Computer Science (Research)

Our Computer Science Integrated PhD combines taught computer science modules with research. It gives you an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. You will work within a research group, guided by experts and supported by a team of advisers.

Our Computer Science Integrated PhD (IPhD) allows you to match your studies with your interests. You can choose from a wide range of modules and select your own focus for your final project.

Research

Based in the School of Computing Science, our research reflects our strengths, capabilities and critical mass. Research supervision is available under our six research areas:

Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning (AMBER)
Digital Interaction Group (DIG)
Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS)
Scalable Computing
Secure and Resilient Systems
Teaching Innovation Group.

Research excellence

The excellence of our research has been recognised through awards of large research grants. Three recent examples are:
•Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data. Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
•Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics. Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
•A £10m project to look at novel treatment for epilepsy. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research Grant

Our teaching staff have international reputations, including some with extensive experience as practitioners. All our staff will work to support you in your studies, from admissions to graduation and your career beyond.

To get the most out of your study experience, we will encourage you to take part in a variety of activities. This includes taking part in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers.

Delivery:

Taught modules:

The IPhD combines taught Master's level modules with research. As an IPhD student, you will initially study alongside students on one of our masters' courses in computer science. You can choose from one of the following:
•Advanced Computer Science MSc
•Bioinformatics MSc
•Computational Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics MSc
•Synthetic Biology MSc
•Computational Systems Biology MSc
•Computer Science MSc
•Computer Security and Resilience MSc
•Computer Game Engineering MSc
•Cloud Computing MSc.

You must get an average of 65% in your taught modules to proceed with your research. If you get less than 65% you can continue with a Master's level research project. You will then graduate with an appropriate Master's degree.

Research:

Your first research year will be spent identifying a hypothesis and developing an approach to answer it.

You will also take short courses on research skills, innovation, personal and career development. The study skills you gain will help you manage your research project. You will receive training in:
•presentations
•interviewing
•technical skills
•teaching skills.

Once your supervisor has approved your research topic you can conduct your research. Your assessment includes:
•a written thesis
•an oral examination called a viva.

At your viva you will discuss your research with two examiners. This includes a leading researcher from outside Newcastle University.

Placements:

Members of our industry advisory group help to ensure that the programme is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. There are opportunities to choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it.

Accreditation

We have a policy of seeking British Computer Society (BCS) accreditation for all of our degrees, so you can be assured that you will graduate with a degree that meets the standards set out by the IT industry. Studying a BCS-accredited degree provides the foundation for professional membership of the BCS on graduation and is the first step to becoming a chartered IT professional.