Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

About the project

At the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP), we’re developing exciting and ground-breaking technologies. These include facial recognition for security and medical imaging, and 3D spatial audio and 3D reconstruction from video for visual-effects production in films, games and virtual reality.

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Key course information

• April 2027 - Full-time
• April 2027 - Part-time
• July 2027 - Full-time
• July 2027 - Part-time
• October 2027 - Full-time
• October 2027 - Part-time
• January 2028 - Full-time
• January 2028 - Part-time
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: April 2027
• Attendance: Full-time
• Duration: 4 years
• UK fees: £5,238
• Overseas fees: £28,300
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: April 2027
• Attendance: Part-time
• Duration: 8 years
• UK fees: £2,619
• Overseas fees: £14,200
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: July 2027
• Attendance: Full-time
• Duration: 4 years
• UK fees: £5,238
• Overseas fees: £28,300
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: July 2027
• Attendance: Part-time
• Duration: 8 years
• UK fees: £2,619
• Overseas fees: £14,200
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: October 2027
• Attendance: Full-time
• Duration: 4 years
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas fees: £29,400
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: October 2027
• Attendance: Part-time
• Duration: 8 years
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas fees: £14,700
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: January 2028
• Attendance: Full-time
• Duration: 4 years
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas fees: £29,400
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information
• Entry requirements: See full entry requirements
• Start date: January 2028
• Attendance: Part-time
• Duration: 8 years
• UK fees: To be confirmed
• Overseas fees: £14,700
• Subject area: Electrical and electronic engineering
• Funding: Funding information

Why choose this programme?

Join us to push the boundaries of machine perception – and help shape how intelligent machines see, hear and understand the world.

One of the largest audio and vision research groups in Europe, we’re internationally recognised for our pioneering research and novel technologies in audio-visual machine perception. We bring together a unique combination of cutting-edge sound and vision expertise with more than 170 researchers, and we’ve currently attracted more than £30 million in research grants.

As a PhD researcher, you’ll work on fundamental challenges in audio-visual machine perception – developing machines that can interpret images, video, sound and the wider world around them.We have expertise and activities in computer vision, digital signal processing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer graphics and human computer interaction, and data science for media, medical image analysis and multimedia communication.

We often collaborate with industry and our research has led to frequent technology transfer and exploitation, with previous research projects having resulted in award-winning spin-out companies in biometrics, communications and medical technologies, and in the creative industries.

100%

Of our computer science research graduates are in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2026, HESA)

1st in the UK

And 4th in Europe for computer vision in the CS Rankings 2026

China Scholarship Council – Surrey Awards

Successful applicants will have their full international tuition and Bench fees waived by the University.CSC provides an annual living allowance, overseas student health cover, return airfare, and visa application fees.

Smart optical design: AI tools for the next generation of cinematic camera lenses

Fully funded studentship opportunity covering home and international (waiver) university fees, additional research training, travel funds and UKRI standard rate (£21,805 for 2026/27 academic year).

What you will study

Our PhD programme takes a maximum of four years of full-time study to complete. You’ll be allocated two Surrey-based academic supervisors, in addition to any external collaborative supervisors. Your principal supervisor will be an expert in your area of research and they will monitor your research progress on a regular basis.

Your supervisors will help you define the initial objective and scope of your research, and to refine these as your project evolves. They’ll direct you to resources and they’ll be able to advise you on how to complete your PhD and your thesis. We often appoint external collaborative supervisors to contribute specific expertise or to allow access to external resources or organisations.

You’ll also be assigned to a research group that includes a team of academics, postdoctoral researchers, guest scientists and fellows. Lots of our research at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing is interdisciplinary and you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with scientists at universities, research establishments and industries around the world.

We encourage active interaction with your peers and our researchers and academics, and we offer a friendly environment that nurtures openness and collaboration. You’ll be encouraged to present your research at renowned national and international conferences to gain experience and establish networks with leading researchers.

Seminars and conferences

Our monthly seminars are open to all postgraduate researchers and we host leading experts from other institutions within the UK and from overseas, who give talks to members of CVSSP in specific areas of research. In addition, our postgraduate researchers also attend regular internal seminars, where you’ll be able to present your individual research or practice presentations you’d like to give at conferences or events.

The University also holds an annual postgraduate researcher conference on campus, where you’ll be able to showcase your work and network with other researchers and academics.

Memberships

You may be eligible to apply for membership with the British Machine Vision Association , the Audio Engineering Society , the British Computer Society and the Institute of Engineering and Technology .

You may also apply for chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council UK and with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers .

Assessment

After 12 months, you’ll write a confirmation report, which is assessed by two independent examiners.

Your final assessment (after a minimum of three years of full-time study) will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners.

You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

Location

This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.

Research topics

Our six research themes cover a range of topics, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Computer vision
• Machine learning
• Robotics and autonomous systems
• 3D and 4D video
• 3D spatial audio
• Biometrics
• Blind source separation
• Coding and transmission
• Facial analysis
• Human motion analysis
• Interfaces/visual interaction
• Media adaptation
• Media networking
• Medical image acquisition
• Medical image analysis
• Quality of experience
• Sign and gesture analysis
• Speech and audio processing
• Surveillance
• Video and audio retrieval.

Research themes

Our research activities within the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing are grouped into the following areas.

