Electrical Engineering and Electronics PhD / MPhil

We are at the forefront of research and our postgraduate body is one of the largest in the University, encompassing world-class fundamental and applied research. We offer an exciting, theoretical and practical range of degree programmes which address all of the major subject areas.

Why study with us?

  • 6th

    in the UK for 'outstanding' (4*) impact in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)

  • 17th

    in the UK for 'world leading' (4*) overall quality in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021)

  • £36m

    recent refurbishment of the School

Overview

We are strongly committed to building on our research strengths, pursuing novel interdisciplinary projects and maintaining a good balance between strategic, applied, industrial and fundamental research. 

Establishing an international dimension to our research is a further priority, as is creating a “research and teaching continuum”, in part by nurturing postgraduate students to become future researchers. 

This development drive has led to a near doubling of the research output within the census period for the last RAE.

We consistently achieve high research grades including top ratings for most of our research areas in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.

Below you can find out about our research interests in-depth and about the wide-ranging PhD and other research opportunities available.

Research themes

The School has a number a number of different research groups.  Specific research interests can be found in our staff profiles.  We welcome research proposals and will do our best to identify potential supervisors.   

Facilities

Electrical Engineering and Electronics occupies a purpose-built centre with highly equipped electrical, computing and research laboratories and offices. 

The postgraduate laboratories here feature the latest research facilities and instrumentation, including specialist facilities for:

  • processing semiconductor devices
  • technological plasmas
  • equipment for testing switchgear
  • underwater and welding robots
  • e-Automation
  • RF engineering.

There is also a bionanoengineering laboratory, along with fully equipped mechanical and electrical workshops.

 


Study options and fees


The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year

MPhil / PhD Duration UK students International Students
Full time 2-4 years £4,786
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £29,750 (Band A)^
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering* £29,750 (Band A)^ or £23,400 (Band B)
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £23,400 (Band B)
Part time 4-6 years £2,393
  • Faculty of Health and Life Sciences £14,900 (Band A)^
  • Faculty of Science and Engineering* £14,900 (Band A)^ or £11,700 (Band B)
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences £11,700 (Band B)

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.


Entry requirements

The indicative entry requirement is an Honours degree in an Engineering, Physical Sciences or Computer Sciences subject at a level of 2:1 or above for research programmes. The above criteria should be used as a guide.

Each application is assessed individually to reflect students’ qualifications with respect to requirements for each individual programme.

Mature students are eligible via standard University requirements which allow appropriate qualifications plus experience as an alternative to an Honours degree.

English language requirements

IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT Overall 6.5 no band below 5.5
TOEFL iBT requirement Minimum 88 overall with L 17 W 17 R 17 and S 19
C1 Advanced CAE requirement Overall 176 with no less than 162 in any paper
Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II)ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components
Cambridge IGCSE as a First LanguageGrade C
Cambridge IGCSE as a Second LanguageGrade B
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency)Overall 176 with 162 in components
Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)Overall 176 with 162 in components
Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced)Overall 176 with 162 in components

How to apply

Research degree applications can be made online.  You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.

Applications are open all year round.

More about applying for research degrees

Apply online

Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal


Find a supervisor

View supervisors in this area

View staff list

Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us


Related studentships: self-funded and funded PhD projects


Related Doctoral Training Partnerships

Doctoral Training Partnerships support future researchers with funding and a rewarding learning environment where you can collaborate with leading researchers.

Find a scholarship

We offer a range of scholarships to help you meet the costs of studying a research degree.

See scholarships