Overview

Students of the Informatics - LFCS - Theory and Foundations of Computer Science, Databases, Software and Systems Modelling programme offered by The University of Edinburgh benefit from being part of one of the largest and strongest groups of theoretical computer scientists in the world.

Our research is aimed at establishing deep understanding of computation in its many forms. Using advanced mathematical principles, we create theories and software tools allowing fundamental capabilities of computation to be explored, as well as designing languages that can be used to construct safe and effective programs.

Areas of interest within LFCS include: algorithms and complexity, cryptography, databases, logic, programming languages and semantics, performance modeling, quantum computing, security and privacy, software modeling and testing, and verification.

Career opportunities:

Our graduates are in high demand for postdoctoral academic roles. In addition, the skills you will graduate with can be applied to roles in industry, particularly finance, software development and consultancy.

Programme Structure

The prescribed period of study is 36 months if studying full-time, or between 48 and 72 months if studying part-time.

The first year of PhD studies is probationary. Your supervisor will identify your training needs, if any, and invite you to attend lectures relevant to your research topic. These lectures may be selected from those offered to MSc students, or may be specialist courses and seminars organised by the School's various research groupings.
Towards the end of the first year you will be expected to submit a thesis proposal which identifies a specific research topic, reviews the relevant literature, outlines a plan of research to address the topic, and describes progress made so far.
Progress during your PhD is assessed by annual reviews, which formally determine whether you can progress with your PhD. Your thesis is expected to be submitted at the end of the third year, followed by an oral examination.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-09-09 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-06-09 00:00:00
Starting 2026-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-06 00:00:00
Starting 2026-05-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-02-01 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Information Technology (IT) Computer Sciences Information Systems View 98 other PhDs in Computer Sciences in United Kingdom

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

Pass _{(recommended)}

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

92

Schedule TOEFL®

Check IELTS test dates and locations. Book an IELTS test now!

Other requirements

General requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with a strong background in mathematics.

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

We partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at The University of Edinburgh and/or in United Kingdom, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

31500 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 31500 GBP per year during 36 months.
National

4786 GBP/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 4786 GBP per year during 36 months.

Living costs for Edinburgh

725 - 1167 GBP /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Informatics - LFCS - Theory and Foundations of Computer Science, Databases, Software and Systems Modelling.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About