Computer Science Integrated PhD
Our Computer Science Integrated PhD combines taught master's computer science modules with research.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year:
Start date(s):
- September 2023
Overview
This Integrated PhD in Computer Science provides an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. You'll 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.
Our computer science research
Based in the School of Computing, our research reflects our strengths, capabilities and critical mass. Research supervision is available under our seven research areas.
The AMBER group aims to equip systems and software engineering practitioners with effective methods and tools for developing the most demanding computer systems. We do this by means of models with well-founded semantics.
Open Lab is the leading academic research centre for human-computer interaction (HCI) and ubiquitous computing (Ubicomp) research outside of the USA. It conducts research across a wide range of fundamental topics in HCI and Ubicomp, including:
- interaction design methods, techniques and technologies
- mobile, social and wearable computing
- computational behaviour analysis
ICOS carries out research at the interface of computing science and complex biological systems. We seek to create the next generation of algorithms that provide innovative solutions to problems arising in natural or synthetic systems. We use our interdisciplinary expertise in machine intelligence, complex systems and computational biology.
The Scalable Systems group creates the enabling technology we need to deliver tomorrow's large-scale services. This includes work on:
- scalable cloud computing
- big data analytics
- distributed algorithms
- stochastic modelling
- performance analysis
- video game technologies
- green computing
The Secure and Resilient Systems group investigates fundamental concepts, development techniques, models, architectures and mechanisms that directly contribute to creating dependable and secure information systems, networks and infrastructures. We aim to target real-world challenges to the dependability and security of the next generation:
- information systems
- cyber-physical systems
- critical infrastructures
The Educational Practice in Computing group focusses on encouraging, fostering and pursuing innovation in teaching computing science. Through this group, your research will focus on pedagogy. You'll apply your research to maximise the impact of innovative teaching practices, programmes and curricula in the School. Examples of innovation work within the group include:
- teacher training and the national Computing at School initiative
- outreach activities including visits to schools and hosting visits by schools
- participation in national fora for teaching innovation
The NUSE group provides quality of life improvements in the digital age. They address challenges in systems engineering for real-world applications. This includes autonomous transportation, green energy, online safety, big data analysis and digital health.
Their core research strengths include:
- cloud/edge computing and big data management
- Internet-of-things (IoT) and cyber resilience
- edge intelligence
- knowledge representation and reasoning
- health data management
- real-time simulations
- video game engineering
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
READ MORE
Important information
We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
(only use this component if course has more than one qualification option)
Each IPhD contains a significant and tailored taught component, assessed annually, and culminates with a research project written up as a thesis.
The taught component is the main difference between the IPhD and a standard PhD programme.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
What you'll learn
The IPhD combines taught master's level modules with research. As an IPhD student, you'll initially study alongside students on one of our computer science master's. You can choose from one of the following:
Data Science (with Artificial Intelligence) MSc
Data Science (with Specialisation in Statistics) MSc
Data Science (with Visualisation) MSc
Human Computer Interaction MSc
Additionally you'll take the 30 credit short project module Project and Dissertation for MCOMP. The project topic should match the specialisation.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
How you'll learn
Delivery
As this is an integrated PhD you'll complete taught modules and receive support from our doctoral training centres, Faculty Training Programme and Research Student Support Team.
Research
Your first research year will be spent identifying a hypothesis and developing an approach to answer it.
You'll 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'll receive training in:
- presentations
- interviewing
- technical skills
- teaching skills
Once your supervisor has approved your research topic you can conduct your research.
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Poster
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Reflective log
- Written exercise
Your assessment includes:
- a written thesis
- an oral examination called a viva
At your viva you'll discuss your research with two examiners. This includes a leading researcher from outside Newcastle University.
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'll encourage you to take part in a variety of activities. This includes taking part in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers.
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Our staff
Our teaching staff have international reputations, including some with extensive experience as practitioners.
Your development
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the SAgE researcher development programme
Your future
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.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
The School of Computing is based in the £58million Urban Sciences Building, a flagship development located on the £350m Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
Home fees for research degree students
For 2023-24 entry, we will be aligning our standard Home research fees with those set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The standard fee will be confirmed in Spring 2023 by UKRI. The Home tuition fees for this course will be updated after this confirmation.
If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding
Find funding available for your course
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2023 entry.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course
How to apply
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Apply Online
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:
- campus tours
- on-campus open days
- virtual open days
- webinars
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually
Overseas events
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.
Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
Admissions Secretary
School of Computing
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 2736
Email: Computing.Admissions@ncl.ac.uk
Online
For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form.
Live chat
Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help.
You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page.
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email
Chat to a student
Chat online with current students with our Unibuddy platform.