Computer Science

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Academic Year of Entry: 2024/25
Course overview
(PhD) Doctor of Philosophy
Computer Science
Current
University of Essex
University of Essex
Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (School of)
Colchester Campus
Doctorate
Full-time
PHD G40KJS
08/05/2024

Details

Professional accreditation

None

Admission criteria

You will need a good Masters degree, or equivalent, in a related subject. A well developed research proposal is also essential.

You will normally be required to attend an interview/Skype interview for acceptance, and acceptance is subject to research expertise in the department.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) code

If English is not your first language, then we will require you to have IELTS 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.

Course qualifiers

A course qualifier is a bracketed addition to your course title to denote a specialisation or pathway that you have achieved via the completion of specific modules during your course. The specific module requirements for each qualifier title are noted below. Eligibility for any selected qualifier will be determined by the department and confirmed by the final year Board of Examiners. If the required modules are not successfully completed, your course title will remain as described above without any bracketed addition. Selection of a course qualifier is optional and student can register preferences or opt-out via Online Module Enrolment (eNROL).

None

Rules of assessment

Rules of assessment are the rules, principles and frameworks which the University uses to calculate your course progression and final results.

Additional notes

External Examiners for research degrees are appointed student by student due to the highly specialised nature of the awards. The names and institutions of External Examiners for research degrees are therefore not published on the programme specification. Supervisors discuss with students appropriate External Examiners and nominees are appointed in accordance with the University’s Ordinances. More information can be found in the Principal Regulations for Research Degrees and the accompanying Code of Practice.

External examiners

External Examiners provide an independent overview of our courses, offering their expertise and help towards our continual improvement of course content, teaching, learning, and assessment. External Examiners are normally academics from other higher education institutions, but may be from the industry, business or the profession as appropriate for the course. They comment on how well courses align with national standards, and on how well the teaching, learning and assessment methods allow students to develop and demonstrate the relevant knowledge and skills needed to achieve their awards. External Examiners who are responsible for awards are key members of Boards of Examiners. These boards make decisions about student progression within their course and about whether students can receive their final award.

eNROL, the module enrolment system, is now open until Monday 27 January 2025 8:59AM, for students wishing to make changes to their module options.

Key

Core You must take this module.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Core with Options You can choose which module to study.
You must pass this module. No failure can be permitted.
Compulsory You must take this module.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Compulsory with Options You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.
Optional You can choose which module to study.
There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the degree if you fail.

Year 1 - 2024/25

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 IA518-7-PS-CO English Language and Communication Skills for Postgraduate Studies Core 45
02 IA519-7-PS-CO Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research Core 45
03 CE902-7-SP-CO Professional Practice and Research Methodology Core 15
04 LG676-7-SU-CO Research Proposal Core 0

Year 2 - 2025/26

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 LG676-7-AU-CO Research Proposal Core 15
02 CE999-8-FY-CO Computing and Electronic Systems - Research Compulsory 0

Year 1 - 2026/27

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 CE999-8-FY-CO Computing and Electronic Systems - Research Compulsory 0

Year 1 - 2027/28

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 CE999-8-FY-CO Computing and Electronic Systems - Research Compulsory 0

Year 1 - 2028/29

Exit Award Status
Component Number Module Code Module Title Status Credits PG Diploma PG Certificate
01 CE999-8-FY-CO Computing and Electronic Systems - Research Compulsory 0

Exit awards

A module is given one of the following statuses: 'core' – meaning it must be taken and passed; 'compulsory' – meaning it must be taken; or 'optional' – meaning that students can choose the module from a designated list. The rules of assessment may allow for limited condonement of fails in 'compulsory' or 'optional' modules, but 'core' modules cannot be failed. The status of the module may be different in any exit awards which are available for the course. Exam Boards will consider students' eligibility for an exit award if they fail the main award or do not complete their studies.

Programme aims

Due to the individualised nature of Postgraduate Research Degree’s, project aims and outcomes are usually determined during the research proposal stage, and adapted as necessary throughout the research period. Students will be supported through discussions with their supervisory teams and during Supervisory Panels, using the published milestones as a framework for their research journey.



The aim of this Integrated PhD Programme is to provide students with the requisite competencies and skills, and support in terms of developing an extended subject specific research proposal, to succeed in doctoral studies. The course is oriented towards supporting students through combining taught material with a stepped approach to PhD level research in terms of subject skills knowledge.


Throughout the course of the 4-year doctoral training period, students will enhance their problem solving and analytical; communication and teaching; and leadership and management skills – all of which are highly valued across the academic and private sectors, in a variety of careers that PhD candidates might decide to pursue. It will also provide students with the opportunity to establish a network of peers, collaborators, and colleagues to support their onward careers, within and across university departments.


