Computer Science research and PhD programmes

Research in Computer Science at Brunel is internationally recognised, ranked 3rd by discipline in the UK by performance ranking of scientific papers and 1st for average citations, H-index and highly cited papers (source NTU 2021). We have particular strengths in research into computing methodologies (Intelligent data analysis, artificial intelligence, simulation and modelling), software engineering, human centred computing (HCI and interactive multimedia systems) and digital economy (including IOT, trust, privacy and cyber security). Our research delivers creative computing solutions to industrial and societal challenges, with applications including healthcare, overseas development, education, ecology, finance and manufacturing. 

Research opportunities for students  

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. Browse PhD opportunities below and find out about the funding available for students. 

Research in Computer Science

Find people, projects, groups and publications in Computer Science and read more about related research to this area. 

Independent assessment of our research quality (REF 2021)

View REF 2021 details for Computer Science and Informatics (UoA 11)

Connecting Africa: New Networks for Open Science

REF 2021

Research groups and centres

AI Social and Digital Innovation

Social, economic and strategic effects of AI and associated technologies. Impact of AI and related technologies on societies, organisations and individuals.

Brunel Software Engineering Lab

Promoting all sides of empirical and formal investigations of software artefacts – code, formal models and human aspects.

Computational Biology

Developing and applying novel methodologies for computational modelling, simulation and analysis of biological systems

Computer Science for Social Good

Our group works with partners in the Global South to lead and promote interdisciplinary research in the field of computer science and social good. We focus on investigating and developing new ways and innovative technologies to address challenging socio-economic problems.

Digital Economy

Focusing on international digital economy research capability in areas including cyber security, trust, identity and privacy challenges, and big data analytics.

Human Computer Interaction

Investigating ways in which humans and computers can interact through intuitive interface design, understanding of human factors and multimedia.

Institute of Digital Futures

Brings together digital science and technology innovation and advancement, aligned with the Grand Challenges of the UK’s Industrial Strategy, thereby enhancing the global citizen’s quality of life.

Intelligent Data Analysis

Concerned with effective analysis of data involving artificial intelligence, dynamic systems, image and signal processing, optimisation, pattern recognition, statistics and visualisation.

Intelligent Digital Economy and Society

Research into intelligent digital economy and society using AI, data analytics, 6G, media, human-machine interaction, digital games, augmented and virtual reality, digital twins, IoTs, cyber security, data & information fusion.

Interactive Multimedia Systems

Building sensor and media-rich, cross-layer, inclusive e-systems, with an interest in human-machine interaction, sensorial-based interfaces, data visualisation and multimedia.

Modelling and Simulation

Investigating how modelling and simulation can be supported by research into high-performance computing, e-infrastructures, cyberinfrastructures, cloud computing and web-based simulation.

Smart Technology Advancements in Health and Rehabilitation

Data science/wearable technology and Rehabilitation; Haptic feedback, multi-sensory interfacing and Robotics in Health; Immersion and Engagement in Virtual Rehabilitation; TeleHealth/TeleRehab; Data: using AI and Machine learning to improve health.

Systems and Environmental Engineering

Water Engineering; Machine Learning and AI; Micro-Electronics and Electronics Security and Provenance; Digital Economy;· Circular Economy; Advance Process Monitoring and Control.