Overview
This Integrated PhD in Computer Science provides an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. You’ll work within a research group, guided by experts and supported by a team of advisers.
Our Computer Science Integrated PhD (IPhD) allows you to match your studies with your interests. You can choose from a wide range of modules and select your own focus for your final project.
Our computer science research
Based in the School of Computing, our research reflects our strengths, capabilities and critical mass. Research supervision is available under our seven research areas.
Advanced Model-Based Engineering and Reasoning (AMBER)
The AMBER group aims to equip systems and software engineering practitioners with effective methods and tools for developing the most demanding computer systems. We do this by means of models with well-founded semantics.
Open Lab
Open Lab is the leading academic research centre for human-computer interaction (HCI) and ubiquitous computing (Ubicomp) research outside of the USA. It conducts research across a wide range of fundamental topics in HCI and Ubicomp, including:
- interaction design methods, techniques and technologies
- mobile, social and wearable computing
- computational behaviour analysis
Interdisciplinary Computing and Complex BioSystems (ICOS)
ICOS carries out research at the interface of computing science and complex biological systems. We seek to create the next generation of algorithms that provide innovative solutions to problems arising in natural or synthetic systems. We use our interdisciplinary expertise in machine intelligence, complex systems and computational biology.
Scalable Computing
The Scalable Computing group creates the enabling technology we need to deliver tomorrow’s large-scale services. This includes work on:
- scalable cloud computing
- big data analytics
- distributed algorithms
- stochastic modelling
- performance analysis
- video game technologies
- green computing
Secure and Resilient Systems
The Secure and Resilient Systems group investigates fundamental concepts, development techniques, models, architectures and mechanisms that directly contribute to creating dependable and secure information systems, networks and infrastructures. We aim to target real-world challenges to the dependability and security of the next generation:
- information systems
- cyber-physical systems
- critical infrastructures
Educational Practice in Computing
The Educational Practice in Computing group focusses on encouraging, fostering and pursuing innovation in teaching computing science. Through this group, your research will focus on pedagogy. You’ll apply your research to maximise the impact of innovative teaching practices, programmes and curricula in the School. Examples of innovation work within the group include:
- teacher training and the national Computing at School initiative
- outreach activities including visits to schools and hosting visits by schools
- participation in national fora for teaching innovation
Networked and Ubiquitous Systems Engineering (NUSE)
The NUSE group provides quality-of-life improvements in the digital age. They address challenges in systems engineering for real-world applications. This includes autonomous transportation, green energy, online safety, big data analysis and digital health.
Their core research strengths include:
- cloud/edge computing and big data management
- Internet-of-things (IoT) and cyber resilience
- edge intelligence
- knowledge representation and reasoning
- health data management
- real-time simulations
- video game engineering
Research excellence
The excellence of our research has been recognised through awards of large research grants. Three recent examples are:
- Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data. Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics. Funded by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- A £10m project to look at novel treatment for epilepsy. Funded by the Wellcome Trust and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research Grant
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
IPhD – Intergrated PhD
Each IPhD contains a significant and tailored taught component, assessed annually, and culminates with a research project written up as a thesis.
The taught component is the main difference between the IPhD and a standard PhD programme.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
What you’ll learn
The IPhD combines taught Master’s level modules with research. As an IPhD student, you’ll initially study alongside students on one of our computer science Master’s.
You can choose from one of the following:
- Advanced Computer Science MSc
- Bioinformatics MSc
- Cloud Computing MSc
- Computer Game Engineering MSc
- Cyber Security MSc
- Data Science MSc
- Data Science and AI MSc
- Data Science with Visualisation MSc
- Human-Computer Interaction MSc
Additionally, you’ll take the 30-credit short project module Project and Dissertation for MCOMP. The project topic should match the specialisation.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
Delivery
As this is an integrated PhD you’ll complete taught modules and receive support from our doctoral training centres, Faculty Training Programme and Research Student Support Team.
Research
Your first research year will be spent identifying a hypothesis and developing an approach to answer it.
You’ll also take short courses on research skills, innovation, and personal and career development. The study skills you gain will help you manage your research project. You’ll receive training in:
- presentations
- interviewing
- technical skills
- teaching skills
Once your supervisor has approved your research topic you can conduct your research.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Poster
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Reflective log
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
Your assessment includes:
- a written thesis
- an oral examination called a viva
At your viva you’ll discuss your research with two examiners. This includes a leading researcher from outside Newcastle University.
Support
All our staff will work to support you in your studies, from admissions to graduation and your career beyond.
To get the most out of your study experience, we’ll encourage you to take part in a variety of activities. This includes taking part in seminars delivered by distinguished external speakers.
Postgraduate student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Our staff
Our teaching staff have international reputations, including some with extensive experience as practitioners.
Your development
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Your future
Placements
Members of our industry advisory group help to ensure that the programme is relevant to the needs of business and industry today. There are opportunities to choose a project for your final dissertation that has some industry involvement associated with it.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
Urban Sciences Building
The School of Computing is based in the £58 million Urban Sciences Building (USB), a flagship development located on the £350 million Newcastle Helix regeneration site in the heart of Newcastle. It brings together:
- academia
- the public sector
- communities
- business and industry
Postgraduate student facilities
As a Master’s student, you’ll have access to specialist teaching spaces and facilities in the USB. These are only available to postgraduate students.
Wellbeing and inclusivity are at the heart of our School. The USB has several wellbeing spaces for students, including:
- The Retreat: A sensory space with relaxing stimuli to distract from busy student life.
- Wellbeing room: Designed for relaxation and quiet time. Here you can take a moment to breathe and unwind. It can also be used by students with special medical requirements.
- Prayer room: For all faiths and none, this space can be used for prayer or quiet reflection.