This programme offers the opportunity for students to broaden and deepen their scholarly activity and knowledge in support of their chosen field of research and their career. This programme empowers researchers to engage in their personal and professional development with dedicated support from university staff. This programme advances the capabilities and experiences that will enhance career development, articulating and provide evidence of the transferability of expertise to innovative research projects.



Learning outcomes and learning, teaching and assessment methods

On successful completion of the programme a graduate should demonstrate knowledge and skills as follows:

A: Knowledge and understanding

A1: Acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of a broad range of quantitative and qualitative empirical research methods.

A2: Acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of current developments in scholarly practice, competencies and personal effectiveness needed to be a higly skilled researcher.

A3: Acquire knowledge and understanding of research skills and practices pertaining to the candidate's chosen field.

A4: Acquire knowledge of the composition and editing skills necessary to succeed in writing in a suitable academic register in the candidate's chosen field, and to understand why those principles are germane to the discipline.

A5: Acquire advanced knowledge and understanding of ethical, health and safety, and legal issues pertaining to research.

A6: Acquire knowledge of the requisite use of English Language to present academic ideas in a succinct manner.

Learning methods

This course will make use of a range of learning methods and settings. This will include (but not be limited to): lectures and research seminars, group workshops and discussions, self-directed study, engagement with online learning tools and a virtual learning environment, individual supervision, and practical sessions, including lab time (where appropriate and relevant).


The lecturer-led pedagogy—i.e., the lecture and seminar programme in particular—will enable students to acquire, reflect on, and test a range of advanced subject-specific knowledge and content, including the latest academic reflection on quant- and qualitative methods, as well as the use of data gathering, analytics, and machine learning.


This programme of learning and teaching is fully accessible and inclusive for all students who are looking to study at this level, with a particular emphasis on online accessibility. Materials will be presented in advance where appropriate and will adhere to the University of Essex's policy of accessible documentation for the classroom. For a course that attracts international students there will be careful sequencing of information to present a guided approach to the acquisition of new knowledge and practices. The course is informed by the research expertise of our academic faculty and reflects the excellence of our research environment and the high priority we place on research-led teaching practice.


Assessment methods


  • English Language for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be group work and discussions, written and online tests, and oral presentations. [A6, A4].

  • Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be individual and group exercises, and written coursework [A4, A2, A3, A5, A6].

  • Research Skills (discipline-specific) – the assessment methods will align with the specific module requirements [A3, A5, A4, A2, A6].

  • Research Proposal - will be a detailed written submission [A1 through to A6].

  • Studying and Researching in the UK – will be based on seminars and group discussions [A5, A6, A2, A1].


B: Intellectual and cognitive skills

B1: Students on the course will be able to select and apply as appropriate a range of quantitative and qualitative empirical research methods to complete their PhD and make a contribution to the delivery of new knowledge. Student will show evidence of enhanced ability to deploy theoretical, practice-based and experimental modes of research.

B2: Students will be able to assemble and integrate research data and evidence from a variety of sources, and will be able to critically evaluate the suitability of a range of contemporary research methodologies in their chosen field. Graduates will be able to analyse and interpret qualitiative, quantitative, statistical or empirical data, including those of the student's own investigation.

B3: Students will be able to plan and design a doctoral level research investigation that demonstrates a phased approach to completing the study project. Students will be able to report, interpret and discuss original research findings in the context of a wider field of scholarly activity.

B4: Students will be able to understand and apply ethical principles, legal requirements and good research governance.

B5: Students will be able to identify and understand a suitable academic register for written communication in the candidate's chosen field and to have insight into the correct presentation of written materials.

B6: Acquire knowledge of the requisite use of English Language to present academic ideas in a succinct manner.

Learning methods

This course will make use of a range of learning methods and settings. This will include (but not be limited to): lectures and research seminars, group workshops and discussions, self-directed study, engagement with online learning tools and a virtual learning environment, individual supervision, and practical sessions, including lab time (where appropriate and relevant).


By the end of the course, students will be equipped to develop, contextualise, and reflect on their own doctoral-level research method and practice, and make informed methodological selections as well as successfully navigate relevant research governance and management conditions and criteria.


Assessment methods


  • English Language for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be group work and discussions, written and online tests, and oral presentations. [B6, B5].

  • Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be individual and group exercises, and written coursework [B5, B1, B2].

  • Research Skills (discipline-specific) – the assessment methods will align with the specific module requirements [B1, B2, B4, B3].

  • Research Proposal - will be a detailed written submission [B1 through to B6].

  • Studying and Researching in the UK – will be based on seminars and group discussions [B6, B5, B2, B1].


C: Practical skills

C1: Students will be able to deploy research skills, including the ability to display and analyse qualitative, quantitative and empirical data, using appropriate methodologies and software.

