at a workshop set up for the progression purpose.
An independent assessor, nominated by the FRC, reviews the paper produced, together with supervisors’ assessment, the student’s presentation and other evidence. On this basis, the assessor will provide evaluative comments and recommendations to the FRC. Upon considering all aspects, the FRC may recommend that the student a) proceed as proposed; b) proceed subject to changes or amendments being made, addressing the concerns raised; c) be placed 'at risk'; or d) change the research degree originally sought.
Examination
Towards the end of the research programme, the student will be examined on the basis of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce). Normally two qualified examiners are appointed, at least one of whom is external to the institution. If the student is a member of staff at the University, then a second external examiner will be appointed.
Following the oral examination, the examiners will make recommendations to the University’s Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC) whether the research degree sought can be awarded.
Potential Career Paths
Research degrees in the School of Mathematics and Computer Science can provide students with opportunities in a multitude of career paths, including academia, government, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Additional Information
Everything you need to know about this course!
The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.
In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.
University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.
University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.
Teaching Skills Development - At the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The School of Mathematics and Computer Science seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.
Location | Mode | Fee | Year |
---|---|---|---|
Home | Full-time | £4596 per year | 2022-23 |
Home | Full-time | £4596 per year | 2022-23 |
Home | Full-time | £4712 per year | 2023-24 |
Home | Full-time | £4786 per year | 2024-25 |
Home | Part-time | £2298 per year | 2022-23 |
Home | Part-time | £2298 per year | 2022-23 |
Home | Part-time | £2356 per year | 2023-24 |
Home | Part-time | £2393 per year | 2024-25 |
International | Full-time | £14450 per year | 2022-23 |
International | Full-time | £14450 per year | 2022-23 |
International | Full-time | £15450 per year | 2023-24 |
International | Full-time | £15950 per year | 2024-25 |
The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed
Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:
• a first or upper second class honours degree, or
• a master’s degree, or
• evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.
For an applicant wishing to pursue a Research Degree in the area of Computer Science, whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (Writing - 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any other component) or its equivalent.
Financial support for research study:
Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.
Government loans (Home Fee Status):
Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.
Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students
For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.
Self-funded:
We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.
Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:
To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.
There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.
For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research StudentsResearch councils:
The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.
University Research Studentships:
The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.Other sources:
Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.
You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.