PhD study in Computer Science at Liverpool

PhDs are post-graduate degrees - to apply for PhD/MPhil in Computer Science you should have a BSc or MSc degree in a subject related to Computer Science.
Please note that there is currently no online PhD Programme in our Department.

It is strongly recommended that PhD study should usually start in October. In principle, it is possible to commence at other times, but this would depend on the agreement of your supervisor.

Part time Study

PhD study in the Computer Science Department is normally undertaken full time (typically for three years). Part-time study is an exceptional case, and will require the agreement of your supervisor, and the Head of the Department.

For part-time study a student must either be in full-time employment or caring for a relative, and be based in Liverpool (or nearby). A letter from the employer is required confirming the student is employed full time and that they agree to his or her studying part-time. This letter should also confirm if the employer will pay the tuition fees.

Fees and Funding

Information about fees can be found on the main University web site, and these will increase by a small amount each year. Fees for most EU students are the same as for home students, and there are no additional bench fees.

Maintenance and living expenses will typically consist of about £6,000 per year.

The Department has some (limited) funding to support PhD students, who will have their tuition fees paid and also receive a bursary towards living costs. The University has some information on other sources of funding, and scholarships, and there is further information on funding available from the UK Grad programme.

Please note that you should apply for such scholarships yourself, which can typically only be done after receiving an offer for PhD study. This offer is not a guarantee of receiving a scholarship or other funding from the University.

Language requirements

If English is not your first language we would require evidence of suitable proficiency:

Please note that we do not recognise the College English Test (CET) as sufficient evidence of proficiency.

If you were taught in English in your school or university or did your degree in English instruction, we need official confirmation from your university regarding the language of instruction. Similarly, if you are working in a company using English, we need some official confirmation of this.