
Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Vision - Artificial Intelligence
Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence - MBZUAI

Key Information
Campus location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
Request Info
Application deadline
31 Mar 2024
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* no tuition fees + scholarship
Introduction
This scientific field studies how computers can be used to automatically understand and interpret visual imagery. It aims to mimic the astounding capabilities of the human visual cortex using machine vision algorithms. It studies how an image is created, the geometry of the 3D world, and high-level tasks such as object recognition, object detection, and tracking, image segmentation, and action recognition. Computer vision has important applications in augmented/virtual reality, autonomous cars, service robots, biometrics and forensics, remote sensing, and security and surveillance.
Alumni Statistics

Admissions
Curriculum
The minimum degree requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Vision is 60 credits, distributed as follows:
Core courses | Number of courses | Credit hours |
Core | 4 | 16 |
Electives | 2 | 8 |
Research thesis | 1 | 36 |
Internship | At least one internship of up to four-months duration must be satisfactorily completed as a graduation requirement | 0 |
Core courses
The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Vision is primarily a research-based degree. The purpose of coursework is to equip students with the right skill set, so they can successfully accomplish their research project (thesis). Students are required to take AI701, MTH701 and CV701 as mandatory courses. They can select either CV702 or CV703 along with two electives.
Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
AI701 | Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | 4 |
MTH701 | Mathematical Foundations of Artificial Intelligence | 4 |
CV701 | Human and Computer Vision | 4 |
CV702 | Geometry for Computer Vision | 4 |
CV703 | Visual Object Recognition and Detection | 4 |
Elective courses
Students will select a minimum of two elective courses, with a total of eight (or more) credit hours. One must be selected from List A and one must be selected from List B based on interest, proposed research thesis, and career aspirations, in consultation with their supervisory panel. The elective courses available for the Ph.D. in Computer Vision are listed in the tables below:
List A
Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
CV702 | Geometry for Computer Vision | 4 |
CV703 | Visual Object Recognition and Detection | 4 |
CV704 | Advanced Computer Vision | 4 |
CV705 | Advanced 3D Computer Vision | 4 |
CV706 | Neural Networks for Object Recognition and Detection | 4 |
CV707 | Digital Twins | 4 |
HC701 | Medical Imaging: Physics and Analysis | 4 |
List B
Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
AI702 | Deep Learning | 4 |
DS701 | Data Mining | 4 |
DS702 | Big Data Processing | 4 |
ML701 | Machine Learning | 4 |
ML702 | Advanced Machine Learning | 4 |
ML703 | Probabilistic and Statistical Inference | 4 |
ML704 | Machine Learning Paradigms | 4 |
ML705 | Topics in Advanced Machine Learning | 4 |
ML706 | Advanced Probabilistic and Statistical Inference | 4 |
ML707 | Smart City Services and Applications | 4 |
ML708 | Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence | 4 |
MTH702 | Optimization | 4 |
NLP701 | Natural Language Processing | 4 |
NLP702 | Advanced Natural Language Processing | 4 |
NLP703 | Speech Processing | 4 |
NLP704 | Deep Learning for Language Processing | 4 |
NLP705 | Topics in Advanced Natural Language Processing | 4 |
NLP706 | Advanced Speech Processing | 4 |
Research thesis
The Ph.D. thesis exposes students to cutting-edge and unsolved research problems in the field of computer vision, where they are required to propose new solutions and significantly contribute towards the body of knowledge. Students pursue an independent research study, under the guidance of a supervisory panel, for a period of three to four years.
Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
CV799 | Computer Vision Ph.D. Research Thesis | 36 |
Gallery
Rankings
CS Rankings in a Glance
- 18th in the field of AI in CS Rankings globally
- 28th in the field of ML in CS Rankings globally
- 16th in the field of CV in CS Rankings globally
- 19th in the field of NLP in CS Rankings globally
Program Outcome
Upon completion of the program requirements, the graduate will be able to:
- Master the fundamental knowledge of computer vision and develop expertise in several specialized areas of research in computer vision
- Grow expertise in comprehending existing literature, apply reasoning, and master necessary skills and techniques to develop novel ideas that are recognized by the experts of the computer vision discipline
- Apply advanced problem-solving skills to analyze, design, and execute innovative solutions for the existing and/or new problems faced in both industry and academia
- Highly skilled in initiating, managing, and completing technically challenging computer vision projects, and be able to clearly communicate concepts, highly complex ideas, and key findings in the form of technical reports, scientific publications and oral presentations at relevant technical venues
- Become an expert in selecting and using programming tools, libraries, and other relevant resources to solve real-world computer vision problems
- Develop advanced ability to work independently with substantial authority or in team collaboration with professional integrity to complete highly challenging computer vision projects in a timely manner
- Develop deep understanding of existing body of knowledge and the ability to develop new knowledge in computer vision that makes students suitable for a role in academia or industry
- Practice research ethics and commit to professional responsibilities while conducting cutting edge advancements in computer vision discipline
- Understand legal, ethical, environmental, and socio-cultural ramifications of computer vision technologies, and be able to take a lead in making informed and fair decisions on complex issues
Ideal Students
STEM major students with GPA above 3.2/4.0
Career Opportunities
AI is permeating every industry. At recent employer engagement events at MBZUAI, there has been representation from multiples sectors including (but not limited to):
- Aviation, consultancy, education, energy, finance, government entities, healthcare, media, oil and gas, security and defense, research institutes, retail, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, and startups.
Recent job opportunities advertised via the MBZUAI Student Careers Portal include (but not limited to):
- AI solution architect, AI solution engineer, algorithmic engineer, data analyst, data engineer, data scientist, data strategy consultant, full stack software engineer, full stack web developer, predictive analytics researcher, and senior data scientist – consultant.
Other career opportunities could include (but not limited to):
- Applied scientist, analytics engineer, augmented/virtual reality, autonomous cars, biometrics and forensics, chief data officer, data platform leadership, data journalist, data and AI technical sales specialist, growth analytics / engineers, manager: AI and cloud services planning, machine learning engineers, product manager: AI and data analytics, product data scientist, product analyst, remote sensing, research assistants, security and surveillance, senior software engineer, and VP data.