Overview

As a city, Bristol is known for its concentration of high-technology industry. Computers, communications and microelectronics are well represented, alongside digital media, computer games and electronic commerce. The University has close relationships with many of these organisations via collaborative projects, staff secondments and visiting industrial staff.

The School of Computer Science is an international centre of excellence in the foundations and applications of computing. Researchers in this area of study explore intelligent systems, digital media, foundations, personal systems, and architecture and design.

Computer Science is located within Merchant Venturers Building alongside aligned areas of study like Electrical and Electronic Engineering, bringing together the University's research strengths in computing, communications, electronics and photonics.

Entry requirements

PhD applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a merit at master's degree level (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on readiness to pursue a research degree.

MSc by Research applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline and demonstrate readiness to pursue a research degree.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£4,758 per year
UK: part-time
£2,379 per year
Overseas: full-time
£26,000 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

A number of funded studentships are available each year, supported by research council, industry, University or other funds. View the faculty webpages for a list of currently available funded projects or visit jobs.ac.uk.

View information on funding postgraduate study for prospective UK, EU and international postgraduate students.

Self-funded or sponsored students are also very welcome to apply.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

The Computer Science PhD can open doors to many different stimulating commercial or academic careers. Graduates have become part of new and existing world-class research groups, as well as pursued highly rewarding careers in a variety of industries around the world.

Meet our supervisors

The following list shows potential supervisors for this programme. Visit their profiles for details of their research and expertise.

fan.zhang@bristol.ac.uk;a.okane@bristol.ac.uk;alex.kavvos@bristol.ac.uk;alin.achim@bristol.ac.uk;alma.oracevic@bristol.ac.uk;andrew.calway@bristol.ac.uk;drew.macquarrie@bristol.ac.uk;angeliki.katsenou@bristol.ac.uk;anne.roudaut@bristol.ac.uk;a.tanaka@bristol.ac.uk;awais.rashid@bristol.ac.uk;barney.craggs@bristol.ac.uk;csxbw@bristol.ac.uk;chloe.martindale@bristol.ac.uk;chris.preist@bristol.ac.uk;christian.konrad@bristol.ac.uk;colin.dalton@bristol.ac.uk;conor.houghton@bristol.ac.uk;cristina.david@bristol.ac.uk;daniel.page@bristol.ac.uk;daniel.schien@bristol.ac.uk;csdtc@bristol.ac.uk;david.bernhard@bristol.ac.uk;dave.bull@bristol.ac.uk;dima.damen@bristol.ac.uk;edwin.simpson@bristol.ac.uk;f.dupressoir@bristol.ac.uk;ian.nabney@bristol.ac.uk;inah.omoronyia@bristol.ac.uk;james.cussens@bristol.ac.uk;joe.gardiner@bristol.ac.uk;john.cartlidge@bristol.ac.uk;john.lapinskas@bristol.ac.uk;jon.bird@bristol.ac.uk;joseph.hallett@bristol.ac.uk;kerstin.eder@bristol.ac.uk;kirsten.cater@bristol.ac.uk;laurence.aitchison@bristol.ac.uk;majid.mirmehdi@bristol.ac.uk;marvin.ramokapane@bristol.ac.uk;matthew.john.edwards@bristol.ac.uk;meng.wang@bristol.ac.uk;michael.wray@bristol.ac.uk;mike.fraser@bristol.ac.uk;neill.campbell@bristol.ac.uk;nirav.ajmeri@bristol.ac.uk;csxor@bristol.ac.uk;o.metatla@bristol.ac.uk;p.marshall@bristol.ac.uk;peter.bennett@bristol.ac.uk;peter.flach@bristol.ac.uk;n.anantrasirichai@bristol.ac.uk;raphael.clifford@bristol.ac.uk;rui.costa@bristol.ac.uk;r.chitchyan@bristol.ac.uk;sana.belguith@bristol.ac.uk;sean.froudist-walsh@bristol.ac.uk;seth.bullock@bristol.ac.uk;simon.lock@bristol.ac.uk;s.mcintosh-smith@bristol.ac.uk;sh1670@bristol.ac.uk;sridhar.adepu@bristol.ac.uk;steven.ramsay@bristol.ac.uk;tb2935@bristol.ac.uk;tom.deakin@bristol.ac.uk;walterio.mayol-cuevas@bristol.ac.uk;yan.ge@bristol.ac.uk;

Research groups

Computer Science at the University of Bristol has a large programme of research supported by industry, the European Union, UK government research establishments and public corporations. The academic research programme is organised into research groups.

The University of Bristol Research Portal can be used to find academics, their research interests, and projects for all faculties.

Contact us

Contact

Faculty of Engineering Postgraduate Research Admissions Team

Email
admissions-engpgr@bristol.ac.uk