Creative vision and sound

Focuses on machine perception, spatial audio and machine audition, specialising in 4D immersive VR content production for film and games, including performance capture, animation, visual action recognition and audio-visual scene understanding.

Healthcare

Focuses on medical imaging technologies and works closely with leading healthcare institutions.

Robotics

Focuses on autonomous systems, covering a broad range of technologies relating to visual interaction with computers, this includes sign language recognition and autonomous vehicles.

Security

Focuses on biometric and security-related technologies, specialising in facial biometrics and lip tracking.

Data

Focuses on understanding and preservation including visual recognition, distributed ledger technologies and the understanding of AI systems.

Distributed ledger technologies

Focuses on alternative uses for DLT, including safe online identity, healthcare and secure digital archives.

Academic staff

Dr Jean-Yves Guillemaut is your Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD supervisor. See a full list of all our academic staff within the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing.

Dr Jean-Yves Guillemaut

Senior Lecturer in 3D Computer Vision

Research support

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College , which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Facilities

We host a number of cutting-edge laboratory facilities in CVSSP to support the exciting research being carried out by all its members and associates.

4D computer vision

The Audio-Visual Lab hosts a state-of-the-art capture studio with unique multiple UltraHD cameras supporting research in real-time audio-visual processing and visualisation. We collaborate with companies specialising in film, TV, games, and virtual and augmented reality.

Spatial audio and machine audition

The Audio Lab facilities include a purpose-built audio booth and the Surrey Sound Sphere, which is the centrepiece of our cutting-edge audio and acoustics research. It includes 64 Genelec speakers with audio interfaces, 48 configurable channels, a pre-amplified microphone array and an acoustically isolated audio booth.

The Surrey Sound Sphere has supported research on personal sound zones, human sound localisation and object-based 3D spatial audio as part of the S3A research collaboration. This is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Biometrics and face recognition

We have state-of-the-art equipment supporting research into 3D face recognition, including facial feature types, emotion recognition and face models for biometrics. This was part of the FACER2VM EPSRC Programme Grant.

Robotics

Our Robot Lab supports research into autonomous systems, collaborative mapping, autonomous navigation and robotic machine learning, and links closely with our expertise in computer vision, artificial intelligence and machine learning. Facilities include a Baxter robot and various mobile robot platforms.

Hear from our students

“ Surrey’s Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing (CVSSP) is the number one department in the UK for Computer Vision. There was no doubt in my mind that amazing research is done here at the university and that's something I wanted to be a part of. ”

“ The Centre for Vision Speech and Signal Processing, or CVSSP as it’s known, is a great place to undertake a PhD in machine learning or machine perception. It has a diverse range of research groups all with their own areas of expertise. ”

UK qualifications

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).

English language requirements

IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.

These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses , designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

Selection is based on applicants:

• Meeting the expected entry requirements and providing all relevant documents including a satisfactory research proposal
• Being shortlisted through the application screening process
• Completing a successful interview
• Providing suitable references.

Fees per year

Explore UKCISA's website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.

• Please note: any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).

Fee options

• April 2027 - Full-time
• April 2027 - Part-time
• July 2027 - Full-time
• July 2027 - Part-time
• October 2027 - Full-time
• October 2027 - Part-time
• January 2028 - Full-time
• January 2028 - Part-time
• UK: £5,238
• Overseas: £28,300
• UK: £2,619
• Overseas: £14,200
• UK: £5,238
• Overseas: £28,300
• UK: £2,619
• Overseas: £14,200
• UK: To be confirmed
• Overseas: £29,400
• UK: To be confirmed
• Overseas: £14,700
• UK: To be confirmed
• Overseas: £29,400
• UK: To be confirmed
• Overseas: £14,700
• Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).

Additional costs

There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.

Funding

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Studentships

Browse our frequently updated list of funded studentships open for applications.

China Scholarship Council – Surrey Awards

Successful applicants will have their full international tuition and Bench fees waived by the University.CSC provides an annual living allowance, overseas student health cover, return airfare, and visa application fees.

Smart optical design: AI tools for the next generation of cinematic camera lenses

Fully funded studentship opportunity covering home and international (waiver) university fees, additional research training, travel funds and UKRI standard rate (£21,805 for 2026/27 academic year).

Application process

Applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance .

Apply online

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• Select your course Choose the course option you wish to apply for.

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Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Full-time, April 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 17 January 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Part-time, April 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 17 January 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Full-time, July 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Friday 16 April 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Part-time, July 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Friday 16 April 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Full-time, October 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 11 July 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Part-time, October 2027

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 11 July 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Full-time, January 2028

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 10 October 2027

Vision, Speech and Signal Processing PhD

Part-time, January 2028

Status

If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.

• Applications: open
• Closing date: Sunday 10 October 2027

After registration

Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.

Accommodation

We have a range of housing to suit all requirements and budgets. There are more than 5,750 rooms available (en-suite, single-sex, studio flat, shared or single).

Student life

At Surrey we offer a friendly university campus set in beautiful countryside, with the convenience and social life of bustling Guildford on your doorstep.

Need more information?

Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.

Next open day

• Date: Tue 3 November 2026
• Time: 12:00am - 11:59pm
• Location: Online

Next campus tour

• Date: Wed 11 November 2026
• Time: 01:00pm - 03:30pm
• Location: On campus

Code of practice for research degrees

Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures , student regulations , and terms and conditions .

We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.

Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.

Research areas