Research in Computer Science

The School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Science’s research activities in the domain of Computer Science centre around the research activities and output of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Communications and Networks (AVCN); one of the strongest UWS research units in terms of research outputs, intellectual property (IP), and income generation.

AVCN provides a supportive and vibrant research environment for its members and researchers, enabling them to produce high-quality research and attract external funding. It is committed to collaborating and developing innovative technologies to global challenges, contributing to achieving the UN SDGs and creating a sustainable future for all. 

AVCN research focuses on six main research groups: 

Beyond5GHub Research group

Beyond5GHub is dedicated to conducting cutting-edge research and development projects that challenge and reward its team members. The group is committed to sustainable growth and ensuring that it continues to be at the forefront of research in the EU and the UK.

Affective and Human Computing for Smart Environments (AHCSE)

AHSCE brings together experts from different disciplines to develop Affective and Human Computing for Smart Spaces. Its mission is to create technologies that make environments more responsive to human needs and emotions.

Data anaLyTics for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems (DeLTA)

DeLTA aims to use data analytics to address global challenges across various sectors, such as education, finance, healthcare, and business. Its vision is to promote digital preparedness for future challenges and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Advanced Laboratory for Autonomous Intelligent Systems (ALMADA)

ALMADA is developing intelligent robotic vision systems for the next generation of autonomous uncrewed air/land/sea vehicle swarms. The group is dedicated to advancing UN SDGs related to climate action, sustainable cities, secure transport systems, energy, life on land and below water, and clean energy.

Creative Computing Technologies (CCT)

CCT aims to become an internationally recognised multidisciplinary research group and a leader in applied creative computing in Scotland. Its mission is to generate innovative, sustainable, technical, and technological creative computing solutions to industrial and societal issues.

Digital Connectivity and Innovation for Sustainable Futures (DCISF)

DCISF aims to transform the concept of future 360-degree automation in various real-time settings. Its mission is to demonstrate the growth in the scope of the centre and tackle grand challenges such as climate change.

AVCN has established expertise with significant research outcomes in the following areas:

  • Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Machine/Deep Learning
  • Big data & Data Analytics
  • 5G and Beyond Networks
  • IoTs, Sensor Network, Cloud Computing
  • Blockchain Technology
  • Video & Image Compression & Transmission
  • Cyber and Network Security
  • Intelligent Decision Support Systems
  • Scheduling, Optimization & Logistics Management
  • Connected and Remote Healthcare
  • Public Safety and Security
  • SMART Environment
  • Autonomous Systems
  • Drone Technology
  • Virtual Reality, Extended Reality, Mixed Reality

We welcome applications from anyone whose research ambitions links, however broadly, with these areas, and members of the team are happy to discuss the possibility of developing studentship and funding applications.

Each year, the School has a number of definied research projects for the coming session in the domain of Physical Sciences which are available to self-funded students.

When the become available, details of these projects will be posted here and on FindaPhD.com.

We are currently inviting applications for doctoral research in the following areas:

AI and Machine Learning: 

  • Explainable AI
  • Federated Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Natural Language Processing 
  • Causal Inference in Machine Learning
  • AI for Healthcare
  • Robotics
  • Edge Computing
  • Time Series Analysis with Deep Learning

All with a focus on areas like cybersecurity, data privacy, and developing applications in various industries like healthcare and finance. 


Creative Computing Technologies research:

  • Applications of Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) or Mixed Reality (MR) to industrial training, education, or cultural heritage.
  • Generative AI and VR AR or MR
  • Accessibility issues in VR AR or MR in particular related to physical disabilities
  • User experience design in VR, AR, or MR
  • Human computer interaction and user experience
  • Serious Games
  • Gamification


Data anaLyTics for Intelligent and Autonomous Systems research:

  • End-to-end data science pipeline, Data Security & Privacy
  • Fairness, Ethics, and Trust in Data Science
  • Explainable AI for data-driven decision-making and policy reforms
  • Auditable and resilient data analytics with blockchain


Digital Connectivity and Innovation for Sustainable Futures research:

  • Wireless Communications 
  • 5G/6G telecom
  • Internet of Things

The School has a number of defined research projects for the coming session in the domain of Computer Science which are available to self-funded students.

