phd in electrical engineering funded for international students

PhD (Doctoral) Admissions Overview

Our research-intensive program cultivates the next generation of leaders in academia and industry. Electrical Engineering doctoral students work alongside faculty, fellow students, and researchers who are leaders in their disciplines.  

Application Timeline & Deadlines

Click on the links below to read about each step of the application process:

Did You Know?

• A master's degree is not required prior to applying to the PhD program in Electrical Engineering. • Applications are reviewed on an annual basis for autumn quarter start only. • December 7, 2023 is the application deadline for Autumn 2024-2025. • Typical completion time for the PhD degree is 5-7 years. • All PhD students who maintain satisfactory academic progress receive full financial support for the duration of the doctoral program.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program is designed to build an interdisciplinary community of Stanford graduate students dedicated to finding creative solutions to the world's greatest challenges. The program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue a graduate education at Stanford, including the M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars and separately apply to the Electrical Engineering department.

Additional Resources

Electrical Engineering

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Electrical engineering​ is a field within the Engineering Sciences area of study at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Prospective students apply through the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). In the online application, select  “Engineering and Applied Sciences” as your program choice and select "PhD Engineering Sciences: Electrical Engineering​."

The electrical engineering program studies systems that sense, analyze, and interact with the world. You will learn how this practice is based on fundamental science and mathematics, creating opportunities for both theoretical and experimental research. Electrical engineers invent devices for sensing and actuation, designing physical substrates for computation, creating algorithms for analysis and control, and expanding the theory of information processing. You will get to choose from a wide range of research areas such as circuits and VLSI, computer engineering and architecture, robotics and control, and signal processing.

Electrical engineers at Harvard are pursuing work on integrated circuits for cellular biotechnology, millimeter-scale robots, and the optimization of smart power groups. Examples of projects current and past students have worked on include developing methods to trace methane emissions and improving models for hurricane predictions.

Graduates of the program have gone on to a range of careers in industry in companies such as Tesla, Microsoft HoloLens, and IBM. Others have positions in academia at the University of Maryland, University of Michigan, and University of Colorado.

Standardized Tests

GRE General:  Not Accepted

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

PhD in Electrical Engineering

Program sites.

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Degree Details

As a PhD student, you will pursue theoretical and empirical studies in a topic area determined by your interests, while working with our world-renowned faculty. Students have the option to pursue a post-bachelor’s or post-master’s degree.

Degree Type

Availability.

Our PhD program provides applicants the opportunity for rewarding interdisciplinary study.

Tremendous Research Opportunities

Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) faculty members boast international reputations and provide students with opportunities for research , for example, in such areas as: Solid State Materials and Devices, Photonics, Electromagnetics, Space and Science Technology, Computer Networking and Distributed Systems, Signal and Image Processing, Machine Learning and Statistical Signal Processing, Communication, and Sensor Networks.  You can learn more about research in these areas by visiting Photonics, Electronics and Nanotechnology , Imaging and Optical Science , Data Science and Intelligent Systems , and  BioECE and Digital Health .

The ECE PhD Student Experience

As an electrical or computer engineering PhD student, you will pursue theoretical and empirical studies in a topic area determined by your interests and those of your faculty research advisor. As a student in Boston, you will be in the midst of a vibrant high-tech research community where external collaborations with industry, government, and other universities are common. However, your experience will likely not be limited to Boston; PhD students are supported by the Department to present their work at many key conferences around the world.

Admission Requirements

• December 15th

Contact & Application Support

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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Postgraduate research (PhD)

Our PhD students belong to one of  five research groups . Each group is comprised of academic staff, post-doctoral researchers, and PhD students. Every research group has its own dedicated space within the Department.

A PhD typically takes 3-4 years to complete and gives you the opportunity to undertake a period of in-depth research in a specific topic, to uncover its background, and contribute new insights or develop innovative applications of known science.

Every year between 40-50 students are accepted for the PhD programme in our department from around 350 applicants.

Funding your PhD study

We offer a wide variety of financial support to PhD students, including funding from research councils, research projects and industry. Find out more about funding and scholarships available to support your PhD study

How to apply for PhD study

Entry requirements.

All PhD students must normally hold both a Bachelors and a Master's degree.

If you are studying in the UK our requirement is:

• An integrated Master's (MEng) honours degree in electrical engineering or a related subject, passed at 2.1 or 1st,
• OR a Bachelor's (BEng) honours degree in Electrical Engineering or a related subject passed at 2.1 or 1st and a Master's degree passed at Merit or higher.

If you are studying overseas the Department's minimum entry requirement is the equivalent of a UK 2.1 in both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. All applicants must normally have, or be studying for, a Master's degree .

The  guidance on international qualifications provides information on Imperial College's minimum entry requirements and grade equivalents.

English language

You will need to meet the College's Higher English language requirement . 

You can apply for the course before your final degree result is known, and before you have met the English language requirement. Most applicants apply during the final year of their UK MEng degree, or while they are studying for their Master's degree.

Making your application

General information on the application process is available on the College application guidance notes . As part of the application you will be asked to provide a Research statement, including an indication of potential supervisors.

Finding a potential supervisor

You are advised to familiarise yourself with the Department's areas of research . You might like to contact a potential supervisor before making your application to informally discuss research topics.

