Postgraduate Research

The Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling (CSM) has a thriving Postgraduate Reseach (PGR) community who are integral to the success of our centre and contribute across our portfolio. We welcome applications from qualified candidates.

Why study with us?

• World-leading researcher staff available as supervisors.
• Develop highly sought after skills in computational and data science.
• Range of projects including those with industry links, those run as co-tutelle with other universities, and those linked to larger research initiatives.
• Access to high performance computing facilities including powerful workstations in our building, the Coventry University HPC and SULIS: the West Midlands Tier 2 platform.
• Access to Internet of Things Lab with development and demonstration facilities.
• Take part in the centre seminar series with regular external speakers, our academic development events, and away days.
• Supportive PGR community including PGR Reps, PGR seminar series and peer learning activities.
• Access to the Coventry University PGR Development Activities run by the Centre for Research Capability and Development.

PGR programmes

• PhD: Most students opt to study in-person with us in Coventry on the traditional PhD programme. This is available as either Full Time (three-four years) or Part Time (six-seven years). In either case, students are based in our building in Coventry where they work directly with their supervisors and peers.
• Structured Online PhD: The centre has also developed an innovative new Structured Online PhD Programme which provides a scaffolded and supportive approach for distance learners to gain their Doctorate.
• Professional Doctorate: For candidates currently working in security or defence, including law enforcement, criminal justice, intelligence, civil service, and cyber security, the university’s Professional Doctorate of Security Science offers a uniquely tailored and flexible programme to gain a doctorate part time alongside their career.
• PhD by Publication: Coventry University’s innovative PhD by Publication programme is designed for researchers who are already active and publishing, and now seek to validate their work for a PhD degree and write a corresponding thesis. There is a two year pathway for those who have already published sufficient research and a three way pathway for those who need to produce further outputs.

How to apply

1. Candidates are invited to apply against existing funded PhD projects, which, when available, are advertised on our Research Studentships Candidates are encouraged to first contact the lead academic for the PhD project by email to discuss the project and their fit, before making a formal application via the PGR+ system.
2. If a suitable funded project is not available candidates can still apply for PhD study, to utilise external funding they have secured. Applications can be made either for in-person study, or remote study on either our Structured PhD Programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, or the Professional Doctorate of Security Sciences.

In all cases, applicants must first contact a member of staff at the centre to formulate a suitable PhD project. Only after a project has been developed and approved by the centre can a formal application be made via the PGR+ system.  

Candidates are advised to start by making an expression of interest to one of our theme leads who can help direct them to an appropriate staff member for developing a project with them:

• Professor James Brusey – AI for Cyber Physical Systems Theme
• Dr Matthew England – Fundamental Algorithms for AI Theme
• Professor Vasile Palade – Machine Learning for Computer Vision and Natural Language Processing Theme

An expression of interest should take the form of an email which specifies the research interests of the candidates, and comes with an up-to-date CV, transcripts of results from previous degrees, and confirmation they meet the English requirements for the program.

• Our PhD by Publication route is open to candidates who have already published research articles whose underpinning research has not before been put forward for a PhD. Candidates interested in this should contact the PGR Lead, Professor Vasile Palade in the first instance.

Please note that while in all cases applications must be made through the Coventry University PGR+ application system before any formal offer, candidates should contact a staff member prior to embarking on a formal application. 

Candidates are also advised to take note of the entry criteria for PhD study and ensure they upload all necessary documentation when making any application.

For further information visit the University's Making an Application page.

Testimonials

Sara Sardari - Cotutelle PhD Student

I recommend doing a joint degree at Coventry because it assists you to expand your international academic network and introduces you to more career opportunities in the future. You can also enjoy attending different regularly held research-related events in both the universities which can help you promote your knowledge and experience.

Rashid Barket - Industry Funded PhD Student

As an avid user of Maple, getting to work with Maplesoft to develop state-of-the-art models to improve their functionality is exciting. I look forward to spending time with Maplesoft's research team and seeing how my work has a direct impact on their software.