University of Essex

PhD Computer Science

University of Essex

Course overview

The PhD in Computer Science at the University of Essex is a research programme that allows students to explore a chosen Computer Science topic in-depth, resulting in the creation of new knowledge. The programme focuses on key areas such as artificial intelligence, natural language engineering, software engineering, e-learning, and natural and evolutionary computation. 

Learning during this course is non-taught and is centred around regular one-on-one interaction with a dedicated supervisor who provides personal guidance to refine students' research skills throughout the programme. Assessment involves an oral examination, where students defend their 80,000-word thesis before a panel. During this course, students will also benefit from access to world-class facilities, including the specialist BCI and Robotics laboratories

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit a personal statement discussing their reasons for applying for the course and other important information regarding their studies. A relevant academic or employer reference is also required. Students have the option to upload their CV along with their applications to show their work experience. Also, a well-developed research proposal is essential.

Grade Requirements:

  • Candidates need at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree in a related subject or a well-developed research proposal.

English Proficiency:

  • Candidates whose first language is not English need to achieve an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each section.

  • Equivalent English tests like TOEFL or PTE are also accepted.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Loyalty Discount

    First Class or Distinction, 2.1 or Merit, 2.2 or successful completion of a Masters, Graduate or PG Diploma - 20%.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Essex Futures BT– Masters Scholarship

    School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) is delighted to be offering up to six scholarship worth £5,500 each for 1 year full time.

    Up to £5,500

  • Essex Preparation Programme Bursary

    £250 cash bursary.

    Up to £250

  • Global Talent Masters Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a scholarship worth £5,000, paid as a discount on your tuition fee.

    Up to £5,000

  • Hong Kong Undergraduate Scholarship

    The awards offered are a discount of £5,000 per year for a maximum of three years of full-time undergraduate study, up to a maximum of £15,000.

    Up to £15,000

  • Hugh Brogan Bursary

    If you are applying to study a History MA degree, you could be eligible for one of four available cash bursaries worth £2,500.

    Up to £2,500

  • International Baccalaureate Excellence Scholarship

    If you're starting at Essex in 2026-27 and achieve academic excellence in your International Baccalaureate, we will offer you a scholarship of £2,000 for your first year of study.

    Up to £2,000

  • Performance Sports Scholarships and Bursaries

    Tier 1 - Tuition fee discount up to 100%, Tier 2 - Cash bursary (of varying amounts), Tier 3 - Access to the above performance package benefits, with a value of up to £1,500.

  • Postgraduate Masters (PGT) International Health Bursary

    The University is offering a bursary of £776 for Masters (PGT) international students.

    Up to £776

  • Postgraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You could be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £6,500, for your first year of study at Essex.

    Up to £6,500

  • Sociology and Criminology - Fuller PGT Scholarship

    The Department of Sociology and Criminology is offering scholarships of £11,025 to support six postgraduate students to study within the department in 2026-2027.

    Up to £11,025

  • The Always Essex Staff Discount Scholarship

    33% discount of the first-year tuition fee (first two years for part-time study).

  • The Eleonore Koch Travel Fund

    The School of Philosophical, Historical & Interdisciplinary Studies is offering a bursary of up to £5,000.

  • The Essex MBA Dean's Award

    The school is able to offer fee discounts between 10% - 100% of tuition fee value.

  • The International Undergraduate Scholarship

    The award is offered as a £5,000 discount on your tuition fees for the first year of study in 2026-27 only.

    Up to £5,000

  • The Ronald J. Hill Fund

    The department of Government is offering a bursary of £3,000 to assist one postgraduate student within the department of Government to assist with tuition fees or living costs.

    Up to £3,000

  • The Undergraduate Premium Pathway Scholarship

    You may be eligible for a tuition fee discount of £5,000, for each year of study at Essex up to a maximum of 3 years.

    Up to £5,000

  • University of Sanctuary Scholarship

Career opportunities

Graduates of the PhD Computer Science from the University of Essex can pursue roles in the following areas:

  • Research Science

  • Machine Learning Engineering

  • Data Science

  • Cybersecurity Analysis

  • Postdoctoral Research

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee for international students taking the PhD in Computer Science in the University of Essex is £19,650.

Admission

Candidates can apply directly through the University's website. You can reach out to our trained counsellors for further assistance.

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