It is not necessary to contact a supervisor before applying. Keep in mind that formal admissions decisions can only be made after the application has been processed by the College Registry and the Department.

Preparing your Research Statement and application

When you submit your application please:

• Include a convincing research statement (2-3 pages) as a separate self-contained document. The research statement should describe a research problem or area that you are interested in, and your initial ideas on the research work towards solving the problem, referring to existing scientific literature where appropriate. You should highlight any relevant experience you have in this area or any relevant publications that can be downloaded. The research statement will be evaluated as part of the application process; it does not constitute a commitment to carry out the exact research you have described.
• Make sure you have indicated the research group and/or potential supervisors under whom you would like to carry out PhD work.
• Include a transcript showing the module marks for your studies so far. 
• Give your referee's university or company email address and not their personal one. 

Please note: you will need to meet the College's Higher English language requirement . You can apply for the course before your final degree result is known, and before you have met the English language requirement.

When to apply

Research studies can start four times a year:

• the start of Autumn term,
• the start of Spring term, 
• July 1st  

Students who wish to be considered for scholarships:

• We recommend you apply for scholarships a year in advance of your start date. Applications are considered throughout the year, but as funding is competitive it is better to apply early.
• Applicants will be considered for all of the potential Imperial College funding opportunities available. If you are applying to be considered for a specific scholarship please check the deadlines and make sure that your application is submitted in time. 
• Please note it may take up to 12 weeks to process your funding application before you will be notified of the outcome. 

Students who do NOT not wish to be considered for Imperial College funding:

Our recommended application dates are:

• For an October start - apply by 30 June
• For a January start - apply by 30 September
• For an April start - apply by 30 November
• For July start - apply by 30 March

If you require a visa in order to study in the UK, you should give yourself extra time to receive ATAS clearance and the student visa. 

Re-applicants

If you have applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved by additional education, research and/or relevant work experience.

Submitting your application

Please submit your application through the College online application system . There is no application fee.

After you have applied

Your application will be considered by the academic staff in the research group working in the area specified on your application.   If you have given the name of a potential supervisor, it will be sent to them first. If you are short-listed for a place you will have an interview with your potential supervisor and one of their colleagues. This interview will take place either in person (if you are in London), by phone, or Zoom.

Once the decision on your application has been made it is returned to the Department's admissions team. We check the decision and send it to the Registry admissions team.  The Registry team make a final check and process the decision and communicate the decision to you.  Once this is done you will be able to check the decision on the admissions system. 

You should expect to receive a decision on your application within 12 weeks of the application arriving in the Department.

If you have have applied for PhD in two different departments your application is processed in parallel.  It will be sent to both your first and second choices for consideration at the same time.

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Academics   /   Graduate Study   /   PhD Programs PhD in Electrical Engineering

The PhD program in electrical engineering provides students with the opportunity to work with leading, world-renowned faculty members in research areas such as solid-state devices, photonics, image and video processing, and wireless communications.

Students are fully funded by a combination of research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and fellowships. Students work with faculty members in state-of-the-art labs and can pursue interdisciplinary collaborations.

For its PhD program in electrical engineering, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering looks for students who have a strong academic record, and for those who display a clear motivation in becoming a leading researcher.

Programs of study are offered within the department’s two research interest groups: Signals and Systems and Solid State and Photonics .

View the department's graduate curriculum

Each student receiving the PhD should have a solid background in his or her field as preparation for a career in research or teaching. To ensure that each of our students receives this background, we require them to choose and complete a program of study corresponding to his or her intended field of inquiry.

Admissions Apply now

Download a PDF program guide about your program of interest and get in contact with our graduate admissions staff.

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The Crown Family Graduate Internship Program

PhD candidates may elect to participate in the Crown Family Graduate Internship Program. This opportunity allows the doctoral candidate to gain practical experience in industry or in national research laboratories in areas closely related to his or her research.

Learn more about this internship program

Career Paths

The PhD program emphasizes excellence in education and research, providing graduates with a solid foundation for a career in industry, academia, and research labs.

Recent graduates are pursuing careers in industrial research labs (Intel Labs, IBM Research, Google, Facebook, and Qualcomm), industry (AMD, Bloomberg, IBM, Intel, Globalfoundries, and Mentor Graphics), and universities (Iowa State, Penn State, and the University of Maryland). In the last decade, recent graduates have founded more than half dozen successful startups.

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Electrical Engineering, Ph.D.

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A century ago, the radio offered mass entertainment; 50 years later, television replaced it. Today we watch movies on handheld devices. Each evolutionary step was made possible by advances in electrical engineering. The Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering program is filled with students and faculty keenly aware of this cycle of progress. They prize the School of Engineering's emphasis on invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship — what we call i 2 e — and they maintain that emphasis through top-flight laboratories and a fierce dedication to advanced research.

Your studies with us will prepare you for a research career in electrical engineering after graduation. But you’ll also be capable of sharing these lessons with your own students, should you choose to teach at the university level.

Program Information

View complete program requirements . 

Find out about admission requirements .

Urban Science Doctoral Track

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NYU Shanghai Ph.D. Program

Dual PhD Degree Program with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

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Program Director

Anthony Vetro

The PhD program in Electrical Engineering aims to teach students to develop efficient systems that contribute to business, safety, health, and entertainment.

