We accept applications to research degree programmes throughout the year. However, we have three entry points: October, February, and June with most students recruited for an October entry. We have several funded PhD opportunities available for the 2027/28 academic year. The application deadline for these positions is 15 January 2027. Applications may still be considered beyond this date on a rolling basis if PhD projects and funding remain available.
We invite research proposals across a wide range of disciplines, with particular interest in topics that align with and strengthen our research groups.
We also encourage self-funded applicants, who will receive a Research Training and Support Grant (RTSG) to assist with conference participation and research-related expenses to facilitate their PhD studies.
You can find funded opportunities in the ‘Funding’ tab as well as funded projects in the ‘Explore our PhD Projects’ tab above.
We are committed to fostering diversity and welcome applications from all individuals, and particularly those underrepresented in STEM subjects and academia.
Eligibility
- Applicants should have an undergraduate degree or MSc in Computer Science or another discipline relevant for their PhD project (e.g. Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics or Physics). Due to high competition for funded studentships, we particularly look for applicants with a first-class degree or distinction at masters.
- In exceptional cases other qualifications and experience may be considered and all applications will be assessed on their merit as appropriate to the individual case.
- The available studentships include studentships for applicants who are UK residents as well as studentships for international applicants from outside the UK.
For further information on postgraduate research funding and scholarships please visit the King's Funding Database.
There are a number of funding opportunities available. Some cover both stipend (to cover living costs) and tuition fees, while others may cover fees only.
All our PhD students, including those who are self-funded, receive a Research and Training Support Grant per annum to support training, attending conferences and research-related costs.
All scholarships, bursaries or other awards are offered on a competitive basis. Some funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines, so please check carefully.
Funded PhD Projects
The Department offers a range of funded PhD projects through a variety of funders, and research grants – set out in the next tab and searchable in King's Funding Database.
EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentships
Candidates who are accepted onto a research degree programme will be considered for Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding via our Doctoral Landscape Awards.
To apply for EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award studentship funding please cite the code EPSRC_Inf2728 in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
There are also funded opportunities through our Centres for Doctoral Training:
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King’s Quantum
King’s Quantum Centre for Doctoral Training brings together quantum practitioners in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES) with our world-leading quantum adopters - researchers deploying quantum technology in healthcare, life sciences and beyond. Quantum technologies will contribute to furthering net zero, climate forecasting, drug discovery, autonomous vehicles, molecular integration, and the development of new materials. Find out more and apply here. Further details on available projects are coming soon.
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EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Engineering for Personalised Surgery & Intervention
A cross-disciplinary CDT based in Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Science, that offers four years of funding at the current UKRI rate. PhD students will be contributing to the UK’s research and entrepreneurial capabilities in surgical and interventional health technologies. Find out more and apply here.
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Safe, Trusted & Responsible AI (STaR-AI) - King’s Prize Doctoral Programme
The King’s Prize Doctoral Programme in Safe, Trusted and Responsible Artificial Intelligence (STaR‑AI) brings together leading researchers from across King’s College London to train the next generation of experts in responsible AI.
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King's EPSRC DRIVE-Health Centre for Doctoral Training
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Driven Health (DRIVE-Health) trains the next generation of health data scientists, computer scientists, software developers, and AI and machine learning researchers - a crucial component in the drive towards sustainable, equitable global healthcare.
Further funding opportunities:
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King's-China Scholarship Council
King's-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) is open to students from China. Details of this programme can be found on our website.
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Self-funded Students
We welcome applications from students who can self-fund their PhD and they will be supported with a Research and Training Support Grant per annum to support training, attending conferences, and research-related costs.
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Teaching income
PhD students are encouraged to contribute to the department's teaching, for which payment will be made separately. Training and mentoring in teaching and learning in higher education is provided by the faculty.
For further information on postgraduate research funding and scholarships please visit the King's Funding Database.
We offer PhD projects under a range of different research themes in computer science. Applicants can explore the various projects available and apply to the one that suits their interests.
This list is not exclusive, and potential applicants can alternatively identify and contact appropriate potential supervisors to outline their academic background and research interests or to propose their own PhD project ideas.
Some projects have funding attached; please check the individual projects for more details. EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentships can be applied for as part of your application to the degree programme. Please see the 'Funding' tab for further details.
Projects with funding attached:
Please note the application deadlines on each funded project advert, as these may vary.
Other projects with potential funding:
The next department application deadline for studies commencing in October 2027 is 15 January 2027. Applications may still be considered beyond this date on a rolling basis if PhD projects and funding remain available.
Self-funded students are welcome to apply according to the official admissions deadlines. For more information, please visit the course page How to apply: Research courses | King's College London.
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Prior to application, the applicant should contact the potential supervisor to discuss the applicant's suitability for the proposed project.
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Then you need to complete an application for PhD via the University Admissions Portal.
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As part of this application, include your name, King's admissions entry number and potential supervisor.
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Include your Curriculum Vitae (Resume). This will include your skills, past achievements, qualifications, experience and personal qualities that make you suited for the studentship.
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You will also be required to provide a personal statement. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages).
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Include a 3–4-page research statement outlining the proposed research project - whether one chosen from the lists of PhD projects or the candidate's own project, incorporating:
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Initial ideas on the particular challenges the applicant would be interested in addressing;
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A brief review of the relevant state of the art, identifying limitations or open questions;
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Initial ideas on what research you might carry out towards addressing the challenges of the project, referring to existing research literature where appropriate.
In all cases the applicants are strongly advised to discuss their research statement with a potential supervisor.
Following the review of the submitted PhD applications, shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview for assessment of their research potential and the contributions they can make to the research activities of the departmental hubs and to teaching activities within the department.