Overview
Our research groups are shaping the world with innovative technologies and applications, often in collaboration with industry. We encourage PhD candidates to take an active role in our School's research community, in areas currently ranging from Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science and Applications, Imaging Technologies, Vision and Acoustics, IoT, Digital Systems and Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, Educational Technologies and Cyber Security.
Supervision and support
We’ll assign supervisors – a primary and relevant specialists – to support you during your research. There’ll be formal two-weekly reviews, with informal help available any time.
Our supervisory staff are recognised experts in their field. Their research expertise includes:
- Prof Marcian Cirstea - Marcian is an active professional in digital systems, focusing on artificial intelligence and the use of computer aided design tools & methods applied to digital systems modelling and rapid prototyping using VHDL and FPGAs.
- Dr Silvia Cirstea - Silvia has over ten years' research experience in mathematical modelling for engineering and medical applications. Her research interests also include acoustic and psycho-acoustic modelling, smart technologies for assisted living, assisted living for the visually impaired and the elderly, signal processing techniques for multimodal data fusion, mobility and navigation aids for the visually impaired and, artificial intelligence.
- Dr Razvan Dinita - Razvan's research focuses on cloud computing software development, optimisation, and security, web and software engineering, web and software security and, programming languages.
- Dr Arooj Fatima - Arooj's research interests include semantic search, knowledge acquisition, effective user interfaces, reliable techniques to evaluate usability and intelligent web applications.
- Dr Cristina Luca - Cristina conducts research in artificial intelligence with particular interests in semantic technologies, machine learning and neural networks. She has 18 years research and teaching experience in the general area of computer science.
- Dr Ian van der Linde - Ian carries out cross-faculty research in the areas of computing, vision and healthcare. His research interests include vision science, image processing, behavioural psychology, eye-tracking and electrophysiology, algorithms and computational methods in psychology.
- Dr George Wilson - George's research interests include all kinds of spatial data manipulation, including image analysis and 3D-gaming.
- Adrian Winkles - Adrian's research focuses on malware detection and digital forensics, computer networking, network and system security, network and system management, virtualisation and cloud computing and, remote laboratory representation.
- Dr Jin Zhang - Jin's research areas include electronic systems modelling, smart antennas, the study and design for development of novel artificial metamaterials components in the mid-infrared range and microwave frequency regions. Also, the design of quasi-optical components for millimetre-wave astronomy and electromagnetic modelling and simulations.
Where you'll research
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at ARU. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
UK students, 2023/24 (per year)
£4,712
UK students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year)
£2,356
International students, 2023/24 (per year)
£15,000
International students, 2023/24 (part-time, per year)
£7,500
UK students, 2024/25 (per year)
£4,786
UK students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£2,392
International students, 2024/25 (per year)
£15,900
International students, 2024/25 (part-time, per year)
£7,950
Bench fees
In some cases extra costs known as bench fees will be charged for a postgraduate research degree. These are to cover additional/exceptional costs directly related to a specific research project.
Some examples of these costs are (the list is not exhaustive): equipment hire, access costs to specialist equipment/workshops, volunteer expenses, specialist tissue/cell culture, specialist reagents or materials, specialist software, access to specialist databases, data collection costs, specialist media, recording or digital storage needs.
We charge bench fees in bands. They may apply for every year of your course. These bands are the same for full- and part-time students.
If you have to pay bench fees this will be made clear at your interview, and stated in your offer letter.
For 2024/25 the bench fee bands are:
- £500
- £1,200
- £2,200
- £4,500
- £8,900
PhD by Published Work
Initial registration: £1,500
Full registration: £4,500
Writing up fees 2024/25
£1,200
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us. Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
For advice on the Doctoral Loan and other sources of funding, including ARU scholarships, visit our finance guide for postgraduate researchers.
You might also find The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding helpful.
ARU research
ARU's academic excellence was recognised in 2021, as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), an exercise which assesses the quality of academic research. Sixteen areas of our work were classed as generating world-leading research. The results showed that we're making a significant impact on the societies we live in.
Careers
We provide comprehensive research training in fields such as academic writing, conference presentation and research methods. The skills you’ll develop will be invaluable in your wider career.
Additionally you’ll be invited to take part in our research activities, from internal workshops and seminars to conferences.
Contact details
If you're interested in finding out more about research study opportunities, please email [email protected]
Entry requirements
MPhil or PhD with progression from MPhil: You’ll need a Bachelors degree or equivalent with first or upper second class honours, in a related subject area.
PhD: You’ll need a Masters degree or equivalent in a related subject area.
Please note we consider candidates for PhD with progression from MPhil in the first instance. If you want to be considered for direct entry to the PhD route then this can be discussed at interview if you are shortlisted. Please note you’ll also need to provide academic justification for this request.
If English is not your first language, you'll require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component (or equivalent test). If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
Important additional notes
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the programme as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Contact our postgraduate research degree team for more information about studying a PhD, MPhil or Professional Doctorate at ARU.
You'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your research programme.
