PhD Digital Media Processing and Biometrics

About the course

To conduct research and make original contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the following areas.

• Machine Learning, in particular Deep Learning for data mining and knowledge discovery
• Computer Vision technologies for object detection, recognition and tracking
• Biometrics (Face, Voice, and Multimodality) for forensics and security, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), Big Data Architectures for Biometrics and Security
• De-identification for privacy protection
• Generative Adversarial Synthesis for attribute controlled image adaption, automatic text/image caption generation
• Speech Technology for speech recognition and spoken human-machine interaction
• Language Technology, including natural language processing and text mining
• Processing and Analysis of biomedical signals (brain, heart, muscles and body motions)
• Digital Media Processing including Content Based Multi-Media Retrieval, Big Data Architectures for Efficient Information Processing, Data (Multi-media) Analytics
• Computer Vision, Soft Computing (Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms,), Deep Learning and Information Fusion for Decision Making
• Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) including Advanced Driver Assisted Systems (ADAS, information fusion from real time sensor data, adaptive vehicle design

Virtual Reality, Robotics and Telemedicine.  The research focus is on developing innovative visual interfaces for tele-exploration and tele-operation capable of providing users with an increased sense of presence through greater involvement of human sensors and consistency of information presentation.

Main subjects of investigation include: 3D Vision and S3D Visualization, Virtual and Augmented Reality, Haptic Feedback and Visual-Touch Coordination, Graphically Integrated Visual Aids, Visual Realism and Usability Studies in VR, Human-Computer Interaction, Telerobotics and Mobile Robot Navigation, Immersive Tele-Health and 3D Endoscopy, Smart Systems and Telepresence, Computer Graphics and Serious Games.

Teaching methods

Each student will be assigned a Principal and a second supervisor who are experts in the research topic. The research will be conducted in our labs which are well-equipped for research in the topics of our expertise. Students studying on Full-Time mode are expected to submit their registration and progression reports in the first and second years of the research programme respectively and are formally assessed in the form of a viva by (usually) an internal examination panel. In completion of their 3rd year students are expected to start the preparation for their final assessment and to submit their thesis which is examined in the form of a viva by an external and an internal examiner (Part-Time mode assessment deadlines are extended accordingly).  

What’s next for my career?

Our PhD programmes enable students to develop specialist research skills and knowledge. We aim to provide PhD projects that will challenge and in some cases even inspire our students. If you are self-motivated and want to improve your ability to understand and solve engineering problems, then a PhD with us may be right for you.

Course fees

• Research degree fees for UK and EU students
• Research degree fees for international students