Entry Requirements to our PhD Programme

We are looking for students with intellectual curiosity who want to discover more about topics in computing that fascinate them. To join us, you should:

• have excellent analytical skills, to be able to understand problems and propose solutions;
• be capable of working hard on difficult projects;
• have the ability to set your own goals and manage your time;
• be self-critical and be able to evaluate your own performance fairly;
• have good communication skills and be able to explain your ideas in meetings with your supervisor and in writing.

If you have all these attributes, then we encourage you to apply to study with us.

First degree requirements

• You must have a first degree before starting the PhD.
• You can apply before you have passed your first degree. If we offer you a place, it will be a conditional offer until your degree result is known.
• The minimal entry requirement is an Upper Second class Bachelor's degree from a British university, or the international equivalent. For most European countries, that means a Bachelor's, but for some other countries both a BSc and an MSc are required.
• In most cases, we expect a degree in Computer Science. For some research topics, a degree in Mathematics or Physics can be a good qualification.

English language requirements

If you have recently studied for a degree at an English speaking university (eg in the United Kingdom, Canada, etc), you do not need a separate English language qualification. Otherwise, you need a qualification.

I have studied English in my degree. Do I have to have a separate English qualification?

You will need to provide an separate English language certificate. Details are given below.

What English qualifications do we accept?

We accept a number of qualifications. Our minimum requirements are:

Test	Score
TOEFL (see below)	87 in internet-based test 550 in paper-based test
IELTS (see below)	6.0
GCE O Level English Language	Grade C
GCSE English Language	Grade C
IGCSE English (First Language)	Grade C
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English	Grade B
Warwick University English Language Test	BBB

Some other tests may be accepted as fulfilling the University's entrance requirements.

What TOEFL score do we require?

If you take the computer-based test, we require a minimum of 213 with no less than 22 in each section. Most of our students have a score of at least 237.

If you take the internet-based test, we require a minimum of 87 with no less than 22 in Reading, 21 in Listening, 23 in Speaking, 21 in Writing.

If you take the paper-based test, we require a minimum of 550 with no less than 55 in each section. Most of our students have a score of at least 580.

What IELTS score do we require?

We require a minimum of 6.0. You must not have a score below 5.5 in any section of the IELTS test.

Can I take an English test after I have started the programme?

No. We do not allow students to start the programme without an English language qualification. You need to be able to communicate effectively in English from the first day of the programme.