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Northeastern’s PhD program in Electrical Engineering offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in the following areas: Signal and image processing; biomedical signal processing and brain-computer interface; pattern recognition; adaptive signal processing; wireless and underwater communications; information theory and coding; robust and distributed control; optics, photonics, acoustics, and magnetics sensors; radio frequency chip design; digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits; low-power very-large-scale integration; modeling and analysis of large scale power grids during normal operation and under faults; dc-dc converters, inverters, rectifiers, and ac-ac converters; as well as modulation techniques used in power electronics.

The PhD in Electrical Engineering (PhDEE) is completely research based with minimal and flexible course requirements which can be pursued as full-time or part-time. The exact nature of the program of study will vary among candidates depending on the dissertation subject area and the candidate’s preparation. The program will include one minor area of study in an area other than that in which the candidate is concentrating. The minor area may be in another discipline within electrical and computer engineering or the minor area may be in another relevant technical or scientific discipline. Applicants can enter the PhD program with either a BS or an MS degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

The PhDEE applicants also select their concentration from the following four areas.

• Communications, Control, and Signal Processing
• Electromagnetics, Plasma, and Optics
• Microsystems, Materials, and Devices
• Power Systems

The ECE department offers a variety of graduate courses giving students flexibility of planning their course requirements according to their research requirements and personal interests. Many of graduate courses are offered in two sections; in-class and streaming video. Part-time students and full-time students who have schedule conflicts can register in the streaming video sections.

• Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate
• Northeastern ECE is the host or major partner in nine state-of-the-art research centers
• Financial support available
• Internationally-recognized Internships & Co-op opportunities
• Professional Development Workshop Series to complement the research and classroom experiences
• Northeastern ECE is a research powerhouse in the Boston area and beyond
• The ability to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts
• Ability to formulate a research plan
• Ability to communicate orally a research plan
• Ability to conduct independent research

With the large number of high-tech firms in and around Boston, both start-ups and large multinational corporations, many PhD students do an internship during their program while remaining right here in Boston. Often their advisor is instrumental in identifying the internship position, with a funding sponsor or research collaborator, be they in Boston or elsewhere in the United States. Internships can be informally arranged for several months at any time during the calendar year, and PhD students can also take advantage of the more formally arranged co-op program which entails 6 months of work experience preceded by several professional development courses to prepare students.

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Middle East Technical University
• University of Vermont
• Nexant Corporation
• Harvard Medical School – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
• Qatar University
• Universidad Tecnologica de Bolivar
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Metamagnetics Incorporated
• LoopPay Incorporated
• Merson Shanghai Co. Ltd.
• Qualcomm Technologies Incorporated
• Geophysical Survey Systems Incorporated
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Setem Technologies, LLC
• MIT Lincoln Laboratory
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Argonne National Laboratory
• University of California, Berkeley
• Boston Children’s Hosptial
• Japanese Ministry of Defense, Tokyo
• Siemens Healthineers

Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• $100 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
• Statement of Purpose
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Application

PhD Priority: December 15

International outside US: June 1

International inside US: July 1

Domestic: August 1

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PhD in Electrical Engineering

The PhD program in Electrical Engineering aims to teach students to develop efficient systems that contribute to business, safety, health, and entertainment.

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• Program Details - Advanced Entry
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Innovative Curriculum

Northeastern’s PhD program in Electrical Engineering offers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in the following areas: Signal and image processing; biomedical signal processing and brain-computer interface; pattern recognition; adaptive signal processing; wireless and underwater communications; information theory and coding; robust and distributed control; optics, photonics, acoustics, and magnetics sensors; radio frequency chip design; digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits; low-power very-large-scale integration; modeling and analysis of large scale power grids during normal operation and under faults; dc-dc converters, inverters, rectifiers, and ac-ac converters; as well as modulation techniques used in power electronics.

The PhD in Electrical Engineering is completely research-based with minimal and flexible course requirements which can be pursued as full-time or part-time. The exact nature of the program of study will vary among candidates depending on the dissertation subject area and the candidate’s preparation. The program will include one minor area of study in an area other than that in which the candidate is concentrating. The minor area may be in another discipline within electrical and computer engineering or the minor area may be in another relevant technical or scientific discipline. Applicants can enter the PhD program with either a BS or an MS degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.

PhD in Electrical Engineering students also select their concentration from the following four areas.

• Communications, Control, and Signal Processing
• Electromagnetics, Plasma, and Optics
• Microsystems, Materials, and Devices
• Power Systems

The ECE department offers a variety of graduate courses giving students the flexibility in planning their course requirements according to their research requirements and personal interests. Many graduate courses are offered in two sections; in-class and streaming video. Part-time students and full-time students who have schedule conflicts can register in the streaming video sections.

