Hacettepe University
Doctor of Philosophy
On Campus
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Hacettepe University
Turkey

Computer Engineering (Doctorate)

About

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Computer Engineering (Doctorate) at Hacettepe University is a distinguished full-time doctoral program designed for graduates aiming to advance research in computer science and engineering. Established within the Faculty of Engineering, the program provides comprehensive training in three main branches: Computer Science, Computer Software, and Computer Hardware. The Ph.D. curriculum combines coursework, qualifying examinations, and thesis research, equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills to undertake independent research projects. The program is taught in English and emphasizes both academic rigor and real-world applications.

Ph.D. students benefit from well-equipped laboratories, including programming labs, software engineering labs, digital systems labs, and Cisco-based network labs. Graduates earn the title of “Doctor Computer Engineer” and are prepared for a wide range of roles in both public and private sectors, such as systems analyst, software engineer, database administrator, network engineer, IT security specialist, and research scientist.

Key information

Duration
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Tuition fee
$0.00/year
Start dates & application deadlines
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More details
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Key Facts

  • Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Standard period of study: 4–6 years (depending on prior qualifications)
  • Location: Ankara, Turkey
  • Study Type: Doctorate (full-time)
  • Admission semester: Fall semester only
  • Area of study: Computer Science, Software, Hardware
  • Admission modus: Based on Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
  • Main language: English

Program Structure

Semester 1 – Foundations of Computer Engineering

  • Advanced Algorithms & Data Structures
  • Computer Networks & Security
  • Research Methods in Computer Science (non-credit)
  • Graduate Seminar (non-credit)

Semester 2 – Advanced Specializations

  • Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  • Database Management & Software Engineering
  • Academic Skills and Practices (non-credit)
  • Elective Course I (e.g., Robotics, Computer Graphics)

Semester 3 – Research & Qualifying Exam Preparation

  • Qualifying Exam Preparation
  • Elective Course II (e.g., Parallel Processing, Semantic Web)
  • Thesis Proposal Preparation
  • Thesis Advisor Meetings & Research Guidance

Semester 4 – Doctoral Thesis & Research Project

  • Thesis Research & Experimentation
  • Journal Article Publication
  • International Conference Presentation
  • Ph.D. Thesis Writing & Defense

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are prepared for leadership roles in both public and private sectors, including software engineer, systems engineer, database architect, network engineer, IT security specialist, and research scientist. Doctor Computer Engineers are equipped to work in academia, large organizations, and emerging technology sectors, contributing to innovation in industries ranging from defense and healthcare to information technology and telecommunications.

Why Choose This Program

Choosing the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Engineering at Hacettepe University means joining a program that combines rigorous academic training with advanced research opportunities. Students benefit from access to modern laboratories, experienced faculty, and comprehensive resources to support independent research in cutting-edge areas of computer engineering.

The program’s unique strength lies in its research-oriented curriculum, flexibility for specialization, and structured support throughout the qualifying exam and thesis periods. Graduates gain not only advanced technical expertise but also the skills needed to excel in global research, academia, and high-impact industry positions.

Contact Information

Department of Computer Engineering – Hacettepe University
Beytepe Campus, Ankara, Turkey
Tel: +90 312 297 7500
Fax: +90 312 297 7502
Email: bilgi@cs.hacettepe.edu.tr
Programme Director: Prof. Dr. İlyas Çiçekli
Email: ilyas@cs.hacettepe.edu.tr