Postgraduate research
The Department of Computer Science is currently active in three main research areas: Graphics, HCI and Theory. All these areas provide research studies at Masters and PhD level. Funding opportunities are listed below; however, there is also the possibility of self-funded studies.
In order to discuss potential research topics, please feel free to contact a member of staff relating to the area in which you are interested. Proposals for new research projects are always welcome!
The Department offers an active and stimulating research atmosphere for postgraduate research students, with several internationally-leading research groups. In RAE 2008, 70% of the research submitted by the Department was assessed as either world-leading or internationally excellent. Only 12 Computer Science departments throughout the UK achieved a higher percentage of world-leading research. For further details of our research, see our main research web page.
Funding for postgraduate research students
New: PhD Scholarships in Computer Science, 2012
- Two EPSRC funded studentships
- PhD Studentship funded by McAfee/Intel and EPSRC
EPSRC doctoral training grants
Each year the University is awarded a Doctoral Training Grant (DTG) from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), from which the Department Research Committee is usually able to allocate a small number of studentships. The Terms and Conditions of the DTG require Full Awards to be made (ie, Fees and Stipend) to Home students, but only allow Fees-Only Awards to be made to EU (non-UK-resident) students. Overseas (non-EU) students are not eligible for DTG support.The allocation of awards is made by mid-July, based on a strictly academic ranking of eligible candidates, made by the Research Committee.
Project grants
Academic staff at the Department usually hold (or will be in the process of applying for) funding for research projects in specific topics. Such funding may include PhD studentships, and positions as research assistants – the latter are advertised on the Swansea University Research Vacancies page. It is often possible to combine a position as a research assistant with PhD studies in the same research topic.
Fees-only bursaries for MRes students
The Department usually offers 5–6 fees-only bursaries for MRes students each year. See the Department page about Postgraduate Study for details of MRes studies and how to apply for these bursaries.
Alternative funding sources
The University provides information about alternative funding sources.
Departmental travel and equipment funding
The Department aims to support the studies of postgraduate students to the fullest extent possible, subject to the availability of resources. It generally funds conference attendance in connection with presentation of papers or posters, as well as postgraduate training activities. It also provides computing facilities, including individual desktop computers and special hardware or software needed in connection with particular research projects.
The approval of the supervisor should be obtained before submitting a request for funding to the Head of Department. Requests should be submitted well in advance of making any commitments or bookings.
Regulations and procedures
Dr A Beckmann gave a presentation (PDF) at the Research Away-Day (PDF) in December 2008, highlighting the main current regulations and procedures concerning supervision and progression of postgraduate studies.
University regulations and procedures
The Swansea University Academic Guide has sections with the general regulations and procedures concerning postgraduate studies at Swansea University. It is available online.
See also the Department page about research training courses.
Department postgraduate progression procedures
The document Postgraduate Research Progression: Procedures and Criteria (PDF) describes specific procedures concerning postgraduate studies in Computer Science.
New procedures were introduced in September 2008. In particular, PhD and MPhil students are now required to write brief progress reports at specific stages of their studies. These progress reports should ensure that both students and supervisors can easily track the achievement of targets, and any changes in plans. PhD and MPhil students admitted before September 2008 are encouraged (but not required) to follow the new procedures.