PhD Cognitive Science in Computer Science

This doctoral programme is designed to cultivate world-class researchers through an immersive, hands-on research experience that explores the intersection of human cognition and computational systems. You'll have access to our exceptional facilities in the School of Computer Science and the Centre for Human Brain Health, which house specialised laboratories for cognitive modelling, neuroimaging, eye-tracking, and human-agent interaction, all equipped with cutting-edge experimental hardware and software platforms. Your research journey will be powered by interdisciplinary methodologies and involves designing, implementing, and evaluating novel computational models and intelligent systems that advance our understanding of human and machine cognition.

Here's how you'll gain advanced research experience:

• Specialised Research Software & Tools: You will develop expertise with research-grade tools including Python with cognitive modelling libraries (e.g., PsyNeuLink, ACT-R), MATLAB for experimental design, R for advanced statistics, eye-tracking software (EyeLink, Tobii), and neuroimaging analysis platforms (SPM, FSL).

• Original Research Contribution: The core of your programme is your pioneering doctoral research, where you will design and execute a substantial research plan that creates new knowledge at the intersection of cognitive science and computer science, potentially involving computational cognitive modelling, human-AI interaction studies, or neural computation.

• Cognitive Neuroscience Facilities: You may work with our neuroimaging equipment, including MRI and MEG scanners at the Centre for Human Brain Health, to conduct experiments linking computational models to neural data.

• Eye-Tracking Laboratories: You will conduct experiments in our dedicated labs using high-precision eye-tracking systems to study visual attention, scene perception, and reading processes in both human and computational systems.

• Human-Agent Interaction Lab: You can utilize our specialized facilities for studying human interaction with autonomous systems, robots, and virtual agents, equipped with motion capture and behavioural recording systems.

• Computational Modelling Suite: You will have access to high-performance computing resources for running complex cognitive simulations, neural network models, and large-scale behavioural data analyses.

Here’s how Birmingham supports your journey from research inception to impact and beyond:

• University Services to Boost Employability

  • As a doctoral researcher, you’ll benefit from structured support through the Birmingham Doctoral Programme, including personalized supervision, professional skills workshops, research training, and opportunities to TA (teaching assistant)—helping to refine both your expertise and professional skills.
     

• Employment Stats & Funding Details

  • PhD funding is available through university scholarships—offering tuition fee waivers plus a tax-free maintenance stipend (approximately £19,237 per annum for domestic and international students). Additional support includes conference travel grants, teaching opportunities, and development workshops.
     

• University–Industry and Interdisciplinary Partnerships

  • The Computer Science School at Birmingham is recognized for research excellence, particularly in areas like cognitive systems, AI, neuroscience, and HCI. Research in formal methods, robotics, knowledge representation, and cognitive systems is strongly supported and often intersects with psychology, language studies, and engineering.
     

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • A PhD from Birmingham carries outstanding academic credibility—coming from a School ranked 5th in the UK for Computer Science and 3rd for REF research quality. This is a significant credential for academic assignments, research leadership roles, or technical strategy positions in advanced industrial settings.
     

• Graduation Outcomes

  • By completion, you’ll have designed and delivered original research in cognitive-inspired systems, AI or human-computer interaction—supported by publications, conference presentations, interdisciplinary collaboration experience, and mentoring skills—all positioning you for postdoc roles, research leadership, or strategic industry positions.

Further Academic Progression:
After your PhD, you're well-prepared for postdoctoral roles, research fellowships, or faculty positions. Your specialization in Cognitive Science within a Computer Science context creates strong opportunities in AI, cognitive robotics, HCI, or neuro-computational research at top-tier institutions globally.