• Northeastern ECE is the host or major partner in nine state-of-the-art research centers
• Financial support available
• Internationally-recognized Internships & Co-op opportunities
• Professional Development Workshop Series to complement the research and classroom experiences
• Northeastern ECE is a research powerhouse in the Boston area and beyond
• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems.
• An ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives.
• An ability to produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs.
• An ability to apply analytical, numerical, and/or experimental methods to analyze and design complex engineering systems, and to identify, formulate, and solve new challenging electrical engineering problems.
• An ability to direct independent scientific research in electrical engineering and related fields.
• An ability to formulate new research plans and communicate the research outcomes (both oral and written communication of research results).
• Qualifying exam: Students who already hold an MS degree and matriculate in the fall semester must take the qualifying exam in the spring semester of their first year. Students matriculating in spring semester, or students who hold a BS degree and matriculate in the fall semester , can postpone the exam to the second spring semester. Those who fail the exam the first time, have one more chance to take the exam. These students must take the exam the next spring after their first attempt.
• Research Advisor: Students should have a research advisor one year after their matriculation.
• Thesis Committee: The Dissertation Committee must be formed not later than six months after passing the qualifying exam.
• Comprehensive exam: The deadline for comprehensive exam is two years after passing the qualifying exam.
• Dissertation Defense: The dissertation defense should be scheduled at least one year after taking the comprehensive exam.

Dissertation/Thesis Instructions

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Middle East Technical University
• University of Vermont
• Nexant Corporation
• Harvard Medical School – Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
• Qatar University
• Universidad Tecnologica de Bolivar
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Metamagnetics Incorporated
• LoopPay Incorporated
• Merson Shanghai Co. Ltd.
• Qualcomm Technologies Incorporated
• Geophysical Survey Systems Incorporated
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Setem Technologies, LLC
• MIT Lincoln Laboratory
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Argonne National Laboratory
• University of California, Berkeley
• Boston Children’s Hosptial
• Japanese Ministry of Defense, Tokyo
• Siemens Healthineers
• Learn more.
• Scholarship Report
• Related Research Centers and Institutes
• Andrew Ashdown, PhD’27
• Alexandria Will-Cole, PhD’23

Experiential Learning

With a large number of high-tech firms in and around Boston, both start-ups and large multinational corporations, many PhD students do an internship during their program while remaining right here in Boston. Often their advisor is instrumental in identifying the internship position, with a funding sponsor or research collaborator, be they in Boston or elsewhere in the United States. Internships can be informally arranged for several months at any time during the calendar year.

PhD students can also take advantage of the more formally arranged co-op program which entails up to 8 months of work experience preceded by several professional development courses to prepare students. The Cooperative Education Program , also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program students gain professional experience, employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum. Northeastern has over 3,000 co-op employer partners. Additionally, students can participate in the university’s Experiential PhD program.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.

• Graduate Student Services

Admissions & Aid

Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.

• Degree Requirements
• Degree Requirements - Advanced Entry

Student News

2024 Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Inductees

Twenty-three engineering graduate students were inducted into the newly established Lux. Veritas. Virtus. society, a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional graduate students who exemplify the university’s mission, ideals, and values.

Bodet Receives 2024 Outstanding PhD Student Award in Research

Duschia Bodet, E’21, MS’21, PhD’25, electrical engineering, is the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding PhD Student Award in Research, which recognizes PhD students who have shown an impressive ability to conduct high-level research and make contributions to the scholarly literature in their field.

2024 U.S. National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Research Fellowship

Andrew Ashdown, PhD’27, electrical engineering, was selected as one of the recipients of the U.S. Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Research Fellowship. A highly competitive fellowship, it is awarded to promising U.S. scientists and engineers to encourage them to pursue doctoral degrees in designated research disciplines of military importance.

COE Research Expo Displays Promising Work of PhD Students

The College of Engineering held a research expo to highlight the work of PhD students. Participants presented their research to a panel of judges and gained critical presentation and communication skills. They also displayed their research during the poster showcase and students were recognized with awards.

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Graduate Admissions

Earn your PhD at McKelvey Engineering

As a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis you will be an integral part of cutting-edge research. Opportunities inside and outside the lab and faculty mentoring will prepare you to solve problems and work collaboratively to tackle the largest challenges the world faces today.

Join a community of world-class researchers

Learn more below about our academic programs, graduate student life and opportunities at McKelvey Engineering.

Request information  

Deadline for all PhD programs: Dec. 15, 2023

Full support and funding

Our PhD students are fully-funded , including full tuition support and health insurance.

As a doctoral candidate, you will receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree.

Additionally, doctoral students may also qualify for one of the fellowships:

• The Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin – Chancellor’s Fellowship
• McDonnell International Scholars Academy

How much more expensive are other cities?

See how the cost of living in STL compares (Nerd Wallet)

Student Profiles

Addison Schwamb

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering Hometown: Colorado Springs, Colorado "My adviser, ShiNung Ching, is a fantastic teacher. His lectures are clear, principled and convey not just the key mathematical ideas, but also the ideas behind them and their applications. "

Shirin Shoushtari

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering Hometown: Isfahan, Iran "I love the rich cultural landscape in St. Louis. I also enjoy occasional visits to its parks and museums."

Ganesh Chelluboyina

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Hyderabad, Telangana (India) "I do believe that scientific leadership is necessary though when it comes to influencing public policies, climate change and other relevant concerns."

Elmira Ramazanova

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Astana, Kazakhstan

Allison Martinez Mejia

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Tegucigalpa, Honduras "Besides the amazing and super collaborative research being offered, WashU was extremely welcoming to me. As I spoke to different students and faculty, I knew I would be able to find a niche in the school."

