Postgraduate research

The Department of Computing and Communication Technologies welcomes applications to study for Master of Science by Research, Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy qualifications, particularly in subject areas where we already have a 'critical mass' of research expertise. The Department offers excellent facilities for study, including a range of dedicated laboratories and research areas.

Research students can study towards a Master of Science by Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award. An MSc by Research is a one year programme (full-time) while an MPhil normally takes two years of full-time study or three years part-time to complete. The PhD normally takes a minimum of three years full-time study or five years part-time to complete.

Many of the Department's research projects are funded externally and are undertaken in collaboration with industry, universities and research establishments in the UK, other European countries, the USA, and Australia. Doing an MRes, MPhil or PhD is an opportunity to work on these projects and to make an original and significant contribution to knowledge. A PhD degree is widely recognised internationally as the 'licence' to practise as a research scientist or research engineer, and at Brookes we aim for the highest international standards of research.

Research students have the opportunity to undertake a programme of Research Methods Training provided by the University's Graduate School. They also have access to training in subject-related skills, such as Matlab, and generic skills, such as entrepreneurship and teaching in higher education.

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have, or expect to have, at least a 2.1 honours degree in an appropriate area. Applicants who have equivalent experience and strong research skills will also be considered. The Department is also able to consider proposals for new research projects from applicants in full-time employment who wish to obtain a research degree on a part-time basis, or on the basis of existing published research.

Assessment

The award of MRes, MPhil or PhD is made on the basis of a satisfactory thesis submitted and examined by at least two examiners - one being external to the University. The candidate will normally be required to attend an oral examination, in the UK, on the programme of work and field of study.

Finance

Please see the Studying at Brookes webpage for up-to-date research degree tuition fee details. From time to time, funded research studentships are available to exceptional candidates. Refer to the Department's scholarships page for more information. Such opportunities are advertised via the Brookes website and externally at venues such as jobs.ac.uk.

However, applicants should not apply on the assumption that they will obtain a studentship from Brookes. Most research students fund their own studies or have sponsorship they have obtained themselves from a company or government agency. We are not able to help prospective students obtain sponsorship.

Research students may have the opportunity to earn money by teaching on tutorials and seminars during the 24 weeks of undergraduate teaching per year. There is a maximum of 6 hours available per week and most students undertake less tutoring than that.

ATAS Clearance

As from 1 November 2007, the UK government introduced the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). Having an ATAS clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement if you are applying to undertake postgraduate research in the School of Technology and you are not a UK/EU/EEA (including Switzerland) national. Download the information leaflet for further information.