Current research projects include:

  • Warning system for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable delivery, and Resilience (WEATHER)
  • Human-centred Assisted Intelligent Dynamic systems (HUManAID)
  • Ayrshire Growth Deal 5G Innovation Region
  • mmWave-based future dense networks with UAV backhauling and AI-driven enhancement
  • UKRI, UK – Ukraine Twinning Grant Scheme, Integrated rail freight optimisation in Ukraine: Railway sleepers, rolling stock and logistics, UWS and Ukranian State University of Railway Transport (UkSURT) joint project, 2023-2024
  • Smartify and Scottish Funding Council - Generative AI Storytelling for Cultural Heritage, Advanced Innovation Voucher
  • Aquaculture – fish health and welfare, disease mitigation 
  • Ecology and pollution – contaminated land, environmental stressors in aquatic systems, emergence of antimicrobial resistance
  • Land, waste, air – pollutant transport, regulation and mitigation
    Industry and business – environmental sustainability, industrial ecology, resource efficiency
  • An immersive serious game to rise empathy towards homeless people
  • Sign language in VR
  • Authentic assessment in VR applications assisted by AI 
  • Design fiction for virtual, augmented, or mixed reality
  • Frameworks for mixed reality experiences in cultural heritage
  • A Serious Games for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Current Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) projects include:

  • PG Paper Ltd: AI-driven global paper trading platform, accelerating business scale-up, streaming workflows and enhancing business productivity, 2023-2026
  • WellFish Diagnostics Ltd: Digitisation and embedding AI knowledge and expertise in support of improved fish health diagnostics and prognostics, 2022-2026
  • Kooltech – AI automation
  • Booth Welsh – AI automation 
  • Kibble, Raven Controls, MODO, Habitat Learn, Codeplay

Key contact details are shown below to get in touch to discuss current or possible research projects this in more detail. 

The study of computer science (in all its many forms) concerns all walks of life, sectors, and can provide a remedy to several societal challenges as alluded to in the UN SDGs. Our current research activities directly map to 8 UN SDGs:

  • SDG2: Zero Hunger
  • SDG3: Good health and well-being
  • SDG4: Quality education
  • SDG5: Gender quality
  • SDG6: Clean water
  • SDG8: Decent work and economic growth
  • SDG9: Reduced inequalities
  • SDG11: Sustainable cities and communities

In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).

Find out more about UWS and UN SDGs

CONTACT DETAILS

Name: Professor Naeem Ramzan 
Email address:  Naeem.Ramzan@uws.ac.uk or CEPS-Research@uws.ac.uk
School: School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences 

Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Communications and Networks (AVCN)

Over the past decade, AVCN developed a strong track record in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Extended Realities, 5G+ Networks, Big Data, Deep Learning, IoT, Blockchain, Autonomous Systems and Cyber Security, winning prestigious awards, generating research impact and IP, and securing significant grants from national and international funding agencies and industries.

The AVCN research institute mission is to develop disruptive technologies that impact positively on all areas of society (including health, education, industry, and inclusion), foster collaboration, sustainability, and contribute to achieving the UN SDG goals.

INSTITUTE OF ARTICIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, VIRTUAL COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKS

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree from a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification. 

Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified above shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work planned. 

Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.

Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

  • Overall score of 6.5
  • No sub-test less than 6.0

MORE ON ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

How to apply

Applying for postgraduate research study at UWS has never been simpler. Click the link below to find more information about:

  • Postgraduate Research step-by-step guide - everything you need to know to submit a successful application. 
  • Link to our online application system. 

MORE ABOUT APPLYING FOR RESEARCH DEGREES

 

Last updated: 27/02/2025

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