Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science and Engineering

Conduct original research in AI, software, and advanced computing — and earn a flexible online doctoral degree built for the future of technology.

Eim Doctoral Research Planning Study

AI-Driven Research

Lead the Next Wave of AI and Computing Innovation

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science and Engineering is built for professionals who want more than technical knowledge. It is designed for those who want to create original research, influence the future of intelligent systems, and position themselves as high-level experts in artificial intelligence, software engineering, and digital transformation.

At EIM, you study fully online while developing a doctoral profile that combines academic depth with real-world relevance. From machine learning and automation to advanced engineering systems, this programme helps you turn ambition into recognised expertise.

Strong AI and Innovation Focus

Build research expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, intelligent systems, and digital innovation with clear academic and industry relevance.

Flexible Online Doctorate

Study from anywhere while balancing work, leadership responsibilities, and research goals in a format designed for ambitious professionals.

Research with Market Value

Create original work that strengthens your authority in advanced computing and positions you for high-impact roles in academia and industry.

Doctoral Supervision and Academic Growth

Benefit from guided supervision, structured research development, and publication-oriented support throughout your doctoral journey.

Doctoral Researchers Discussing Ideas in Modern Courtyard

For Ambitious Professionals

Built for Researchers, Engineers, and Future Tech Leaders

This programme is ideal for software engineers, AI specialists, data professionals, technical managers, and founders who want to move into research-led leadership. It is also a strong choice for aspiring academics who want to publish, teach, and contribute to the evolution of computer science.

You do not need to pause your career to earn a doctorate. The online format gives you the flexibility to continue building your professional path while developing a research portfolio with long-term academic and commercial value.

Research the Systems That Will Shape Tomorrow.

From AI to advanced computing, your ideas can become the work that defines what comes next.

Choosing EIM was a turning point for my career and personal growth. As a dental surgeon, EIM’s 100% online, no-residency approach was the perfect fit....

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Raphael Püschel

Researcher, Student EIM

EIM made it possible to pursue a doctoral pathway without putting my career on hold. The tutorial-based format is rigorous but manageable, and the fle...

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Sarah M.

Operations Manager (UK)

What stood out was the quality of academic supervision and the structured feedback. The small-group teaching keeps you accountable and accelerates pro...

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Ahmed K.

Senior Project Manager (UAE)

The programme is genuinely designed around real life. Weekly milestones, clear guidance, and supportive tutors helped me develop research skills while...

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Dr. Priya S.

Healthcare Professional (India)

The recognition of prior professional learning was a major advantage. EIM evaluated my experience fairly, which reduced unnecessary repetition and kep...

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Michael R.

Finance Lead (Germany)

I expected online learning to feel impersonal, but EIM’s tutorial approach is highly interactive. The cohort discussions and tutor feedback are consis...

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Laura B.

People & Culture Director (Spain)

EIM’s international faculty bring strong research credentials and real-world perspective. I also appreciated the encouragement to publish and present—...

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Daniel O.

Business Development Manager (Nigeria)

The learning platform and communication are straightforward, which matters when you study after hours. The programme is demanding, but the structure k...

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Hana L.

Product Manager (Singapore)

The academic standards are clear from day one. Tutorials are focused, feedback is detailed, and expectations are transparent. It’s a serious programme...

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James T.

Consultant (USA)

Flexibility was the deciding factor, but the teaching quality is what made me stay. The small-group format helped me build confidence in research and...

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Elena P.

Marketing Manager (Italy)

EIM balances flexibility with structure. You can study around your schedule, yet the milestones and tutor check-ins keep you on track. It’s ideal for...

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Khaled A.

Engineering Manager (Malta)

What I particularly appreciate about EIM is the state accreditation, the weekly appointments with my dissertation supervisors throughout my doctorate...

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Dr. Dejan Cargnelutti

PhD Graduate

What I particularly like about EIM is that the doctorate can be carried out part-time, the high flexibility of the learning platform, the availability...

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Lukas

MBA Student

Die persönlichen Vorabgespräche haben mich überzeugt. Besonders die Möglichkeit einer German Classroom war mir äußerst wichtig — das konnte mir nur EI...

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Marcello C.

Doktorand

Berufsbegleitende Promotion mit flexibler Durchführungszeit. Schnelle Antworten der Professoren, keine Terminverschiebungen. Strukturiertes Verfahren,...

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Lukas F.

