The PhD in Computer Science offers exciting opportunities to do cutting-edge research in an internationally renowned environment. The results of the 2021 REF rank Warwick Computer Science 4th out of 90 UK Computer Science departments. This cements our position as one of the top Computer Science departments in the UK, a position we have held for some time under different assessment methodologies.
The PhD program is suitable for skilled and highly-motivated students to do research at the frontiers of Computer Science in a broad range of theoretical and applied topics. The program is intended to train students for high-profile jobs in both Academia and industry.
Important information
We are planning to make some changes to our for 2027 entry. Changes are currently undergoing approval through the University's rigorous academic processes. As any changes are confirmed, they will be included on this webpage. It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer.
Entry requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and preferably an MSc in a related subject.
IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0
Please adjust your country as required:
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
We typically ask for two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
There are several routes to finding a PhD supervisor at University of Warwick. Searching for a supervisor and submitting a research proposal will look different depending on the opportunity you are applying for. Below you’ll find guidance from the department about what is required for this course.
For more general advice, including top tips for finding and contacting a potential supervisor, and what to include in your research proposal visit the university’s guidance webpages.
Please note that the Department does not assign prospective students to academic supervisors. Instead, applicants are expected to identify and contact a member of the academic staff whose research interests align with their proposed area of study. You are encouraged to discuss your research interests and proposed project with the relevant academic. Should they be willing to supervise your research and once all supporting documents have been submitted the review process can take up to 8 weeks before a decision is made.
You can find information about our academic staff on the “People” section of the department website. When reaching out, please ensure you target academics whose research aligns with your interests. Kindly avoid contacting members of the Professional Services Team, Technical Team, Honorary Associates, Emeritus staff, or Research Fellows/Assistants, as they are not normally able to supervise postgraduate research students.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the potential supervisor directly before submitting a proposal.
Research degree applications are highly competitive and we receive many more applications than we can accept. This means it is important to make your application as strong as possible.
We therefore ask that you write a research proposal with a clear vision of what you are looking to achieve and that your proposal aligns with the research interests of a potential supervisor.
We also advise that, before you make a formal application, you send your proposal to a potential supervisor for their consideration.
You may not be considered for admission to the MPhil/PhD program in Computer Science without an academic supervisor in place.
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and assessment and some student amenities.
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of research trips in the UK and overseas. In addition, you should consider the more general costs below:
Access to research material that is not available via university resources
Printing and binding a personal copy of your dissertation
Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
(The Complete University Guide 2026 and The Times and Sunday Times 2026 )
Top 100
in the world for Computer Science
(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Computer Science and Information Systems )
Joint 4th
in the UK for Computing Research
(2021 Research Excellence Framework )
5th in the UK
for Research Quality
(The Times and Sunday Times UK University Rankings 2026 )
Prepare to push beyond what technology can do today.
Why study with us?
Join a community driven by curiosity, creativity and the ambition to shape future technology. Here, you’ll build strong theoretical foundations across key computational techniques before applying your learning to real industry challenges
Develop the skills for a career in the rapidly evolving digital world at a department ranked 5th in the UK for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2027) – and joint 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2027: Computer Science).
Our first-class computing facilities are available 24/7, with dedicated laboratories featuring high-specification workstations. You can also remotely access these facilities for complete flexibility.
We offer a comprehensive technical ecosystem, including our High-Performance Computing (HPC) system and dedicated technical team. With access to specialised hardware and software, including Nvidia GPU-powered systems, you’ll be equipped to tackle demanding, real-world challenges, whether working on graphics-intensive applications, data-heavy computations or software development. In addition, you’ll have access to an MSc common area with kitchen facilities and quiet study spaces.
Life at Warwick
This is where your journey begins. Our campus is the heart of it all. It’s more than just a campus - it's the places you visit, the people you meet, the fun that you have; the experiences you have here will be transformative.
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities.
Our campus is where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Follow our students around campus on our social channels to see their experiences first-hand.
Teaching facilities
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs. You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas
Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces, computers, printing and scanning facilities, multimedia resources and more
Supporting you
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Whether you live on campus or off campus, in private accommodation in the well-serviced local area, you’ll be part of a community to get the most from your experience at Warwick.
Societies and sports play a huge part in community life at Warwick. With over 300 to choose from, getting involved is one of the easiest ways to make friends and share in experiences. Whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Your university experience is defined by far more than your course or the career path you follow. At Warwick, it’s where you discover who you could become.
68th
Warwick is ranked 68th in the world and top 10 in all major UK league tables
Our alumni community still call Warwick home. From a few hundred in 1965 to more than 310,000 alumni, and it's ever-growing.
As Warwick graduates, our students have access to employability support for two years after graduation, including access to careers appointments, job vacancies and professional networks.
Applications for courses starting in academic year 2026/27 are now open.
For research courses that start in September and October 2027, the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2027.
For courses starting at other times of year we recommend that you submit your application a minimum of 3 months prior to your intended start date.
This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK if required. We will still accept late applications, however cannot guarantee that the application will be processed in time to complete the admissions process if received late or there are a number of conditions to meet.
If applying late please include your degree certificates and transcripts, English proficiency evidence (if needed) and ensure referees can submit references promptly to allow time for CAS and visa processing (if applicable).
This information is applicable for 2027 entry. Given the interval between the publication of courses and enrolment, some of the information may change. It is important to check our website before you apply. Please read our web page 'Important information to consider before making an application' in advance of applying to Warwick.
Next steps
Explore your future university further at an upcoming event, online or in-person. Can't join? Receive regular email updates or ask current students and staff questions about life at Warwick.