Deepangsu Chatterjee

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Kolkata, India "WashU has a plethora of resources in terms of research infrastructure, motivated faculty members and loads of exciting projects to work on."

Shubham Agrawal

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering "The Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at WashU is world-renowned, with latest research in hot topics."

Bharat Singhal

Degree pursuing: PhD in electrical engineering "WashU provides a unique research environment where I can collaborate with experts from diverse domains, allowing me to grow as a researcher. "

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: China "I have a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and I am interested in environmental research especially aerosol science and engineering. WashU's a perfect fit for me."

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Anhui, China "Getting a PhD degree in biomedical engineering would be incredibly important for me to build on the expertise in the field."

Jacqueline Rogers

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: New Jersey "I specifically chose to pursue a graduate engineering degree in the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering because of the integrative approach to research that is encouraged. Having the opportunity to learn from faculty or fellow graduate students with different backgrounds has only enriched my experience."

Jordan Escarcega

Degree pursuing: PhD in mechanical engineering Hometown: Costa Mesa, California "Don't be afraid to reach out to professors before and after submitting an application to the university. They love talking about their research to prospective students and it could be a good way to get your foot in the door. "

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: China "Be patient and explore different courses that can provide you with more diverse techniques. Also, try to break your limits as you are a graduate student that can learn a ton."

Kathryn Sarullo

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: Palm Coast, Florida "I am working under S. Joshua Swamidass, MD, applying machine-learning techniques and decision theory to chemical biology and clinical data."

Zhenqin Wang

Degree pursuing: PhD in energy, environmental & chemical engineering Hometown: Changzhou, Jiangsu, China "I like WashU because of its worldwide prominence. Most importantly, WashU has the only EECE program in the world."

Degree pursuing: PhD in systems science & mathematics and MD Hometown: Apple Valley, Minnesota "My current project is using an advanced signal processing approach to detect and characterize potential biomarkers in EEG of critically ill pediatric patients. My hope is that we'll be able to integrate my automated detection pipeline into bedside monitoring devices in order to provide additional prognostic information and improve patient care."

Yana Malysheva

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: New Jersey "I've had an interest in computer science education for many years: Both the teaching aspect, and the aspect of developing tools and content for teaching CS."

Aahana Bajracharya

Degree pursuing: PhD in imaging science Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal "The opportunity to perform interdisciplinary research attracted me to the imaging science doctoral program at WashU."

Ghiska Ramahdita

Degree pursuing: PhD in mechanical engineering Hometown: Depok, West Java, Indonesia "I felt the warmth of people at WashU even before I moved here. Being a part of the McDonnell International Scholars Academy gave me more opportunities to learn and grow in a flourishing environment."

Maria Bandres

Degree pursuing: PhD in biomedical engineering Hometown: Maracay, Venezuela "I decided to get a degree in engineering because I wanted to produce new knowledge that directly addressed existing problems whose solutions would positively impact people's lives."

Marion Sudvarg

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: St. Louis "I wanted to learn more about computing, so I pursued a part-time master's degree in computer science at WashU. Toward the end, I realized that I wanted to dive in more deeply so I came back for a PhD."

Suzanne Russo

Degree pursuing: PhD in materials science & engineering Hometown: Rockford, Illinois "I would urge a new student to get involved in activities outside of their lab early on. By joining clubs and student government, you’ll meet so many new people who can become friends and mentors along your PhD journey."

Porter Weeks

Degree pursuing: PhD in materials science & engineering Hometown: Corning, New York "I have always been a part of the Peer Mentoring Committee in IMSE. Being able to help students prepare for the qualifying exam and being there when others in the program need someone to talk to has been an incredibly rewarding experience."

Kritika Sharma

Xiaodan Wang

Maxwell Adolphson

Christie Crandall

Degree pursuing: PhD in mechanical engineering

Kaushik Dutta

Wiete Fehner

Niyousha Karbasion

Yuanxin Qiu

Yue (April) Rao

Lydia Reader

Anxu (Ben) Wang

Zixuan (Zach) Wang

Degree pursuing: PhD in computation and data science Hometown: Canton, Mississippi "As soon as I stepped onto the campus, I knew this was the place for me. I love the interdisciplinary nature of my program, DCDS."

Saugat Pandey

Degree pursuing: PhD in computer science Hometown: New Delhi, India "Visualization has been one of the most insightful courses for me about understanding the use of visualizations in various fields. It has also helped me shape my research interests."

Discover what life is like for PhD students at Washington University in St. Louis

Take a look inside our labs and facilities.

Learn about the Vascular Mechanics Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science

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Tour Whitaker Hall – home of McKelvey Engineering's biomedical engineering department

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Phd programs.

• Aerospace Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Computational & Data Sciences
• Electrical Engineering
• Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
• Imaging Science
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Systems Science & Mathematics

PhD in EE Application Process View Formal Application Steps (Deadline: December 15)

Get connected with a faculty member or program advisor

Tour one of our research labs.

Electrical Engineering Ultra Lab

Program Information and Resources

Research topics database, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, funding & resources, how to apply, usc graduate application, recent department videos.

