PhD in Natural, Mathematical and Computational Sciences
A doctorate for those pursuing original research and the creation of new knowledge, under the direction of an expert supervisor.
- Award
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Accreditation
- Via Woolf (EQF 8)
- Duration
- 3 years full-time (up to 5)
- Delivery
- Online, supervised
- Starts
- Monthly
- Entry
- EQF 7 (Master's-level) degree
Original research, supervised
The PhD is for those who intend to conduct original research in the pursuit, discovery or creation of new knowledge, and who are seeking advanced study and careers in research-focused fields. Each student works under a supervisor who holds a doctorate, and may also have a secondary advisor for additional perspectives and a wider professional network.
The programme integrates asynchronous learning (recorded lectures, readings and materials) with synchronous live sessions, and students have direct access to their supervisor and peers throughout. Research may be conducted remotely, for example in computer science, data science or mathematics, or in laboratories for the natural and physical sciences; several university labs already host students from the programme as guest researchers.
A doctorate in three parts
The doctorate has no grades and no credits. It is a three-part structure with checkpoints and a final viva voce examination, each part at EQF 8.
Year 1 — Advanced Research Planning and Methodology
A structured start resulting in a detailed Research Plan, submitted as a digital portfolio, and examined by an academic in the field who holds a research doctorate.
- Provisional thesis title
- Abstract and proposed methodology
- Expanded table of contents
- Literature survey and annotated bibliography
- Timeline to completion
Year 2 — Advanced Research Progress and Progress Review
A year of research following the agreed timeline, writing sections of the thesis with a regular cadence of supervisor meetings, concluding in a Progress Review.
Year 3 — Thesis Completion and Viva Voce
Finalising the research, preparing the thesis, and defending it. The doctoral thesis is typically 40,000 to 60,000 words. An Integrated Thesis option of three or more papers of publishable quality is also supported.
Who can apply
Education
An EQF 7 Master's-level degree, usually in the natural, mathematical or computational sciences. Relevant industry experience may substitute in some cases.
Transfer of progress
Applicants transferring from an accredited doctoral programme may be eligible for credit transfer and a shorter time to completion.
Progress and the viva voce
This is a research doctorate: there are no grades and no credits. Instead, your progress is assessed through the quality of your original research at three key checkpoints, one in each year of the programme.
Each stage is assessed on a pass/fail basis against the quality, originality, and rigour of your research. Throughout, you work under the regular supervision of your supervisory team, who guide your progress between checkpoints and prepare you for each examination.
Examination outcomes: the panel includes a faculty member of the College as chair and an external examiner from outside DSI. Possible outcomes are award of the doctorate; award subject to minor corrections; revise and resubmit; award of a Master's degree; or fail.
Internationally accredited
Our accreditation
The Data Science Institute is a full member college of Woolf. Woolf is an accredited, degree-granting Higher Education Institution and is recognised within the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). All diploma and degree programmes adhere to rigorous European Standards and Guidelines, ensuring international academic excellence and credibility.
Why it matters
Qualifications are internationally portable, recognised by employers, institutions and government agencies, and open pathways for further academic progression and career development.
Enquire Now
Have a question about this programme? Send us an enquiry and our admissions team will be in touch.