PhD Research in Computational Vision

About the Project

The Computational Vision Group (CVG) (https://research.reading.ac.uk/computational-vision-group/) is looking for PhD candidates to bridge the gap between human perception and machine understanding. The group focuses on developing systems that can interpret the world with nuance and reliability, particularly in challenging or unpredictable conditions. Its research is highly relevant to real-world applications such as Automated Surveillance, Environmental Monitoring, and Video Understanding.

The group welcomes candidates interested in how machines recognize objects, track movement, and understand scene context in real time, with a strong emphasis on security-related technologies, such as surveillance, biometrics, and privacy-aware systems. We aim for a deeper understanding of how visual information changes over time and space, with a focus on improving system robustness against environmental interference and developing efficient ways for systems to learn from visual experiences.

Please note that this is a self-funded position. The successful candidate must secure their own funding for tuition fees and living costs. Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and a research proposal aligned with the group’s research for consideration.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good bachelor’s degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) or equivalent)/master’s degree in XXX or a strongly-related discipline.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Computer Science via our online application system.

Further information:

PhD study in the Department of Computer Science

Enquiries:

Dr. Alan Guedes (a.guedes@reading.ac.uk), Computer Science Postgraduate Research Director

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide. If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.