Published on July 19th, 2017

Last updated on November 21st, 2023

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Electronic and Electrical Engineering MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

We have a large and vibrant community of doctoral students researching a broad range of topics in electronic and electrical engineering. Our graduates are in high demand, going on to careers in industry, academic research, and permanent academic positions at top institutions. Many of our graduates now hold senior positions in the industry.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A UK Master’s degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. The qualification may be in any relevant subject, e.g. electronic engineering, communication engineering, computer science, chemistry, materials science (the latter two for electronic materials research).

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance . This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

Thanks to the breadth of research we carry out in the department, we offer doctorates across a wide range of topics in electronic and electrical engineering from nanotechnology and novel materials, to circuits and systems, radar, communications, photonics, optical networks and large-scale networks.

Who this course is for

Applicants should have a strong academic record in a relevant discipline, previous research experience, and be highly motivated and interested in continuing their research in the field of electronic and electrical engineering. If you are interested in joining us as a research student, we strongly encourage you to look at the EEE research pages to identify areas of interest to you. Selecting the correct research project or area of research interest is a hugely important first step, so we recommend that you contact potential supervisors directly to discuss possibilities before you apply.

What this course will give you

Our department is the oldest electronic engineering department in England and one of the most highly regarded and research active. Our research is at the cutting edge of the discipline and we have an enviable track record of exploiting our research in new technologies.

Our facilities are world-class with access to the state-of-the-art London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) and excellent in-house design and test facilities for radio frequency, radar, communications, optical networks, materials and photonics. On top of this, we also offer comprehensive training packages, dedicated staff, world-renowned academics, and support from UCL's graduate school.

The foundation of your career

Our graduates are in high demand, going on to careers in industry, as postdoctoral researchers and, in many cases, continuing to permanent academic positions at leading educational institutions.

Graduates from this programme have taken up positions at companies such as Cisco Meraki, Alcatel-Lucent, Nokia-Siemens, Barclays, Toshiba, Microsoft, European Space Agency and Deutsche Telekom, with some progressing to Directorships. A significant number use the PhD as a stepping stone to careers in other sectors, including management consultancy and finance. Several have started up their own businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.

Our graduates have also become successful academics and researchers at institutions including the University of Liverpool, Queen Mary, University of London, University of British Columbia, National University of Singapore, Aston University, City University, University of Hokkaido and at UCL.

Several have been awarded prestigious fellowships, including Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society University Fellowships, Leverhulme Trust Early Career Awards and EPSRC Fellowships.

Employability

Graduates from this programme are highly employable. They are well-prepared for a career in industry or to conduct powerful, influential research in this multi-disciplinary field. Many have gone on to successful careers in large organisations, top academic institutions and founded their own start-up companies.

The EEE department is located in the heart of London and has deep industry connections. This provides unique and invaluable opportunities to students such as industry-supervised research projects, sponsored studentships, site visits, placements and invited talks from experts connected to the university. Events like our Festival of Research celebrate our industry collaborations, highlight our impacts and enable networking across students, researchers and industry.

We collaborate with institutions, organisations and academics world-wide across most of our postdoctoral provision, and our renowned academic team bring their own experience and expertise to the table.

Our doctoral students engage widely with the world outside academia via mechanisms including Knowledge Transfer (KT) programmes, public engagement and outreach activities. In the former case, we have seconded students to collaborating companies via KT studentships to carry out highly industrially-relevant work. These students are often employed by the company at the end of their PhD.

Teaching and learning

This MPhil/PhD programme provides a route for students to carry out their own research project under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Students will normally work within a research group, and closely with their supervisor(s), to develop each stage of their research. Throughout their degree, students will have regular meetings with their primary supervisor, contact with their secondary supervisor, and participation in group meetings.

Students initially register for an MPhil degree and transfer to the PhD programme after a year, pending success in a transfer/upgrade examination. For a successful upgrade to PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.

The final examination for a PhD degree is by the presentation of a thesis, which is assessed by both an external examiner (someone from outside UCL) and an internal examiner (from within UCL). The thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

This MPhil/PhD comprises mostly self-directed study under the supervision of a member of academic staff. Full-time study equates to 36.5 hours per week; pro-rata for part-time. During the research degree students will have regular meetings with their Primary Supervisor (at least once every month) and consult regularly with a Subsidiary Supervisor.

If a student has external funding, they should ensure they meet the Terms and Conditions of their funder in this regard.

Research areas and structure

• Communications and information systems: telecommunication networks and services; wireless communications; IP networks; sensor networks; information security and retrieval
• Electronic materials and devices: optical materials and electronic devices; quantum nanoelectronics; diamond electronics; laser processing; resistive switching
• Optical networks: optoelectronic devices and systems; large scale optical networks; dense WDM optically routed networks; optical packet networks; high speed optical systems
• Photonics: connected electronic and photonic systems; ultrafast photonic devices; wireless over fibre devices and systems; photonic generation of THz signals; advanced liquid crystal devices; uncooled and coherent wavelength division multiplex technology
• Sensors, systems and circuits: radar and sonar; antennas and EM modelling; medical electronics; RFID systems; IC design.

