Apply now

Are you interested in studying for a PhD in Computer Science at one of the UK's leading universities? We have a reputation for high research standards and publish much of our work in the most prestigious international journals and leading conferences.

Computer Science students working at a computer
Off

Why Sheffield?

  • Many of our academics are leaders in their field. This has been acknowledged by the 2021 Research Excellence Framework in which 99 per cent of our research is rated in the highest two categories in the REF 2021, meaning it is classed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • We are a top 10 computer science department in the UK.
  • Our research is innovative, interdisciplinary and at the interfaces with the life sciences, engineering, mathematics or linguistics.
  • Our school is truly international with academics, researchers and students from all over the world and a thriving research environment with more than 80 full-time and more than 20 part-time PhD students, most of them working in the software industry.
  • Our alumni have pursued academic and industrial careers around the globe.
  • Our school is part of a top UK university; it is situated in one of the greenest cities of Europe at the border of the beautiful Peak District National Park.

Current opportunities

We are looking for highly motivated applicants with a very good degree in computer science or another relevant subject in science or engineering. Most of our PhD students start in September or October.

We offer an excellent international and interdisciplinary research environment and a dedicated PhD programme that includes training, mentoring and a wide range of scientific and social activities.

Current opportunities in the school


Apply online

Read the How to apply - PhD study guide

You can apply for postgraduate research using our postgraduate online application form:

Postgraduate Online Application Form

The form has comprehensive instructions for you to follow, and pop-up help is available on each page. 

Please make sure to name supervisor(s) and the title of the project you are interested in. For all applications, we require two academic references, degree certificate and transcript, CV and a statement about why you would be suitable for the PhD studentship.


Research training programme

All Sheffield research students take part in a training programme where the university provides you with the skills, competencies and wider subject based training necessary to complete your research. The University of Sheffield was one of the first UK Higher Education Institutions to create a Research Training Programme (RTP) over 16 years ago.

Find a PhD

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.