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The PhD Programme in Computer Science

Applications are invited from candidates with good first degrees in computer science, engineering, physics, maths, biology, neuroscience or other relevant disciplines to join projects as research students. Projects are available for PhD students (three years full time, six years part time) and for MSc by Research students (one year full time, two years part time).

Previously Funded PhD projects

Adaptive Systems Research Group

  • Artificial Intelligence in Games
  • Information and the Origin of Cognition: Principled Routes towards Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Information Theoretic Characterisation of Evolutionary Transitions
  • Machine Learning, Decision-making and Stochastic Control

Biocomputation Research Group

  • Application Driven Automatic Differentiation
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces & their Applications
  • Computational Modelling of Homeostatic Plasticity Mechanisms for Functional Recovery of Neuronal Networks after Peripheral Lesions
  • Developing a machine learning framework for rapid surrogate optimisation of traction motors
  • Developing new computational frameworks for high-dimensional neural data
  • Explainable AI (XAI)
  • Image and Video Analysis Using Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Mathematical Modelling of Microglia and the Neuroimmune System
  • Multi-level modelling of neuromodulation and lesioning

Cybersecurity and Computing Systems Research Group

  • Empowering Federated Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) with Approximate Computing for Wearable Health Monitoring
  • Evaluation and Improvement of an Autonomous Vehicles Communications Security over 5G Technology
  • Exploring Large Language Models for Personalized Content Generation in VR/AR Environments
  • Large Language Models and Cybersecurity
  • Transformer-based approach for bug identification, summarization and classification
  • Trust Models in Healthcare IoT Systems

Robotics Research Group

  • End‐user personalisation of social/companion robot for long‐term engagement
  • Enhancing Neuroaffective Intelligence in Human-Robot Interaction for Mental Health Support
  • Epigenetic development in robotics systems for learning and long-term operation
  • IoT Framework for Patients with Autism in Primary and Secondary Care Setting
  • Machine Learning for Human-Robot Interaction

We currently have no funded projects available but accept applications for self-funded projects and recommend that you discuss your proposed research with a member of academic staff at the University of Hertfordshire before submitting your application. Please name this staff member when submitting your application. Applications for self-funded projects should include an outline research proposal.

Find out more about our current research in Computer Science at the University and links to individual staff web pages.

For informal enquiries, email Professor Volker Steuber

A limited number of studentships are available for exceptional candidates in particular areas (£19,200 per annum bursary plus the payment of the student fees). Applicants from inside and outside the UK are eligible.

Research in Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire has been recognised as excellent in REF 2021, with 90% of the research submitted and all of the research impact rated as internationally excellent or world leading.

The University of Hertfordshire provides a very stimulating environment, offering a large number of specialised and interdisciplinary seminars as well as general training and researcher development opportunities. The University is situated in Hatfield, in the green belt just north of London.

How to apply

Download the application form

Please note: You must download the application form to your computer before you complete it. If you complete the form in the browser window, the information you have entered may be lost when the form is saved

Please email the application form to doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk.

Applications should also include two references, transcripts of previous academic degrees and a copy of your passport. We accept applications for self-funded places throughout the year.

We anticipate advertising a new round of studentships in 2026.