Doktorand

Ich bin zur EIM gewechselt, da mir dort beim PhD-Studium eine verständlichere Erklärung und Hilfe geboten wird. Die klar strukturierte Arbeitsweise ha...

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Adrian Z.

Doktorand

100 % Fokus auf die Dissertation, schnelle Promotionszeit, keinerlei Administrationsaufwand. Klare Vorgaben und enge Begleitung, sympathischer Umgang...

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Manuel W.

Doktorand

Ich habe mich für EIM entschieden, weil mir Flexibilität wichtig ist, welche ich bei EIM gefunden habe. Die Dozenten sind immer erreichbar und das Stu...

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Carl D.

Doktorand

Persönliche Betreuung, gute Struktur. Michael ist ein super Prof und Student Services bietet eine gute Beratung. Wichtigste Entscheidung: anerkannter...

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Dennis V.

Doktorand

Akkreditiert, Online-Betreuung mit schneller Reaktionszeit, gute Kommunikation. Gut strukturiertes Programm inkl. Templates, dadurch direkte Arbeit an...

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Selina S.

Doktorandin

Programme fee

The Standard programme starts at EUR 3,000 admission plus EUR 3,000 per quarter (expected total: EUR 39,000 for 12 quarters). The Individual option with private tutoring starts at EUR 4,000 admission plus EUR 4,500 per quarter (expected total: EUR 58,000). Flexible payment plans and scholarship support are available — contact admission@eim.education for details.

Entry Requirements

  • Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) or distinction profile of Bachelor degree (MQF level 6 qualification)

  • Proficient working level of English in understanding and speaking, reading and writing

  • Basic digital competencies to work with the institutions´ digital learning platform

  • Excellent personal motivation

  • Excellent team work

Applicants that do not comply with indicated requirements can request for a of Recognition of Prior Learning

Ready to Research, Publish, and Lead in AI?

Take the next step towards a doctoral qualification that aligns with the future of technology. Apply now or request a personal consultation with our admissions team.

Doctoral Research Discussion Around Table

Career Acceleration

Turn Technical Excellence into Strategic Career Advantage

A doctoral degree in Computer Science and Engineering signals advanced problem-solving ability, research capability, and innovation leadership. Graduates are positioned for senior roles in R&D, higher education, advanced product development, consulting, and AI-driven transformation projects.

In a market where organisations are searching for experts who can combine technical depth with strategic vision, this PhD helps you stand out with authority, credibility, and original contribution.

Free and without obligation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

This programme is designed for software engineers, AI professionals, data specialists, researchers, technical leaders, founders, and aspiring academics who want to build doctoral-level expertise in computing and innovation.

Yes. The online delivery model is built for flexibility, making it possible to continue your career while developing a serious research profile in computer science and engineering.

Potential research directions include artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, intelligent systems, data science, automation, digital transformation, and emerging computing technologies.

As AI changes every sector, organisations need leaders who can evaluate, design, and advance intelligent technologies. This PhD helps you build the research credibility and strategic depth to shape that future.

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science and Engineering
Hours of Total Learning for the whole PhD programme
  • Total Contact Hours: 900
  • Self-Study Hours: 3,204
  • Assessment Hours: 396
  • Total Learning Hours of this Module: 4,500

Hours of Learning (Module 1-3)

  • Total Contact Hours: 50
  • Self – Study Hours: 178
  • Assessment Hours: 22   
  • Total Learning Hours: 250

Hours of Learning (Module 4)

  • Total Contact Hours: 150
  • Self – Study Hours: 534 
  • Assessment Hours: 66   
  • Total Learning Hours: 750

Hours of Learning (Module 5-6)

  • Total Contact Hours: 300
  • Self – Study Hours: 1068 
  • Assessment Hours: 132   
  • Total Learning Hours: 1500

 

Requirement/Headline Content
Name of the Educational Programme Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering (PhD in CSE)
Exit Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science and Engineering (PhD in CSE)

Accredited Status of the Programme Approved Higher Education Programme by MFHEA
MQF / EQF level 8
Proposed ECTS 180
Type of Programme Qualification
Mode of Delivery Online

Teaching and Learning Procedures

The core pedagogical method used in this course will consist of synchronous online Oxbridge-style tutorials between a faculty member, or a learning coach under the oversight of a faculty member (= tutors), and a group of learners. Learner interaction plays a key role in the organisation of each tutorial meeting, which focuses on a discussion of a learner’s pre-submitted assignment.