C2: Students will be able to utilise transferable research skills that include the use of scientific databases, archives, primary sources and secondary theoretiecal texts, referencing packages, and modelling packages. Students will also be able to deploy data collection skills, including the recruitment, instruction and debriefing of participants.

C3: Students will be able to deploy preliminary investigative procedures, enabling them to demonstrate the creation of new knowledge, evidence proof of concept, conduct pilot studies, and, where necessary, construct and validate new instruments.

C4: Students will be able to deploy writing skills, including use of academic conventions for publication, and presentation of a research proposal.

C5: Students will be able to deploy a suitable academic register for written communication in the candidate's chosen field, and to edit and refine their work through iterative version development.

C6: Acquire knowledge of the requisite use of English Language to present academic ideas in a succinct manner.

Learning methods

This course will make use of a range of learning methods and settings. This will include (but not be limited to): lectures and research seminars, group workshops and discussions, self-directed study, engagement with online learning tools and a virtual learning environment, individual supervision, and practical sessions, including lab time (where appropriate and relevant).


Alongside the development of subject-specific skills and capabilities related to the course content, the learning methods of the course—in particular, interactive forms like the research seminars, workshops, discussions, and lab-based practical sessions—will also equip students with a range of softer, professional skillsets, including negotiation, debate, collaboration, and co-production.


Assessment methods


  • English Language for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be group work and discussions, written and online tests, and oral presentations. [C6, C4, C5].

  • Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be individual and group exercises, and written coursework [C5, C4, C1].

  • Research Skills (discipline-specific) – the assessment methods will align with the specific module requirements [C1, C2, C3].

  • Research Proposal - will be a detailed written submission [C1 through to C6].

  • Studying and Researching in the UK – will be based on seminars and group discussions [C4, C5, C6, C2].


D: Key skills

D1: Students will be able to deploy a suitable academic register for written communication in the candidate's chosen field, and to edit and refine their work through iterative version development. Students will be able to use the requisite scholarly level of English Language to articulate and present academic ideas in a succinct manner. Communicate information, ideas and arguments effectively using a range of media, including written and poster communications.

D2: Students will be able to deploy research skills, including the ability to display and analyse qualitative, quantitative and empirical data, using appropriate software. Students will be able to utilise transferrable research skills that include the use of scientific databases, referencing and modelling packages. Use IT resources for research and presentation, including databases, library catalogues, internet resources, wordprocessing and presentation packages.

D3: Students undertaking quantitative and statistical data skills training will improve their numeracy skills. Describe and analyse univariate and multivariate quantitative data using appropriate methods.

D4: Students will be able to deploy preliminary investigative procedures, enabling them to demonstrate the creation of new knowledge, evidence proof of concept, conduct pilot studies, and, where necessary, construct and validate new instruments. Apply theoretical knowledge, research design and practical techniques to investigate and solve empirical problems.

D5: Students will set out propositions and arguments for discussion, being able to defend their ideas and research in a scholarly and academic framework. Students will develop negotiation and coproduction skills in the service of teamwork and the competencies required for participating in research teams or groups.

D6: Students will be able to plan and design a doctoral level research investigation that demonstrates a phased approach to completing the study project. Students will be able to report, interpret and discuss original research findings in the context of a wider field of scholarly activity. Students wil be able to produce work that is properly presented against strict deadlines, reflect on their own performance and make constructive use of feedback, work independently, and plan work effectively.

Learning methods

This course will make use of a range of learning methods and settings. This will include (but not be limited to): lectures and research seminars, group workshops and discussions, self-directed study, engagement with online learning tools and a virtual learning environment, individual supervision, and practical sessions, including lab time (where appropriate and relevant).


In these settings students will be encouraged and supported to develop key skills specific to their scholarly field(s) and professional development, including written and oral scholarly communication, relevant IT expertise, numeracy and data management, problem-solving and investigative method, and effective collaborative and team-working practices.


Assessment methods


  • English Language for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be group work and discussions, written and online tests, and oral presentations. [D1, D5, D6].

  • Academic Skills for Postgraduate Research Studies – will be individual and group exercises, and written coursework [D1, D5, D6].

  • Research Skills (discipline-specific) – the assessment methods will align with the specific module requirements [D2, D3, D4, D6].

  • Research Proposal - will be a detailed written submission [D1 through to D6].

  • Studying and Researching in the UK – will be based on seminars and group discussions [D5, D6, D1].



Note

The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.

Contact

If you are thinking of studying at Essex and have questions about the course, please contact Undergraduate Admissions by emailing admit@essex.ac.uk, or Postgraduate Admissions by emailing pgadmit@essex.ac.uk.

If you're a current student and have questions about your course or specific modules, please contact your department.

If you think there might be an error on this page, please contact the Course Records Team by emailing crt@essex.ac.uk.