Computing
We are one of the largest computer science departments in the UK and a world leader in academic research, offering an exciting research environment for prospective postgraduate students.
Course key facts
Qualification
PhD
Duration
4 years , 6 years
Study mode
Full-time, Part-time
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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White City
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Academic requirements
First Class or Distinction Masters degree or equivalent, in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science or mathematics.
Course overview
Computing is a creative and wide-ranging subject, combining theoretical understanding, sound engineering practices and clear logical thinking to build systems that really work and are fit for purpose. We are one of the largest computer science departments in the UK and a world leader in academic research, offering an exciting research environment for prospective postgraduate students.
PhD supervisors in our department work on a broad range of Computing research themes, a list is available on our research page.
Every year between 50-70 successful applicants are accepted for the PhD programme in the Department or in our Centres for Doctoral Training. We have a wide variety of scholarships for PhD students, including funding from research councils, research projects, industry, and teaching scholarships. We provide up to 30 fully-funded departmental PhD Studentships for UK and overseas (including EU) students per year, awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and equality and diversity criteria.
Structure
Milestones for the first year of study include:
Within 3 months of starting:
Submit a short research plan, summarising the problem you have been set, and your proposed plan to work on it.
Within 12 months of starting (24 months for part-time):
Submit a report (Early Stage Assessment) summarising the first year’s work, including courses taken. There is a short oral examination to assess this.
Entry requirements
Footnotes
First Class or Distinction Master's level degree, or equivalent, in a relevant scientific or technical discipline, such as computer science or mathematics.
Please check the Imperial College Entry requirements to ensure you meet the minimum entry criteria for research in the College. The Computing department requires additional requirements as listed on the departmental PhD application guideline.
Supervisors
You can view our list of potential supervisors and their research interests on our Academic staff page.
How to apply
Apply online
As part of the application you will be asked to provide a CV, transcripts, a Research statement (including an indication of potential supervisors) as well as a personal statement.
October is the usual start date. For students unable to meet this entry date, admission in January and April may also possible.
Application deadlines:
- 15 October 2024
- 15 December 2024
- 15 February 2024
- 15 April 2024.
Please note that we will normally consider your application only after you have formally applied and your application has been received by the Department. Therefore we recommend that you submit an application prior to contacting academics about research topics.
As part of the application you will be asked to provide a CV, transcripts, a Research statement (including an indication of potential supervisors) as well as a personal statement.
If shortlisted for interview applicants will be expected to prepare a presentation as per the request of the interview panel (which will consist of the potential supervisor and another member of the academic staff).
We will need two reference letters if the application is ready to move to offer stage.
You will find more details about the application process on our application guideline page.
For any enquiries or assistance with the application process or any additional information to do with the PhD program please contact PhD/MRes Program Manager Dr. Amani El-Kholy .
Apply online through Imperial Gateway using course code: G5ZP.
General information relating to applying to Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research programmes can be found on our Postgraduate Doctoral pages.
Fees and funding
The Department of Computing provides up to 30 fully-funded PhD Studentships for UK and overseas (including EU) students per year, awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and equality and diversity criteria.
We have a wide variety of scholarships for PhD students, including funding from research councils, research projects, industry, and teaching scholarships. More than 80% of our PhD students receive funding.
We have some departmental scholarships available.
We also have a range of grants and scholarships which you do not need to pay back.
For further information about possible sources of funding please visit our Scholarships page.
Scholarships
Career
Graduates of the PhD programme go on to a wide variety of careers destinations. A PhD provides academic training and also experience of a wide range of transferable skills that equip graduates with the skills necessary to embark on a range of careers. Some students continue into post-doctoral positions and ultimately academic careers, whilst many find their futures in non-academic environments.
Further links
Success Guide
The Success Guide for postgraduate students offers you advice and resources to excel at Imperial College London.
Support for International Students
We provide specialist immigration advice and run a programme of webinars, trips and events to foster integration, friendship and community.
Centre for Academic English
Throughout your degree, you can take advantage of a range of CfAE courses and resources designed to help you communicate your STEMM research effectively.
Library services
Your subject librarian can help you find books and access online resources
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.