Research environment

This department offers an exceptionally vibrant and innovative research environment for students. Our research spans a broad range of topics in electronic and electrical engineering with research groups specialising in Electronic Materials and Devices, Information and Communication Engineering, Optical Networks, Photonics, and Sensors Systems and Circuits. We collaborate widely, both with other departments in UCL, and with leading research groups and industrial partners around the world. This generates a highly stimulating environment that has led to brilliant careers for most of our graduating students.

The length of an MPhil/PhD in this department is normally three years’ full time. Full-time research degree students are required to register for an MPhil degree for not less than 9 months after initial registration. They must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree no later than 12 months after initial registration. A full-time student must be registered for at least two calendar years before they will be allowed to submit their thesis for examination for the PhD.  

The length of an MPhil/PhD in this department is normally five years part time. Part-time research students in this department are required to register for an MPhil degree for a minimum of 15 months after initial registration. They must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree no later than 22 months after initial registration. A part-time student must be registered for at least three calendar years before they will be allowed to submit their thesis for examination for the PhD.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs.

As each PhD research project is unique in nature, additional costs related to consumables, equipment, materials, attending and presenting at conferences, poster printing, etc. will vary. Prospective students are advised to contact the project supervisor for more information on additional costs for specific research projects.

A student conference and travel fund is available to students within the department to help with costs associated with attending and presenting at conferences. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

A number of competitive EPSRC funded studentships are available each year for UK and EU students who meet residency requirements.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Deadlines and start dates may be dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation. In most cases you should identify and contact potential supervisors before making your application. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

[email protected]

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The majority of graduate programs are NOT impacted by recent government announcements about tuition increases. PhD students from the rest of Canada will continue to pay Quebec fees. International PhD fees will see the same 3% increase as Quebec fees.

Electrical Engineering (PhD)

Program description.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering offered by the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering is a research-intensive program that emphasizes scholarly and enriching learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in literature search, research design, and original thinking to pursue professional opportunities in academia or industry.

Unique Program Features

• Research and experimental laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment where numerous multidisciplinary research projects are conducted providing students an ideal environment to develop new technologies, discover novel phenomena, and design revolutionary devices;
• The Department's main research areas include: Bioelectrical Engineering, Computational Electromagnetics, Intelligent Systems, Integrated Circuits and Systems, Nano-Electronic Devices and Materials, Photonic Systems, Power Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems and Control, Telecommunications and Signal Processing.

University-Level Admission Requirements

• An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
• English-language proficiency

Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.

Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.

Program Website

PhD in Electrical Engineering website

Department Contact

Graduate Program grad.ece [at] mcgill.ca (subject: PhD%20in%20Electrical%20Engineering) (email)

Available Intakes

Application deadlines.

Note : Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.

Application Resources

• Application Steps webpage
• Submit Your Application webpage
• Connecting with a supervisor webpage
• Graduate Funding webpage

Application Workshops

Consult our full list of our virtual application-focused workshops on the Events webpage .

Department and University Information

Graduate and postdoctoral studies.

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Electrical Engineering PhD

The PhD in Electrical Engineering provides students with the education to be researchers and leaders in their fields of specialization. The program provides both breadth and depth through a flexible structure of formal course work, independent study, and research.

The PhD program is an individualized program of study with a focus on preparing you for PhD dissertation research. The dissertation is an original scholarly contribution to the research literature of the field and is the culmination of your academic career.

The PhD program has two options, depending on the student’s previous educational background:

• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Engineering

Student success

David says conducting research as a PhD student prepared him to succeed and advance in his chosen field.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 18 credits beyond the MS requirement or 48 credits beyond the BS is expected (exclusive of dissertation research).

Although it is not necessary to obtain the MS degree before proceeding in the PhD program, the Graduate Academic and Research Skills components of the PhD Qualifier can be met over the course of completing an MS at UMass Dartmouth. If a student enters with a BS or an MS from another institution, he or she must explicitly meet the PhD Qualifying requirements. 

PhD students should complete and pass the PhD qualifying requirements appropriate to their option (Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering):

• if they enter the program with an MS: by the end of their first year of study
• if they enter the program with a BS: at the completion of 30 credits

Program overview: PhD in Electrical Engineering

Research areas

Our faculty are experts in an impressive variety of fields and are engaged notable research ventures supported by public and private funding. Key research areas within the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE):

• Applied Acoustics
• Applied Electromagnetics
• Electronics & Solid-State Devices
• IoT: Internet of Things
• Marine Applications
• RF Photonics
• Signals & Systems

Assistantship opportunities

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth

Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)

International (F-1) students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). To learn about the eligibility criteria and detailed steps to apply, please review the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) OPT page and USCIS resources . F-1 students must consult with the ISSC to apply for STEM OPT.

