Postgraduate research

The department is currently active in three main research areas: Theory, Graphics and Human Computer Interaction (HCI). All these areas provide research studies at Masters and PhD level. Funding opportunities are listed below; however, there is also the possibility of self-funded studies.

In order to discuss potential research topics, please feel free to contact a member of staff relating to the area in which you are interested. Proposals for new research projects are always welcome!

Funding for postgraduate research students

Currently available studentships

Four PhD studentships are available in Computer Science at Swansea University.

Overseas and EU candidates are eligible for two of the studentships!

Potential candidates should preferably have a first-class Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a cognate discipline, or an equivalent or higher qualification.

Please apply to the University for admission as a PhD student in Computer Science.

The deadline to ensure consideration for an award in 2010 has passed. Further applications for admission are allowed, but the applicants may be disregarded in connection with awards of studentships.

Separate application for an award is not required. Candidates should however discuss possible topics with potential supervisors before the end of May.

Computer Science at Swansea University offers an active and stimulating research atmosphere for PhD students, with internationally-leading research groups in Theory, Graphics and Human Computer Interaction (HCI). See also our main research web page.

Decisions concerning awards are expected by mid-July.

Queries may be addressed to Dr Oliver Kullmann <o.kullmann@swansea.ac.uk>.

In RAE 2008, 70% of the research submitted by the department was assessed as either world-leading or internationally excellent.

Only 12 Computer Science departments throughout the UK achieved a higher percentage of world-leading research.

EPSRC doctoral training grants

Each year the University is awarded a Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), from which the Department Research Committee is usually able to allocate a small number of studentships. The Terms and Conditions of the DTG require Full Awards to be made (ie, Fees and Stipend) to Home students, but only allow Fees-Only Awards to be made to EU (non-UK) students. Overseas (non-EU) students are not eligible for DTG support.

Allocation of awards by the Department

Apart from the EPSRC doctoral training grants mentioned above, the Department is now able to award full PhD studentships to UK, EU and overseas students.

The allocation of awards is made by the Research Committee by mid-July, based on a strictly academic ranking of eligible candidates, made by the committee.

University awards

In a change to previous years, the University’s Research Committee intended to disburse the University’s PGR Scholarships & Bursaries for 2009/10 "in such a manner as to further the Research Strategy of the University and its constituent parts and to support and advance areas of strategic significance". Funding equivalent to 8 fully-funded scholarships, or about 40 full-time fees-only bursaries, was available for 2009/10 (for the entire University). The Department was allocated one fully-funded scholarship jointly with the Department of Geography.

Project grants

Academic staff at the Department usually hold (or will be in the process of applying for) funding for research projects in specific topics. Such funding may include PhD studentships, and positions as research assistants – the latter are advertised on the Swansea University Research Vacancies page. It is often possible to combine a position as a research assistant with PhD studies in the same research topic.

Fees-only bursaries for MRes students

The Department usually offers 5–6 fees-only bursaries for MRes students each year. See the Department page about Postgraduate Study in the Prospective Students section for details of MRes studies and how to apply for these bursaries.

Alternative funding sources

The University provides information about alternative funding sources.

Departmental travel and equipment funding

The Department aims to support the studies of postgraduate students to the fullest extent possible, subject to the availability of resources. It generally funds conference attendance in connection with presentation of papers or posters, as well as postgraduate training activities. It also provides computing facilities, including individual desktop computers and special hardware or software needed in connection with particular research projects.

The approval of the supervisor should be obtained before submitting a request for funding to the Head of Department. Requests should be submitted well in advance of making any commitments or bookings.

Regulations and procedures

The Department Head of Postgraduate Research gave a presentation (PDF) at the Research Away-Day (PDF) in December 2008, highlighting the main current regulations and procedures concerning supervision and progression of postgraduate studies. Students and supervisors should inform him promptly if any queries arise about details of the regulations and procedures.

University regulations and procedures

The Swansea University Research Student Handbook 2008/09 describes the general regulations and procedures concerning postgraduate studies at Swansea University. Copies have been distributed to all academic staff and postgraduate students (extra copies are available from the Department Office), and a PDF is available online via the Postgraduate Research Faculty Office web page.

See also the Department page about research training courses.

Department postgraduate progression procedures

The document Postgraduate Research Progression: Procedures and Criteria (PDF) describes specific procedures concerning postgraduate studies in Computer Science.

New procedures were introduced in September 2008. In particular, PhD and MPhil students are now required to write brief progress reports at specific stages of their studies. These progress reports should ensure that both students and supervisors can easily track the achievement of targets, and any changes in plans. PhD and MPhil students admitted before September 2008 are encouraged (but not required) to follow the new procedures.