School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences

PhD Computing and Mathematics

PhD Part-time 8 years, Full time Distance Learning 4 years, Full-time 4 years

Our PhD programme in Computing and Mathematics offers a dynamic research environment for students pursuing advanced research in computational sciences and mathematical theory.

Our PhD programme in Computing and Mathematics offers a dynamic research environment for students pursuing advanced research in computational sciences and mathematical theory.

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (8 years),Full time Distance Learning (4 years),Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus,University: Online Distance Learning
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The programme offers unique advantages for researchers:

  • Cross-disciplinary research opportunities
  • State-of-the-art computational facilities
  • Experienced supervision teams with proven completion records
  • Regular research seminars and workshops
  • Virtual and physical collaborative research spaces
  • Industry-relevant research projects
  • Global research community engagement

PhD students at the School of Mathematics and Computer Science are supervised by academics who are leading experts in their particular area of expertise. At least one academic in each supervisory team will have a track record of successful supervisions.

The School of Mathematics and Computer Science prides itself on the levels of support provided to postgraduate research students in the course of their PhD journey. Our academics meet regularly with their supervisees, and work closely with them at all stages of the project, from inception to completion.

The University of Wolverhampton provides a collegiate research environment and first-class facilities to its PhD students, including a dedicated postgraduate research room, access to the University’s Harrison Learning Centre and leading databases in the electronic resources.

Postgraduate research students are encouraged to present their research to University academics and fellow PhD students at colloquia within the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, which provide an encouraging and friendly environment for students to sharpen their research and presentation skills.

Our postgraduate research students are afforded the opportunity to develop their research skills through participation in training events organised by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

What's unique about this course?

  • Flexible Study Options: Choose between on-campus or distance learning pathways
  • Dual Discipline Focus: Combine advanced computing with mathematical theory
  • Research Computing Facilities: Access to high-performance computing clusters and specialist software
  • Expert Supervision: Work with leading researchers in computing and mathematics
  • Remote Research Support: Dedicated virtual learning environment for distance learners
  • Industry Partnerships: Strong links with technology companies and research organisations

What happens on the course?

The PhD programme follows three essential milestones:

1. Registration

  • Submit online 'Expression of Interest' form
  • Receive conditional offer if application is satisfactory
  • Work with allocated supervisor on research proposal development
  • Attend interview with final research proposal
  • Gain Faculty Research Committee (FRC) approval based on:
    • Sound research proposal with potential for postgraduate award
    • Appropriate resourcing for the research
  • Formal admission to the programme

2. Progression (18 months full-time/36 months part-time)

  • Produce a detailed progress paper summarising:
    • Research achievements
    • Future research plans
    • Research methods
  • Deliver oral presentation at progression workshop
  • Undergo independent assessment by FRC-nominated assessor
  • Receive recommendations from FRC to either:
    • Proceed as proposed
    • Proceed with specific amendments
    • Be placed 'at risk'
    • Change research degree sought

3. Examination

  • Submit completed thesis
  • Undergo oral examination (viva voce)
  • Assessment by two qualified examiners:
    • At least one external to the university
    • Second external examiner if candidate is university staff
  • Receive recommendations from examiners to University's Research Award Sub-Committee (RASC)
  • Final award decision

Throughout these milestones, students receive:

  • Regular supervisory meetings
  • Access to research training events
  • Opportunities to present at colloquia
  • Support from the Doctoral College
  • Teaching skills development opportunities

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

At Wolverhampton, you'll benefit from:

  • A vibrant research community spanning computing and mathematics
  • Access to our annual University Research Conference
  • Comprehensive Doctoral College training programmes
  • Teaching opportunities in undergraduate modules
  • Dedicated research computing facilities
  • Strong industry partnerships
  • Expert supervision from active researchers
  • Flexible study options including distance learning

Research Areas

We welcome research proposals in areas including:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Computer Vision and Graphics
  • Cryptography and Security
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computational Mathematics

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The School of Mathematics and Computer Science seeks to ensure, wherever possible, that PhD students have the opportunity to teach on relevant undergraduate modules.

Skills You Will Gain

Technical Skills:

  • Advanced Programming
  • Mathematical Modelling
  • Algorithm Development
  • Data Analysis
  • Research Computing
  • Software Development
  • Statistical Analysis

Research Skills:

  • Scientific Writing
  • Research Methodology
  • Project Management
  • Data Visualisation
  • Technical Communication
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Analysis

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full time Distance Learning £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full time Distance Learning £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full time Distance Learning £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full time Distance Learning £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time Distance Learning £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2356 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £2393 per year 2024-25
International Full time Distance Learning £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full time Distance Learning £8600 per year 2022-23
International Full time Distance Learning £9600 per year 2023-24
International Full time Distance Learning £9600 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15950 per year 2024-25
International Part-time Distance Learning £9600 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

For an applicant wishing to pursue a Research Degree in the area of Computing & Mathematics, whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (Writing - 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any other component) or its equivalent. 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.


Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.


Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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