The University of Liverpool's PhD in Computer Science offers an internationally-renowned research environment, supported by strong industry links and world-leading academics. With research strengths in algorithms, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary computing, you’ll benefit from cutting-edge facilities and collaborative opportunities across disciplines. Our flexible research platforms foster innovation, making this an ideal programme for those seeking to push the boundaries of computing.
Established in 1983, the Department of Computer Science at the University of Liverpool is recognised as one of the UK’s leading research hubs. Our research-driven approach ensures you’ll be immersed in a dynamic environment where you’ll engage with leading experts and pioneering projects.
Our PhD programme offers you the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in algorithms, artificial intelligence and interdisciplinary computing. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, you’ll benefit from close industry partnerships, cross-disciplinary initiatives, and state-of-the-art facilities, including our Software Lab and smARTLab for robotics research.
We support our PhD researchers with structured training, professional development opportunities, and access to a thriving academic community. Graduates emerge as highly skilled researchers equipped for careers in academia, industry, and beyond, contributing to the advancement of computing through theoretical and applied research.
The Department of Computer Science fosters a vibrant and inclusive research culture, driven by collaboration and innovation. Our research spans foundational and applied topics, encouraging interdisciplinary work across economics, engineering, and biological sciences.
PhD researchers engage in regular seminars, conferences, and networking events, enhancing their academic and professional development. With access to world-class laboratories, strong industry links and a supportive academic community, you’ll thrive in an environment that prioritises excellence, impact and knowledge exchange.
We actively encourage knowledge-sharing through research groups and partnerships, ensuring the work of our postgraduate researchers contributes to advancements in computer science on a global scale.
For help finding a supervisor, please email phdadmissions@csc.liv.ac.uk, or call +44 (0)151 794 4532.
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees for a full-time place on this programme in academic year 2025-26 are:
Tuition fees for a part-time place on this programme in academic year 2025-26 are:
Please note, the tuition fee you pay will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others, for example if you’re required to undertake laboratory work. You’ll be informed of the fee for your intended PhD in your offer letter.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for financial support worth up to £12,000 per year for up to three years of full-time postgraduate research (or up to five years part-time pro-rata).
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The Department of Computer Science is based in the Ashton Building, overlooking the picturesque Quadrangle. We have recently invested £5 million in our facilities, providing a cutting-edge environment for research.
Researchers benefit from access to state-of-the-art resources, including smARTLab (swarms, multi-agent and robot technologies, and learning lab) for robotics research, featuring dedicated spaces for ground robots and UAVs.
The Software Lab, developed in collaboration with NeST (Network Sciences and Technologies), offers high-speed connections, advanced servers, software platforms, and a network of embedded devices for algorithm-driven software development.
These are the trailblazers, the leaders, the true originals. Our postgraduate researchers are shaping their future, and the future of the world we live in, advancing knowledge with each discovery.
Want to find out more about studying a PhD with us? Chat with our postgraduate research student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Discover the qualifications you'll need to apply for this course.
You’ll need a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science or in a related subject.
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 20, writing 20, reading 20 and speaking 22. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.