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Computer Science, MPhil

Newcastle University, the United Kingdom

Newcastle University

Study options for this course

The award How you will study Study duration Course start Domestic course fees International course fees
MPhilFull-time, Part-time12 - 24 monthsfind outfind outfind out
PhDFull-time, Part-time36 - 72 monthsfind outfind outfind out

About Computer Science, MPhil - at Newcastle University

Our Computer Science MPhil and PhD programme gives you an opportunity to make a unique contribution to computer science research. Your research will be supported by an experienced computer scientist within a research group and with the support of a team of advisers.

Research supervision is available under our six research areas, reflecting our strengths, capabilities and critical mass.

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. Such model-based engineering can help to detect optimal, or defective, designs long before commitment is made to implementations on real hardware.

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, eg experience-centred and participatory design methods
  • interaction techniques and technologies
  • mobile and social computing
  • wearable computing
  • media computing
  • context-aware interaction
  • computational behaviour analysis

Applied research is conducted in partnership with Open Lab's many collaborators in domains including technology-enhanced learning, digital health, creative industries and sustainability. It also hosts Newcastle University's cross-disciplinary EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics, which focusses on the use of digital technologies for innovation and delivery of community driven services. 

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 do this by leveraging our interdisciplinary expertise in machine intelligence, complex systems and computational biology and pursue collaborative activities with relevant stakeholders.

Scalable Computing

The Scalable Systems 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
  • data provenance
  • concurrency
  • real-time simulation
  • 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 and critical infrastructures.

Teaching Innovation Group

The Teaching Innovation Group focusses on encouraging, fostering and pursuing innovation in teaching computing science. Through this group, your research will focus on pedagogy and you will apply your research to maximising 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
  • market research for new degree programmes
  • review of existing degree programmes
  • developing employability skills
  • maintaining links with industry
  • establishing teaching requirements for the move to Science Central.

Research Excellence

Our research excellence in the School of Computing has been widely recognised through awards of large research grants. Recent examples include:

  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Centre for Doctoral Training in Cloud Computing for Big Data Doctoral Training Centre
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Centre for Doctoral Training in Digital Civics
  • Wellcome Trust and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Research Grant: a £10m project to look at novel treatment for epilepsy, confirming our track record in Systems Neuroscience and Neuroinformatics.

Delivery

On starting the programme you will identify and research an open question before formulating an approach to answering it. After agreeing a topic with your supervisor, you will conduct a literature review and refine your research goals. You will be supported through our Research Development Programme, which includes modules on personal development training, research skills, innovation and career development.

Following your initial research you submit a project proposal and give a presentation about your work. Once your project proposal is approved you will conduct your supervised research and write a thesis. Your thesis is also assessed by an oral examination.

Throughout the course of your research you will write research papers for conferences and journals, travel to present your work and discuss your project with experts from around the world.

Our cohesive research community means that you will experience joint research with other students, staff and guests, as well as being part of our active research groups. You will have opportunities to visit other universities and research labs to discuss your research and collaborate.

Thesis and viva

Your research is completed by writing a thesis describing your work and successfully defending this in an oral examination, called a viva. At the viva, you will discuss your research with two examiners, including a leading researcher from outside Newcastle.

Notes about fees for this course

See Fees and Funding tab in the Programme information in our online Prospectus. https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/degrees/computer-science-mphil-phd/?utm_source=referral-study-link&utm_medium=course-listing&utm_content=computer-science-mphil-phd&utm_campaign=PG3PL-study-link#fees&funding

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree and/or a merit master's degree, or international equivalent, in computer science or a related discipline.

International Students

To study this course you need to meet our Band 2 English Language requirements:

Direct Entry : IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)

If you have lower English Language scores, you may be accepted onto a pre-sessional English course. 

Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but we also accept a wide range of English Language tests.

The equivalent academic qualifications that we accept are listed on our country pages.

Pre-sessional English Course Requirements

  • 6 week Pre-sessional entry: IELTS 6.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills)
  • 10 week Pre-sessional entry:  IELTS 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in all sub-skills)

You can study a pre-sessional English course at our INTO Newcastle Centre.

You may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate. You'll need to get this before you can get your visa or study on this programme. We'll let you know about the ATAS requirement in your offer letter.

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