PhD Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Key information

Location: Dubai
Award: PhD
Delivery type: Full-time, Part-time
Start date: September, January, May
Duration: Up to 4 years (full time)

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences welcomes PhD applications in Computer Science by Research on the Dubai campus.

Applicants with an interest in the broad area of computing are encouraged to apply.

The School in Dubai offers a unique opportunity to conduct outstanding research in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Information Security. We foster a multidisciplinary research culture in collaboration with the Edinburgh Campus and are looking to strengthen mutually beneficial links with industry and government partners in the UAE.

PhD study on the Dubai Campus will enable students to work with staff and students in Dubai in collaboration with a research group in Edinburgh performing high value and fundamental research in Computer Science. Industry-based applied research can also be pursued if the right circumstances are available.

Students will be working under the supervision of an expert academic supervisor based at the Dubai campus and supported by a second supervisor in Edinburgh, with the option of having a third supervisor if needed. In addition to time spent doing research project work, students will review scientific literature and participate in research group discussions and meetings. Students will also be expected to publish their work in high impact journals.

On completion of the research project, students spend some six months 'writing up' to produce a final PhD. Once the thesis has been submitted, internal and external academics will examine the student’s work and knowledge of the PhD subject.

Research topics for PhD supervision

Research areas and topics of interest may include (but are not limited to):

Data Science

Predictive Analytics and Big Data Analytics
Semantic Technologies
Visualization and Software Engineering
Mathematical and Event-Based Modeling
Applications in Smart Cities, Healthcare, Finance, Logistics, Energy and Construction

Artificial Intelligence

Machine Learning/Deep learning/Trust-based AI
Natural Language Processing and Text Analytics
Parallel and Evolutionary Computing
Multimedia, Medical Imaging and Computer Vision
Applications in Healthcare, Robotics, Sentiment Analysis, Social Profiling and Education

Information Security

Malware Detection using Machine Learning
Access Control Systems
P2P Security
Forensics and Cybersecurity

PhD topics in Mathematical Sciences will also be considered. In particular, topics related to Actuarial Science, Mathematical Modelling, Model Checking, Quantitative Risk Management, Islamic Finance and Takaful are welcomed.

Applications may include different areas in Finance, Insurance and Stock Market prediction.

Research proposal

The research proposal (normally three to four pages) should contain as much as possible of the following:

Introduction or outline of the proposed topic
Statement of objective(s) and/or specific research questions
Summary of some of the relevant literature that supports the research objective(s)
An indication of the intended research methodology
An indication of the theoretical structure and/or conceptual outline
A provisional timetable of the major phases of the research process
Results expected from the research, e.g., practical value of the research or possible contributions to knowledge, policy or methodology. At this stage we are not looking for a definitive document but merely an indication that you have thought through most of the above issues. Please note that work submitted may be subject to screening using plagiarism software.

Entry requirements

Candidate criteria

Interested applicants should complete the online application form, making clear on the form that you are applying to study at the Dubai Campus.
If you have any questions about the application process, contact Dr. Neamat El Gayar (n.elgayar@hw.ac.uk) Associate Director of Research.

Supporting documents

Applicants interested in our PhD opportunities need to submit the following:

Copies of full academic transcripts from all previous academic degree courses and copies of certificates for degrees already awarded.
Confirmation of funding source and/or confirmation of sponsorship/sufficient funds to pursue studies.
A detailed research proposal.

Funding information

	Full Time	Part Time
Local and International	AED 99,500 per year	AED 49,750 per year

All tuition fees inclusive of VAT.

Additional information

* All tuition fees inclusive of VAT

Why Heriot-Watt

As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, we have established ourselves as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The three consecutive five-star ratings by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) is a testament to our reputation for world-class teaching.

The futuristic Dubai campus is designed to offer interactive and collaborative learning experiences with innovative classroom styles fostering group work and engagement like Collaborative lecture theatres, Digitally Classrooms and Seminar rooms. The campus also has dedicated cutting-edge laboratories and workshops that span various engineering disciplines along with Psychology, IT, Photography, Design and Architecture.

Our practical, leading-edge research combined with strong links to business and industry, have made our graduates highly employable and sought after by the best organisations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate-level jobs or further study within six months of graduation. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education through our Go Global programme.