Assessment Procedures

Formative assessment applies to the continuous evaluation of learner progress in each module, concentrating on the proficiency of submitted tutorial assignments, and the ability of the learner to respond to issues raised by the faculty member / lecturer during the tutorial session.

Summative assessment is by the final dissertation (at least 60,000 words) and an oral defense thereof (90 minutes individual presentation followed by a 45 minute questions and answers session).

Grading System Final Dissertation:

  • Distinction (80–100%)
  • Merit (65–79%)
  • Pass (50–64%)
  • Fail (0–49%)

Online

Mode of Attendance Full-Time and Part-Time
Programme Duration 36 months (full-time) and up to 48–84 months (part-time)
Target Group The PhD programme is specifically designed for individuals with professional backgrounds in the CSE industry. This includes three primary groups: (1) experienced CSE professionals seeking to deepen their academic engagement and contribute to knowledge production in their field; (2) CSE academics and educators who do not yet hold a doctoral degree and aim to strengthen their academic qualifications for leadership roles in teaching, research, and institutional development; and (3) professionals currently working in CSE who are planning a career transition into academic, research, or consultancy roles within the CSE sector.
Language of Instruction English
Competences 

At the end of the course/program, the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:


  • Demonstrate autonomy in CSE studies and make judgments involving a multitude of interacting factors, exercising professional authority and scholarly integrity; 

  • Promote social, scientific, and ethical advancement through actions, guided by scholarly integrity and professional authority; 

  • Demonstrate sustained commitment through generating new ideas and innovative technological, cultural, organizational, and social development projects;

  • Demonstrate substantial autonomy and scholarly integrity by making defensible research judgements in complex and unpredictable contexts, and by exercising professional authority and scholarly integrity in leading scholarly debate and knowledge transfer activities.

Knowledge 

At the end of the course/program, the learners will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate a systematic and critical understanding and knowledge of CSE studies, which builds upon specialized or multi-disciplinary knowledge and understanding;

  • Critically evaluate theoretical and practical expertise in a specialized field in CSE of knowledge, which may contribute to social and ethical issues in a national and international dimension;

  • Demonstrate comprehensive and critical knowledge of advanced research methodologies, including their theoretical foundations, design principles, and application within CSE contexts.

  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of scientific literature, enabling critical appraisal, synthesis, and contextualization of peer-reviewed research papers across diverse methodological and disciplinary traditions.

  • Extend or redefine existing knowledge and/or professional practice in CSE studies. 

Skills 

At the end of the course/program, the learners will have acquired the following skills:


  • Demonstrate mastery in selecting and analysing research evidence and in producing a coherent doctoral argument supported by CSE artefacts (e.g., algorithms, models, datasets, architectures, prototypes, and empirical results), documented to scholarly standards; 

  • Analyse and address technological, social, and cultural issues relevant to CSE research and innovation, including privacy, security, safety, fairness, sustainability, and human factors;  

  • Communicate CSE research expertise to specialist and non-specialist audiences through publications and presentations, including software artefacts, technical reports, reproducible repositories, and research demonstrations, and participate in specialist fora; 

  • They are responsible for the leadership of a number of specialized projects and are an authority in CSE studies;

  • Demonstrate leadership and innovation in mastering research in work and study contexts in CSE studies; 

  • Conduct critical evaluations under incomplete or uncertain information by designing defensible experiments (simulation, benchmarking, ablation, comparative evaluation), analysing results, and producing original research claims with explicit limitations; 

  • Demonstrate advanced competence in scientific integrity and ethical research conduct in CSE, including compliance with ethics and data protection requirements, responsible handling of datasets, logs, telemetry, and sensitive software artefacts, and academic honesty; 

  • Critically assess and apply emerging digital tools, including AI, in research and data analysis by validating outputs, documenting tool use, managing bias/error risks, and disclosing limitations in line with programme policy and applicable regulation. 

 

 

Academic Qualifications: A Master’s degree (MQF Level 7 or equivalent) in a relevant discipline, such as science, engineering, IT, or other technology-related fields at Merit level (or equivalent international standard). Where an applicant falls below the minimum performance threshold, the programme may consider admission only in cases when the applicant presents strong evidence of research capability and demonstrates suitability at interview.

Language Proficiency: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (or CEFR C1) or higher.

Digital Competences: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient digital literacy to participate in EIM’s online learning environment, based on Google Education Suite and other research platforms. Digital competence may be assessed through practical demonstration or prior certification.

There are three semesters per year, available for both full-time and part-time options.

