PhD Scholarship on Programming Languages for Design Computation
Explore the intersection of programming languages and design computation in a fully funded 3.5-year PhD position at the University of Kent.
Best for:Best for candidates with a strong background in programming language design and mathematics who want to pursue interdisciplinary computational research.
Overview
The University of Kent invites applications for a 3.5-year PhD scholarship focused on programming languages for design computation, supported by industrial partner Buro Happold. The project investigates how new programming languages, systems, and tools can support collaborative thinking and reasoning in architecture, engineering, and construction. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Dominic Orchard, engaging with advanced industrial practice to translate research into practical impact. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic potential, produce a comprehensive research proposal, and contribute actively to inter-disciplinary research.
What you'll do
- Conduct original academic research at the intersection of programming languages and design computation
- Develop novel programming paradigms, systems, and tools to support multi-disciplinary design processes
- Collaborate with industrial partner Buro Happold to align research outputs with real-world engineering challenges
- Produce a detailed 4-5 page research proposal and refine research directions throughout the doctoral tenure
- Prepare academic papers for publication in top-tier venues and present findings at relevant conferences
Requirements
Degree required: BSc or equivalent first or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, with a Master's degree preferred
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; standard institutional proficiency
Instruction: English
- Demonstrated interest, knowledge, and experience in programming language design
- Strong mathematical background and training
- Desire and capability to work on inter-disciplinary research projects
- Ability to formulate independent research concepts and draft a 4-5 page research proposal
- Open to Home and Overseas (including EU) students
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-12-22 (Europe/London)
Applicants must submit an online application for a Computer Science PhD through the university portal, explicitly indicating consideration for the PL4DC PhD studentship. Ensure all supporting documentation, including qualifications, references, and a 4-5 page research proposal, is attached.
- CV
- Research proposal
- BSc + MSc transcripts
- 2 academic references
- Supporting documentation
Contact
Dominic Orchard· Primary Supervisor
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