Our modern world is dependent on data-driven insights. Use your IT and computer-science expertise to contribute influential ideas that help society progress. Become a leader in IT and mathematical modelling, making real advances in many areas with original research and ideas. VU's PhD in Information & Computer Sciences program Our PhD in Information and Computer Sciences program gives you access to world-class research centres and expert supervisors. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with top researchers from around the world. Our focus areas include big data analytics, software engineering, information theory and cognitive knowledge modelling. We have an interdisciplinary research approach, which focuses on solving real-world problems using innovative IT applications. Your research will benefit society through our partnerships with healthcare, community, business and government. You’ll learn to present your research findings clearly and effectively, through your thesis, presentations and 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. Flexibility & choice in your IT research area Our PhD is offered at various durations, allowing you to fit study in with your existing commitments. You may choose your own area of study within the discipline. Choose a research area that matches your ambitions and interest: complex dynamic systems modelling and analysis artificial intelligence and knowledge modelling data mining and big data analytics cyber security sensor networks software defined networks image processing ehealth, decision support and active living reliable control systems design, robustness analysis, signal processing mathematical inequalities and their applications in numerical analysis information theory and coding population dynamics special functions theory probability and statistics. Course structure The PhD is a research based degree with a maximum duration of 4 years (full time) and 8 years (part time). As well as enrolling in Research Thesis units Doctor of Philosophy (Science) students will be required to complete two coursework units, ROP8001 and ROP8002. An average result of 70% is required in the compulsory coursework units in order to proceed to candidature confirmation. Ongoing progression is subject to policy and procedures for candidature management as per the VU HDR Policy. Careers in IT and computer-science researchDepending on your area of research, your PhD could lead to one of the following careers:academic researcher and lectureractuarial scientist or statisticiangovernment adviserdata scientist and data analystcyber security consultantICT trainerICT managerIT consultantsoftware developer/engineer.