EIM

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.

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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.

Flexible Online Doctorate

Study from anywhere while balancing work, leadership responsibilities, and research goals in a format designed for ambitious professionals. Full and part-time possibilities makes it possible to graduate within three years.

Strong AI and Innovation Focus

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

Doctoral Supervision and Academic Growth

Guided dissertation process with individual tutoring, no courses/publications required, just focus on your research topic

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. You are free to choose your dissertation topic.

2, pH D in Computer Science and Engineering

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.

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...

Sarah M.

Programme fee

PREMIUM PACKAGE

Admission Fee € 6,000 | € 2,000 / month

Maximum guidance for those who can't afford to lose time. You receive weekly 1:1 sessions with your dedicated advisor — including direct access to the board. Designed for professionals who know that time is their most valuable asset.

ADVANCED PACKAGE

Admission Fee € 4,500 | € 1,500 / month

High-level support with a structured rhythm. Bi-weekly 1:1 sessions with your personal advisor give you the consistency to make steady progress — without compromising your schedule.

BASIC PACKAGE

Admission Fee € 3,000 | € 1,000 / month

Your entry point into guided learning. Once a month, you meet with your personal companion for orientation, feedback, and direction — a steady hand on your journey forward.

Entry Requirements

  • Master’s degree (MQF level 7 qualification) in a relevant discipline, such as science, engineering, IT, or other technology-related fields at Merit level (or equivalent level)

  • Proficient working level of English if not mother tongue. At least IELTS 6.5 (or CEFR C1) or higher

  • Sufficient digital literacy to participate in EIM’s online learning environment, based on Google Education Suite and other research platforms

  • Excellent personal motivation

  • Excellent team work

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

Computer Experts

Get to know our Program Director for the PhD in Computer Science and Engineering

Nick Harkiolakis

Nick Harkiolakis

nicholas.harkiolakis@faculty.eim.education

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.

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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.

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.

Students are free to choose their topic for dissertation. Potential research directions include artificial intelligence, machine learning, software engineering, intelligent systems, data science, automation, digital transformation, and emerging computing technologies.

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 Higher Education Programme accredited by MFHEA
MQF / EQF level 8
Proposed ECTS 180
Type of Programme Qualification
Mode of Delivery Online

Mqf Logo Proposal 05

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
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. 

 

 

  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

 

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

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%)

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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 programme in Computer Science and Engineering are prepared for high-level academic, research, and professional roles that require critical expertise, leadership, and advanced research competencies. The following occupations reflect 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 computer science and engineering.

  • Academic Positions in Higher Education

    • Professor / Lecturer / Senior Academic in Computer Science and Engineering

    • Programme Director / Curriculum Developer

    • Dean or Academic Manager in Computing or Engineering 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 Computer Science and Engineering

    • Research Scientist in AI, Software, or Advanced Computing

    • Principal Investigator

    • Research Director / Coordinator

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

  • Education and Training

    • Head of Training and Development in Technical or Higher Education Institutions

    • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Specialist

    • Digital Learning or Technical Education Specialist

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

  • Management and Policy Leadership

    • Strategy Advisor in Digital Transformation or 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 Technology, AI, or Digital Strategy

    • Accreditation and Quality Assurance Expert

    • Knowledge Transfer Specialist in Computing and Innovation

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

  • Publishing and Scientific Communication

    • Scientific Editor / Peer Reviewer in Technology or Computing Journals

    • Technical Writer / Technology Policy Communicator

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

The programme fees below refer to the current academic year unless otherwise stated. Programme fees are subject to annual inflation, so the total costs shown here are indicative. EIM will apply the programme fees valid at the time of payment.

Premium Package

Admission Fee: EUR 6,000
Programme Fees per month: EUR 2,000

Maximum guidance for those who can't afford to lose time. You receive weekly 1:1 sessions with your dedicated advisor — including direct access to the board. Designed for professionals who know that time is their most valuable asset.

Advanced Package

Admission Fee: EUR 4,500
Programme Fees per month: EUR 1,500

High-level support with a structured rhythm. Bi-weekly 1:1 sessions with your personal advisor give you the consistency to make steady progress — without compromising your schedule.

Basic Package

Admission Fee: EUR 3,000
Programme Fees per month: EUR 1,000

Your entry point into guided learning. Once a month, you meet with your personal companion for orientation, feedback, and direction — a steady hand on your journey forward.

Pay your programme fees

You can choose to pay your programme 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 programme fees cover course delivery and learning materials. Other fees may apply for additional services (e.g. RPL applications, resitting an assessment, repeating a module, or additional tutoring).

Get funding for your programme

EIM offers support to access different funding options, such as scholarships.

Please note: Programme fees shown on our website are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST), or other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where EIM is required to add VAT, GST, or 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 programme fees are exempt from VAT.

EIM starts every January, April, July and October of the year with a PhD Batch.