Computer Science - Research

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) aims to enhance the way we use technology in communication, data science, computing systems, cyber security, power electronics, intelligent control, and many related areas.



You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 40 countries world-wide.



We supervise students undertaking research in key areas of computer science, including:

- Artificial Intelligence

- Cybersecurity

- Computing Systems

- Power Electronics

- Robotics

- Sensor-based Systems

- Wireless Communications



As part of a lively community of over 100 full-time and part-time research students you’ll have the opportunity to develop your research potential in a vibrant research community that prioritises the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovation in the advancement of knowledge.



Within the School we have a number of specialist research centres including a Global Research Institute, the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT) specialising in Cyber Security, Wireless Innovation and Data Science and Scalable Computing.



Many PhD studentships attract scholarships and top-up supplements. PhD programmes provide our students with the opportunity to acquire an extensive training in research techniques.

Graduate

The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.



International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.



Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.



To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles at https://www.qub.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate-research/find-a-phd-supervisor/?school=Queen%27s%20Business%20School



You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

A PhD programme runs for 3-4 years full-time or 6-8 years part-time. Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

Research information


Associated Research

Research within the School is organised into research themes.

The research clusters combine strengths by working together on major projects, in many cases in collaboration with key technology companies.


HPDC has been successful in attracting substantial DTI funding for projects (around £3-4m), which have produced exemplary demonstrations of Grid technology in real applications.

KDE researches theoretical and application-oriented issues in soft computing, addressing the latest development and applications of knowledge and data systems for solving extensive, complex, technological socio-economic problems. Different techniques in the design of advanced knowledge systems are developed and research directions are investigated.

SIVS carries out research in intelligent video surveillance, 3D medical imaging and speech processing. This cluster has also attracted several million pounds in funding for both fundamental and applied speech, image and video applications within the framework of the ECIT institute, a major new cross-disciplinary development in conjunction with Electronic Engineering.


ECIT brings together internationally recognised research groups specialising in key areas of advanced digital and communications technology.

CSIT brings together research specialists in complementary fields such as data security, network security systems, wireless-enabled security systems, and intelligent surveillance systems, and serves as the national point of reference for knowledge transfer in these areas. As well as collaborating to widen perspectives in the other clusters, KDE has used external funding to produce substantial research outputs and technology transfer in the areas of adaptability, optimisation, reasoning under uncertainty, data mining, and knowledge integration.