Structure of the program – full-time

Semester 1

Introduction to Doctoral Research in Computer Science and Engineering and

Contemporary Issues in Computer Science and Engineering

Semester 2

Advanced Research Methods  in  Computer Science and Engineering

Semester 2-3

Proposal Development

Semester 4-6

Final Study Development 1

Semester 7-9

Final Study Development 2

 

Structure of the program – part-time

Semester 1

Introduction to Doctoral Research in Computer Science and Engineering

Semester 2

Contemporary Issues in Computer Science and Engineering

Semester 3

Advanced Research Methods  in Computer Science and Engineering

Semester 4-6

Proposal Development

Semester 7-12

Final Study Development 1

Semester 13-18

Final Study Development 2

PhD students in Computer Science and Engineering can write their dissertations on topics and subject areas such as, for example, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, software engineering, computer systems, cybersecurity, computer networks, cloud computing, human-computer interaction, robotics, embedded systems, the Internet of Things, computational engineering, digital transformation, information systems, technology innovation, intelligent automation, high-performance computing, computer vision, natural language processing, or other topics that match their academic interests and research goals.

This programme does not directly lead to a warranted profession or regulated occupation.

Graduates of this PhD program in CSE are prepared for high-level academic, research, and professional roles that require critical expertise, leadership, and advanced research competencies. The following occupations reflect the typical career pathways, aligned with the European Skills, Competences, Qualifications and Occupations (ESCO) framework, the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and international academic and research standards in Theology:

  • Academic Positions in Higher Education
    • Professor / Lecturer / Senior Academic in Theology

    • Program Director / Curriculum Developer

    • Dean or Academic Manager in the Theology Faculties

Aligned with EHEA and the European Framework for the Academic Profession, requiring doctoral-level qualifications and demonstrated capacity for original research, teaching, and academic leadership.

  • Research and Innovation in Theology

    • Research Scientist in Theology

    • Principal Investigator in Theology

    • Research Director / Coordinator in Theology

Referencing the European Charter for Researchers and ESCO occupations, graduates will be capable of conducting independent, innovative, and ethically sound research in Theology fields.

  • Education and Training in Theology

    • Head of Training and Development in Institutions of Theology

    • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Specialist

    • Simulation Specialist / Educator in Theology

Aligned with ESCO, emphasizing pedagogical knowledge, adult learning principles, and evidence-based instructional design.

  • Management and Policy Leadership in Theology

    • Strategy Advisor in Digital/AI

    • Technology Policy Analyst / Consultant

    • Digital Systems Development Specialist

Aligned with EQF Level 8 leadership descriptors and with ESCO/ISCO managerial pathways for ICT, including ISCO 1330 ICT service managers. Doctoral graduates contribute to strategic planning, standards, and evidence-based digital policy.

  • Consultancy and Professional Practice

    • Independent Consultant in Theology

    • Accreditation and Quality Assurance Expert in Theology

    • Theology Knowledge Transfer Specialist

Requiring doctoral-level analytical, evaluative, and communication competencies—aligned with MQF Level 8 descriptors and professional frameworks for consultants and knowledge mobilizers in Theology.

  • Publishing and Scientific Communication

    • Scientific Editor / Peer Reviewer in Theology Journals

    • Writer / Theology Policy Communicator

Occupations that require the ability to translate complex Theology research into accessible, high-impact publications. These roles are often found in academic publishing, think tanks, and Theology communication agencies.

The program fees below refer to the current academic year unless otherwise stated. Program fees are calculated per credit taught. Program fees are subject to annual inflation so the total cost are shown here as a guide. EIM will apply the program fees at the time of the payment.

Standard

Admission Fees: EUR 3,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 3,000
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 39,000 (for 12 quarters)

Individual (incl. individual tutoring)

Admission Fees: EUR 4,000
Programme Fees per quarter: EUR 4,500
Expected Total Programme Fees: EUR 58,000 (for 12 quarters)

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Please get in touch with admission@eim.education for more information.

Pay your program fees

You can choose to pay your program fees in full at the start of your first term or in instalments at the start of each term. Additional fees may apply for different payment terms, currencies, and methods.

Other fees

The program fees cover the course delivery and the learning material. Other fees may apply for additional services (e.g., fees for RPL applications, resitting an assessment, repeating a module, or additional tutoring etc.).

Get funding for your program

EIM offers support to get access to different funding options like for example scholarships.

Please note: Program fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where EIM is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in Malta, our program fees are exempt from VAT.