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Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay covers a wide range of areas at the interface between computer games and complex systems, including in physics, healthcare and the environment.
Our overarching agenda is the construction of interactive, real-time and playable simulations in both entertainment and non-entertainment contexts that bring to life systems models through simulation, i.e., digital twins. This playability allows domain experts to investigate complex systems in an intuitive way and supports discovery of new insights. These simulations are underpinned by data-driven models, including AI, to make sense of large real-world data sets. The opportunities at the games-complexity interface are growing, for example how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience, and research students working in this area have the potential to generate impact on challenging real-world problems.
Research in this field draws upon supervisory expertise from within the School of Design and Informatics, including academics with track record in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, games programming, and games industry experience.
Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in immersive experiences. We are the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry.
Undertaking a research degree in Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay will prepare you for a career not only in academia but also within wider society, working in complex problem spaces and using modelling and visualisation to unpack that complexity.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay covers a wide range of areas at the interface between computer games and complex systems, including in physics, healthcare and the environment.
Our overarching agenda is the construction of interactive, real-time and playable simulations in both entertainment and non-entertainment contexts that bring to life systems models through simulation, i.e., digital twins. This playability allows domain experts to investigate complex systems in an intuitive way and supports discovery of new insights. These simulations are underpinned by data-driven models, including AI, to make sense of large real-world data sets. The opportunities at the games-complexity interface are growing, for example how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience, and research students working in this area have the potential to generate impact on challenging real-world problems.
Research in this field draws upon supervisory expertise from within the School of Design and Informatics, including academics with track record in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, games programming, and games industry experience.
Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in immersive experiences. We are the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry.
Undertaking a research degree in Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay will prepare you for a career not only in academia but also within wider society, working in complex problem spaces and using modelling and visualisation to unpack that complexity.
Admission Requirements
185+
7+
67+
95+
The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.
30 Apr 2026
3 Years
Feb
Jun
Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
5,006 GBP
International
14,750 GBP
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Data Science and Systems Modelling PhD
Dundee, GB, Dundee, United Kingdom
36 monthsProgramme duration
14,750 GBPTuition Fee/year
30 Apr, 2026Application Deadline
Feb, Jun, OctStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Our overarching agenda is the construction of interactive, real-time and playable simulations in both entertainment and non-entertainment contexts that bring to life systems models through simulation, i.e., digital twins. This playability allows domain experts to investigate complex systems in an intuitive way and supports discovery of new insights. These simulations are underpinned by data-driven models, including AI, to make sense of large real-world data sets. The opportunities at the games-complexity interface are growing, for example how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience, and research students working in this area have the potential to generate impact on challenging real-world problems.
Research in this field draws upon supervisory expertise from within the School of Design and Informatics, including academics with track record in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, games programming, and games industry experience.
Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in immersive experiences. We are the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry.
Undertaking a research degree in Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay will prepare you for a career not only in academia but also within wider society, working in complex problem spaces and using modelling and visualisation to unpack that complexity.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
Our overarching agenda is the construction of interactive, real-time and playable simulations in both entertainment and non-entertainment contexts that bring to life systems models through simulation, i.e., digital twins. This playability allows domain experts to investigate complex systems in an intuitive way and supports discovery of new insights. These simulations are underpinned by data-driven models, including AI, to make sense of large real-world data sets. The opportunities at the games-complexity interface are growing, for example how AI and neural networks can generate content for games, and how data analytics can improve the player experience, and research students working in this area have the potential to generate impact on challenging real-world problems.
Research in this field draws upon supervisory expertise from within the School of Design and Informatics, including academics with track record in mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, games programming, and games industry experience.
Our research at Abertay is inherently cross-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary, which is of particular importance for research in immersive experiences. We are the lead partner for InGAME: Innovation for Games and Media Enterprise, an AHRC-funded R&D centre for Dundee’s games cluster. Postgraduate students at the University will have access to research and development opportunities, as well as contact with professionals working within the games industry.
Undertaking a research degree in Data Science and Systems Modelling at Abertay will prepare you for a career not only in academia but also within wider society, working in complex problem spaces and using modelling and visualisation to unpack that complexity.
Admission Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for all our research degrees is an Upper Second Class Honours degree (or equivalent) at undergraduate level in an appropriate discipline and/or a Master’s degree. Degree studies must include an independent research component evidenced in the degree transcript, such as dissertation, project, or thesis.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
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Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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