Aim for career as an academic, IT expert or computer scientist. Our integrated PhD teaches you best-practice research methods before you begin original and important study.VU's integrated PhD in Information Technology & Computer Science VU's integrated PhD in IT and Computer Science offers a pathway to a doctorate degree to graduates without a research background. In your first year, you’ll receive intensive training in data collection and analysis. On passing first-year components with a 70% average, you’ll begin an investigative thesis at the forefront of its field. You’ll complete your PhD in the standard four years. Our PhD program gives you access to world-class research centres and expert supervisors. We have an interdisciplinary approach where we solve real-world problems using mathematics modelling and innovative IT applications. Our strong partnerships in healthcare, business and government mean your research will contribute real benefits to society. You’ll learn to present your findings through your thesis, and in conferences, public presentations and academic publications. Information Technology research areas When you undertake a doctoral degree in information technology and computer science at VU, you’ll specialise in one of our areas of research focus. These are supported by expertise from the University, research partners, institutes and research centres. We are committed to undertaking high-impact research that shapes healthier, smarter and more sustainable communities across six interdisciplinary areas of research focus. Our world-class innovative applications in smart environments and active living research areas include: cognitive knowledge modelling machine inference big data analytics sensor networks software engineering. Careers in IT and computer sciences Depending on your area of research, your PhD could lead to one of the following careers: academic researcher and lecturer actuarial scientist or statistician government adviser data scientist and data analyst cyber security consultant ICT trainer ICT manager IT consultant software developer/engineer Course structure To attain the award of Doctor of Philosophy through undertaking the Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) students will be required to complete in total 384 credit points consisting of: 72 credit points of Core studies in Year 1 24 credit points of Elective studies in Year 1 288 credit points of Thesis units as per standard PhD