Formal Languages and Models of Computation
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
The area of formal language and automata theory focuses on the investigation of abstract machines and is particularly interested in what problems these devices can solve and what resources they use. The importance of these formalisms is fundamental in theoretical computer science, as their utility has been found in many areas, including compiler construction, text manipulation, and formal verification. This is related to their capability of representing potentially infinite sets using finite representations.
Their theoretical as well as practical importance motivates investigation into how to obtain optimised implementations. In this setting, it is important to keep their representations, algorithms, and resource usage as succinct and limited as possible, depending on the specific characteristics of the devices under consideration. This project will span from the study of these models and their computations to the investigation of the complexity of their algorithms, exploring techniques and tools from the area of formal language theory.
The goal is to expand knowledge in this branch of theoretical computer science in order to improve understanding of different models of computation operating under resource restrictions, and to develop theories and techniques to study these devices. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Key highlights
- Investigates abstract machines, the problems they solve and resources used
- Explores algorithmic complexity using formal language theory techniques
- Focuses on optimised, succinct implementations of automata and formalisms
- Applications span compiler construction, text manipulation and formal verification
- Studies models of computation operating under resource restrictions
- 94% of research impact rated world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
Entry requirements
- Degree: 1st — 1st in computer science-related degree
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Academic researcher in theoretical computer science
- University lecturer in computer science
- Postdoctoral research associate
- Formal verification engineer
- Compiler engineer
- Research scientist
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,238 | International: £29,500
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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