Discussion: on Ph.D. thesis proposals in computing science

A Ph.D. candidate in Computing Science at Newcastle typically comes to us with some knowledge of programming and a clear indication of high ability. But his specific background in computing may range from a broad appreciation of some of the fundamental problems of the science to a total ignorance of others; and he perhaps may have some specialised experience in some area of interest. We educate him to a level of expertise worthy of the title 'Doctor' by providing an environment in which he can learn, teach and do research and by demanding of him a thesis representing an original contribution to the science. The actual character of this educational program is, necessarily, tailored to the individual or to small groups of individuals with closely related interests. In one model for such a program the student spends the first part of his candidacythe whole candidacy normally taking about three years, as in most British universities-working on small projects, attending lectures and doing reading to broaden his knowledge and to fill gaps in his background, and exploring the science for topics which interest him. During this time, he develops close working relationships with one or more members of staff who, in turn, agree to become his supervisors. With their help, and the help of visitors, his own colleagues and others, the candidate eventually narrows his sights to a particular area of the science as a potential source of research problems. He hones his skills to the point at which he can do original work in that area and finally defines a problem which he believes he can solve and which is suitable for presentation as a thesis. It is at this point in his career that he ought to be able to present a thesis proposal. This article is concerned with the character and content of such proposals, and it concentrates on this important period of a research student's life. Obviously, the necessity or desirability of this kind of thesis proposal in different Ph.D. programs and/or different sciences is a matter for debate; but that discussion is beyond the scope of this paper. Instead, we concentrate on what we expect of the proposal and on six vital points it should address.