PhD track in Computer Science
| Program | PhD track in Computer Science |
| ECTS Credits | 120 (first two years) |
| Language | English |
| Orientation | Research |
| Location | Palaiseau Campus |
| Course duration | one or two years (coursework period), followed by a three-year dissertation phase |
| Course start | September |
| Degree awarded | Master’s degree (after the first two years), PhD (on completion of the dissertation) |
WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
Asset n° 1
Get ready for a PhD by starting research at an early stage
Asset n°2
Be closely associated with the research activities carried out in a world-renowned innovation cluster
Asset n°3
Benefit from individual and personalized supervision by a faculty member
The PhD Track in Computer Science offers a combination of courses, personal projects, and research work — leading to a PhD after 5 years. Students can specialize in all areas of computer science (as given by the Master’s programs): Computer Science for Networks, Cybersecurity, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Foundations of Computer Science, High Performance Data Analytics, Interaction, Graphic and Design, Operations Research or Parallel and Distributed Systems.
The PhD track in Computer Science brings together numerous research teams in computer science, each of which is internationally renowned in its field. These teams have very close links with the industrial and institutional players in this discipline in France, in Europe, and in the world (United States, China, Brazil, etc.).
Objectives
- Allow students to get into touch with research early on, so as to help them find a suitable topic and advisor for their dissertation
- Provide the necessary academic background in computer science during the period of coursework (first two years)
- Complete a PhD in computer science during the dissertation phase
Institutional Partners
- INRIA Saclay
- CEA
- CNRS
- Industrial laboratories in the immediate vicinity (EDF, Thalès, Nokia)
The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.
The students follow an individualized program of courses, tailored to their interests and background. Each student is accompanied by a tutor, who helps with the choice of courses and validates the program. The courses can be chosen, among others, from the courses of the Master’s programs in Computer Science. Please see the web pages of the individual Master’s programs for a list.
Students are required to complete one research internship per year for the first two years of the PhD track. This internship can be carried out in the private or public sector, in France or abroad. It represents a maximum of 30 ECTS/year.
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
Completion of a Bachelor in computer science or mathematics, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.
Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.
Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may exceptionally be directly admitted to the second year (4-year PhD program).
Students who already have a master’s degree are invited to apply directly for a PhD in 3 years.
Area of interest
A choice of the area of interest (as given by the master’s programs in Computer Science). This helps us assign a tutor.
Language prerequisites
A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.
How to apply
Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for 2022-2023 are subject to increase
- Regular fees: 243€
- Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
- Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs
Find out more about scholarships
Applications and admissions dates
The PhD Track in Computer Science offers a combination of courses, personal projects, and research work — leading to a PhD after 5 years. Students can specialize in all areas of computer science (as given by the Master’s programs): Computer Science for Networks, Cybersecurity, Data and Artificial Intelligence, Foundations of Computer Science, High Performance Data Analytics, Interaction, Graphic and Design, Operations Research or Parallel and Distributed Systems.
The PhD track in Computer Science brings together numerous research teams in computer science, each of which is internationally renowned in its field. These teams have very close links with the industrial and institutional players in this discipline in France, in Europe, and in the world (United States, China, Brazil, etc.).
Objectives
- Allow students to get into touch with research early on, so as to help them find a suitable topic and advisor for their dissertation
- Provide the necessary academic background in computer science during the period of coursework (first two years)
- Complete a PhD in computer science during the dissertation phase
Institutional Partners
- INRIA Saclay
- CEA
- CNRS
- Industrial laboratories in the immediate vicinity (EDF, Thalès, Nokia)
The five-year curriculum of the PhD track trains students in cutting-edge research for them to pursue international careers in prestigious universities or leading companies in their domain.
The students follow an individualized program of courses, tailored to their interests and background. Each student is accompanied by a tutor, who helps with the choice of courses and validates the program. The courses can be chosen, among others, from the courses of the Master’s programs in Computer Science. Please see the web pages of the individual Master’s programs for a list.
Students are required to complete one research internship per year for the first two years of the PhD track. This internship can be carried out in the private or public sector, in France or abroad. It represents a maximum of 30 ECTS/year.
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
Completion of a Bachelor in computer science or mathematics, at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.
Evidence of research potential is essential as the main goal of such a PhD program is to train first class researchers.
Students who have completed the first year of an equivalent program may exceptionally be directly admitted to the second year (4-year PhD program).
Students who already have a master’s degree are invited to apply directly for a PhD in 3 years.
Area of interest
A choice of the area of interest (as given by the master’s programs in Computer Science). This helps us assign a tutor.
Language prerequisites
A certificate of proficiency in English (level B2) is required (TOEIC, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL), except for native speakers and students who previously studied in English.
How to apply
Applications are exclusively online. You will be required to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated fees for 2022-2023 are subject to increase
- Regular fees: 243€
- Engineer students enrolled in one of the five member schools of Institut Polytechnique de Paris (Ecole polytechnique, ENSTA Paris, ENSAE Paris, Télécom Paris and Télécom SudParis): 159€
- Special cases: please refer to the "Cost of studies" section of the FAQs
Find out more about scholarships