Graph Classes Defined by Combinatorial Representations
Computer Science
- Location
- Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Funding
- Self-funded UK: To be confirmed International: £30,500
- Application deadline
About the project
- Graph Classes Defined by Combinatorial Representations: Qualification(s) available: PhD
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements: 2:1 in mathematics or computer science
- Fees for 2027-28 (per academic year): (Self-funded) UK: To be confirmed International: £30,500
- Full-time: 3 years
- Part-time: 6 years
- Start date: October 2027
- Application deadline: 1 April 2027
- Project reference: CO/MW-SF1/2026
- Location: Loughborough
- Subject area(s): Computer Science
Project details
Graphs are widely used to model complex systems, including communication networks, biological interactions, and data analysis. Understanding the structural properties of graph classes is an important goal in both mathematics and theoretical computer science, as structural restrictions often lead to efficient algorithms and deeper theoretical insights.
This project will investigate graph classes arising from combinatorial representations, such as sequences, words, automata, or other discrete structures. Many important graph classes can be described through such representations, often imposing structural constraints that lead to interesting graph-theoretic and algorithmic properties. This approach lies at the intersection of structural graph theory, combinatorics, and theoretical computer science, and is an active research area.
The aim of the project is to understand how properties of an underlying representation influence the structure of the resulting graphs. Questions that may be explored include:
Possible directions include studying graph classes generated from sequences or words, graphs defined through logical interpretations of structured objects, or comparisons between different representation mechanisms (such as word-based or automata-based constructions). The precise research direction will be developed together with the student during the first year of the project.
A successful candidate is highly motivated and should enjoy problem solving and abstract thinking. They should work well independently, although there will be collaboration and networking opportunities both locally and internationally. Good communication skills are also desirable, although there will be development opportunities for these throughout the project. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged.
The candidate will be part of the theoretical computer science research theme and will work closely with both supervisors, supported by regular supervision meetings (typically every 1-2 weeks and at least monthly). They will likely share an office with other PhD students and postdocs.
Prospective applicants are welcome to contact the supervisors to further discuss the research topics, supervision arrangements, or expectations.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
- Which representation-based constructions lead to interesting graph classes?
- What structural properties do such graph classes have (e.g., minimal forbidden induced subgraphs or relations to parameters such as tree-width or clique-width)?
- What algorithmic consequences follow from these structural restrictions?
Supervisors
Primary supervisor: Markus Whiteland
Secondary supervisor: Siani Smith
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in mathematics or computer science. Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70%
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%)
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2)
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70%
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degrees awarded up to 2024: 4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB or BAETE accredited courses only) All other Bachelor degrees awarded up to 2024 also require a Masters (see grading below) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Degrees awarded from 2025 onwards: Any 4 year Bachelor degree from an ECCTIS recognised university | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5
Barbados
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College | 1st or GPA 3.75 | 2:1 or GPA 3.5 | 2:2 or GPA 3.0
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60%
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68%
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.
You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look-up tool .
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%)
Tier 1 | 80% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 67%
Tier 2 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70%
Tier 3 | 86% | 82% | 79% | 77% | 75%
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70%
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65%
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%)
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana | 65% / 3.4 GPA | 57% / 3.0 GPA | 50% / 2.5 GPA
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70%
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree (Honours) | 1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1 or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 61% | 55% | 50%
All other Indian institutions | 68% | 62% | 57%
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.8
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70%
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%)
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70%
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien)
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
American | 85% (3.5) | 75% (3.0) | 62% (2.6)
French | 18 | 15 | 12
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80%
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0)
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien)
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65%
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%)
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50%
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0)
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65%
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0)
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70%
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4
5 point scale | 4 | 3.4 | 2.7
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor or Associate Degree plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C)
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%)
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.0
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C)
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60%
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 | 3.8 / B+ | 3.2 / B | 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 | 3.8 / B+ | 2.9 / C+ | 2.7 / C+
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 5.5 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60%
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70%
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 76% 3.0 GPA | 70% 2.8 GPA | 65% 2.6 GPA
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.6
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien)
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.4
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.6
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0
4-point scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.4
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60%
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60%
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website .
UK fee
To be confirmed
International fee
£30,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2027-28 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2027, February 2028 and July 2028. UK tuition fees for 2027-28 are to be confirmed pending the release of the UKRI recommended rates. Once published, the rates will be subject to formal approval by the University before being confirmed.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online . Under Campus, please select Loughborough and select Programme Computer Science PhD. Please quote the advertised reference number in your application: CO/MWSF1/2026.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit the minimum supporting documents . The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application.
Contact us
- Call us +44 (0)1509 223600
- Email us
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