PhD Mathematical and Computer Sciences

Heriot-Watt University - Dubai Campus

The School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences welcomes PhD applications in Computer Science by Research on the Dubai campus.

Applicants with an interest in the broad area of computing are encouraged to apply.

The School in Dubai offers a unique opportunity to conduct outstanding research in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Information Security. We foster a multidisciplinary research culture in collaboration with the Edinburgh Campus and are looking to strengthen mutually beneficial links with industry and government partners in the UAE.

Accreditation:

This programme is accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the UAE.

Research:

PhD study on the Dubai Campus will enable students to work with staff and students in Dubai in collaboration with a research group in Edinburgh performing high value and fundamental research in Computer Science. Industry-based applied research can also be pursued if the right circumstances are available.

Students will be working under the supervision of an expert academic supervisor based at the Dubai campus and supported by a second supervisor in Edinburgh, with the option of having a third supervisor if needed. In addition to time spent doing research project work, students will review scientific literature and participate in research group discussions and meetings. Students will also be expected to publish their work in high impact journals.

On completion of the research project, students spend some six months 'writing up' to produce a final PhD. Once the thesis has been submitted, internal and external academics will examine the student’s work and knowledge of the PhD subject.

Research topics for PhD supervision:

Research areas and topics of interest may include (but are not limited to):

Data Science:

Predictive Analytics and Big Data Analytics
Semantic Technologies
Visualization and Software Engineering
Mathematical and Event-Based Modeling
Applications in Smart Cities, Healthcare, Finance, Logistics, Energy and Construction

Artificial Intelligence:

Machine Learning/Deep learning/Trust-based AI
Natural Language Processing and Text Analytics
Parallel and Evolutionary Computing
Multimedia, Medical Imaging and Computer Vision
Applications in Healthcare, Robotics, Sentiment Analysis, Social Profiling and Education

Information Security:

Malware Detection using Machine Learning
Access Control Systems
P2P Security
Forensics and Cybersecurity

PhD topics in Mathematical Sciences will also be considered. In particular, topics related to Actuarial Science, Mathematical Modelling, Model Checking, Quantitative Risk Management, Islamic Finance and Takaful are welcomed.

Applications may include different areas in Finance, Insurance and Stock Market prediction.