Hi,

My background is computer science. I have been out of academia for some time now but would like to get back and start work on a PhD thesis. Alas I have no topic ideas.

Can anyone suggest a topic (and recommend the corresponding must-read papers)? I'm not imposing any restrictions on the subject. I will consider anything so long as my work could actually be relevant!

Thanks.

As someone who was a computer science PhD student (before falling seriously ill and having to leave on health grounds) I would recommend that you tailor the topic more to your interests. What did you enjoy most in your undergraduate degree? Software engineering, programming, AI, graphics, theoretical stuff, logic proving, hardware, or what? Then look at the key journals for that area (use your nearest large university library) and take it from there.

The danger of just plucking a topic that someone else has recommended is that you might latch onto it and get on ok at the start, but not have the enthusiasm or closeness to the topic to see it right through. A PhD is a very long slog. You have to be 100% dedicated (well probably more like 120% to be honest!) to get through.

So can you maybe help people who might be able to advise by advising on what your favourite areas might be? Otherwise it's a very broad question.

Hi.

This is my problem really. Nothing in particular excited me when I was in uni. I mean I loved having a problem to work on, but frankly I could have cared less about the area! It's all about solving a problem for me ...

I suppose I can narrow it down by pointing out my lack of resources. I can't, for example, presume to embark upon any study that will require any hardware more specialised than a PC.

I do like writing software. I'm not afraid of maths at all, but I'm limited in my education. My plan would be to learn what I need.

I'm trying to think of something to do with mobile devices maybe, given the imminent proliferation of iphones and androids ...

Really, I'll take any reasonably specific idea that anybody has and look in to it!

Thanks.

If you're working with just a PC does that mean you'll be studying from home and would it be part-time, fitting around a job? Most computing PhDs are full-time, and based in an office/lab. If you're not going down that route that will narrow down supervisors/universities, not just potential topic choices. But obviously it would have an impact on topics.