Birmingham City University

PhD Computing Research Degrees

Birmingham City University

Course overview

The PhD Computer Research Degrees at Birmingham City University are designed to enable students to explore research areas related to hardware of telecommunications, computer networks, game technology and software engineering. Staff members are actively engaged in research fields including e-business, home automation, and learning technologies. 

Specialist supervision is available for individuals wishing to pursue research programmes leading to the award of a PhD. Research can be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis. Upon acceptance into the PhD programme, candidates will be assigned a Director of Studies (the primary supervisor) along with at least one second supervisor. A structured programme of training workshops and seminars will be provided to support the research journey.

Research students benefit from exposure to an inclusive academic community and are encouraged to engage in seminars, publish with supervisors, and participate in national and international conferences. The faculty also hosts a growing research student community that organises both social and academic events.

Entry requirements

As part of the application process, applicants are expected to submit a research proposal that outlines their intended area of study, its significance, and the approach they plan to take.

Grade Requirements:

  • Candidates are expected to make enquiries into available programmes of interest.

English Proficiency:

  • International students must show English language proficiency equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no individual component scoring below 6.0.

Scholarships

  • Accelerate Scholarship

    If you come from a lower income family or household, you could receive an offer that is up to four grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.

    Up to £1,000

  • Bowater Financial Assistance Award

  • Graduate Scholarship

    20% fee discount for BCU graduates undertaking Master’s or PhD study.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • International Postgraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a scholarship of £3,000 to all self-funding international postgraduate students joining BCU on a full-time postgraduate taught Master’s degree in 2026.

    Up to £3,000

  • International Undergraduate Scholarships

    BCU is offering a guaranteed scholarship of £5,000 to all self-funding international undergraduate students joining BCU on a full-time degree in September 2026.

    Up to £5,000

  • Sports Scholarship

    Enhanced performance support funding.

  • The High Achievers' Scholarship

    You will be eligible for a £1,000 scholarship to get your university life off to a flying start.

    Up to £1,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Computer Research Degrees from Birmingham City University can pursue various career roles, including:

  • Research Scientist
  • Machine Language Engineer
  • Computer Vision Specialist 
  • Tech Founder
  • AI Ethics Researcher
  • Quantitative Analyst

Cost of study

For international students enrolling in the PhD Computer Research Degrees at Birmingham City University, the tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £15,100.

Admission

Applications for the  PhD Computer Research Degrees programme are made online through Birmingham University’s website. Our trained counsellors are available to help applicants understand and meet the entry requirements.

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