Doctor of Philosophy (Computing)

Highlights of the programme

• Offers a relevant doctoral degree in specific areas of interest
• Prepares candidates for a rewarding career in the ever-growing IT industry with Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, KPMG, MDeC and BT
• Opens up exciting and challenging opportunities that offer greater mobility internationally
• Equips candidates with versatility in the commercialised IT and Education industries

About the programme

The Doctor of Philosophy (Computing) programme aims to develop leaders and innovators in the area of computing and ICT. The programme will steel graduates with the ability to apply advanced knowledge and skills, to deal with the computing and ICT needs of organisations and society in a professional and ethical manner.

Ultimately, candidates will be equipped with the ability and skills to create, develop and extend the frontiers of knowledge in the field of computing or ICT.

The programme requires extensive and independent research under the supervision of a qualified academic. The programme requires candidates to complete two taught modules, namely Research Methodology and Directed Readings before proceeding to undertake the thesis research.

 

The Modules

• Research Methodology
  This module will examine research designs with methodology, as well as basic data analysis techniques employed by researchers. Candidates will gain a sound understanding of the research process, draw conclusions based on study results and literature reviewed, and finally put forward a proposal for research in an area of their own interest.
• Directed Readings
  This module aims to provide candidates with an understanding of the main research topics within their chosen areas.
  
  The module will introduce candidates to key research papers in their chosen area and will help them identify a research study as the basis of their own thesis. Each paper will be read and discussed between candidate and supervisor as part of a tutorial exercise.
• Thesis
  As a requirement for obtaining the doctoral degree, candidates are required to submit a thesis which demonstrates the mastery of a subject area in a specific field of research. Candidates will be guided by their supervisors throughout the various research activities. The School of Computer Technology has academics undertaking and working extensively in research areas such as Network and Ubiquitous Computing, Multimedia and Information Systems, Intelligent System and Robotics Engineering, and Database Technologies and Software Engineering.
  
  The processes involved in the preparation of the thesis are as follows:
  • Finalisation of research proposal and its successful defense.
  • Implementation of the proposal.
  • Analysing the data and writing the thesis.
  • Submission of the thesis for examination and finally the viva voce.
  • Presentation of research study in conferences.
  • Publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Areas of Research
Subject to the expertise within the School of Computer Technology, the areas of research include, but are not limited to the following:

• Ubiquitous and Pervasive Computing
• Networking
• Mobile Computing
• Database Systems
• Image Processing and Computer Vision
• Artificial Intelligence
• Data Mining
• Affective Computing
• Biometrics
• Management Information Systems

Preliminary discussions are usually made between the prospective candidate and the potential supervisor to ascertain the suitable area of research before registering for this programme.

Duration of the Programme

Intakes

Jan, March, June and August

Entry Requirements

A Masters degree or equivalent and completed at least one (1) of the earlier degrees (Masters or Bachelors) in Computing.