University of Cambridge campus

Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Programme overview

The PhD is the primary research degree that can be taken in the Department of Computer Science and Technology. The PhD is a three to four-year full-time (four to seven-year part-time) programme of individual research on a topic agreed upon by the student and the department, under the guidance of a staff member as the student's Supervisor. All research students are admitted to read for the PhD degree on a probationary basis and will be registered for the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in the first instance.

Faculty: School of Technology  |  Department: Department of Computer Science and Technology  |  Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: January 2027, October 2027, January 2028  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

During this year, students may do some additional coursework and will write a research report that is likely to form the foundation of the eventual PhD thesis. The CPGS will involve four components: research skills training practical work research report of no more than 10,000 words attendance at research workshops and research seminars At the end of the third term and on completion of the CPGS, students whose performance indicates that they would be able to complete a PhD in a reasonable time will be upgraded to PhD status.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a First class Honours Degree. Applicants must have a first-class honours degree or equivalent. In addition to that, a master's-level degree (or other postgraduate work) is also highly desirable. Applicants wishing to apply to undertake a PhD on a part-time basis should refer to the University's and Department's admissions advice for potential part-time students. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element. International applicants needing a visa require ATAS clearance after an offer.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 42,546 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: January 2027, October 2027, January 2028

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

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