University requirements for graduate admissions

• Submit an application via the online portal. Be sure to provide your full legal name and to capitalize the first letter of all proper nouns.
• Pay non-refundable $60 application fee (American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa) via the online portal. For Nursing applicants, the non-refundable application fee is $75.
• Statement of Purpose, minimum 300 words. Unless otherwise indicated in the program requirement details, indicate your graduate study objectives, research interests and experience, and business or industry experience if applicable. If you are applying for a teaching or research assistantship, include any special skills or experience that would assist us in making assistantship decisions.
• Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not). Unofficial transcripts are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled a final official transcript is required. International students applying with an transcript evaluation, please submit that document with your unofficial transcripts. International applicants for Data Science must submit semester-by-semester transcripts as well as consolidated transcripts. 
• Many programs have specific recommendations/requirements, please see the additional program-specific requirements for more information.
• International students : official TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Pearson PTE or Duolingo (if accepted by program) score. Unofficial scores are accepted for admissions application review, once enrolled official scores are required and must be sent by the testing agency (copies/scans not accepted). This is required of any applicant who did not earn a bachelor’s degree or higher degree from an accredited academic institution in the U.S. or accepted English-speaking country, see exemptions for more details . We require an overall/total minimum score of 72 on the TOEFL iBT or BAND 6.0 on the IELTS or a 52 on the Pearsons PTE Academic for entrance to any program and a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT or BAND 6.5 on the IELTS for consideration for a teaching assistantship. Some programs require higher minimum scores (see program-specific requirements). Most programs also accept the Duolingo with a minimum score of 95. The following programs do not accept the Duolingo: Art Education, Biology/Marine Biology, Nursing (MS, DNP, PhD), Psychology: Clinical, and Public Policy. 
• All official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Program-specific requirements

Candidates must submit the required application materials, university requirements and program-specific requirements, for consideration.

• Students possessing a master's degree and a strong academic background in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar disciplines are encouraged to apply.
• Students possessing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or similar disciplines may apply for direct admission to the PhD program if the applicants have demonstrated strong scholastic competence and great potential for conducting independent scholarly research. 
• Admission to the program is competitive. In general, students must exceed minimum requirements to gain admission. However, students who do not meet minimum requirements—but who otherwise show evidence of strong academic, professional, or research ability—may be accepted upon approval of the ECE Graduate Committee.
• Applicants to the PhD program must have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement.

Requirements

• GRE is recommended but not required.
• 1 letter of recommendation: from a person in the field of your academic major at the institution most recently attended or from a supervisor familiar with your recent job performance. BS/MS applicants are encouraged to include a recommendation from a department faculty member willing to advise their graduate research. Applicants will be required to provide the recommenders name and email address so we can contact the recommender for the letter of recommendation.
• International students should have a minimum English Proficiency score of TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.5, Duolingo 110 or the Pearsons PTE Academic 58.

Program deadlines

Electrical Engineering faculty

Explore more.

• Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Department
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
• UMassD Course Catalog

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Request info.

Discover why UMass Dartmouth is the right place to earn an advanced degree or certificate.

Application Deadlines

Fall: June 1 Spring: October 1 Summer: Not applicable

Liudong Xing , PhD

Professor Electrical & Computer Engineering Science & Engineering 213C

508-999-8883 mjvepoh/yjohAvnbtte/fev

Electrical Engineering - Ph.D.

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Degree Details

Department Information

The focus of the program is to prepare students for a variety of electrical engineering careers, including circuit design and signal processing, communications and signal processing, devices and electromagnetics, mechatronics, digital systems, power, robots, automation and controls.

Visit Program Website

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What do you want to do?

Find out about the research we do in electronic and electrical engineering.

• Electronic and Electrical Engineering Integrated PhD

Find a supervisor

Mode of study

4 years full-time

International   £23,615

UK   £4,786

Entry requirements

Research profile.

The electronic and electrical research draws on the disciplines of electrical power engineering, bio-nanotechnology, wireless technologies for blind navigation, biometrics, use of ultrasonic and electromagnetic acoustic guided wave, fundamentals of charge particle dynamics, measurement systems for pharmaceuticals, medical electronics, pattern recognition, image processing and evolutionary hardware, to improve the control and operations of industrial processes and to enrich the quality of life and services for the 21st century needs. We investigate the efficient conversion of thermal to electrical energy, Direct Current power networks in commercial buildings and homes, and innovations to reduce electrical energy demand. Our work is applied to many areas such as high energy particle physics, space science, energy, medical imaging, and remote instrumentation and control just to name a few.

Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.  

Learn more about research in this area.

You will benefit from this integrated PhD programme immensely if you want to:  

• receive a more much guided and hands-on supervision of your learning and research process, especially if you come from more traditional teaching cultures
• increase your chances for timely completion of your PhD programme in comparison to students taking traditional route PhD, cutting down the expenses associated with prolonged study
• access to tailored, highly specialist research training not available as part of the support provided to traditional route PhD students
• maximise your chances for a successful research analysis by applying practical assignments and training which are part of the integrated PhD directly to the research you do for your thesis     
• receive an official Postgraduate Diploma in Research in addition to your PhD award to certify the completion of skills training which may be required by employers in some countries if you wish to pursue an academic career 

You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour .

Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team .

You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.

While we welcome applications from student with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:

• AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• AI system for historical handwritten text recognition (HTR), supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Ambient Vibration-Based Calibration of Finite Element Models of Bridges, supervised by Michael Rustell
• Automatic computational fluid-dynamics, supervised by James Tyacke
• Autonomous Drone Surveys and Convolutional Neural Networks for Bridge Maintenance: A Predictive Approach Using Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
• Autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Bridging the Gap: Integrating Neural Radiance Fields and Micro-drones for Enhanced 3D Volumetric Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
• CFD modelling of plasma flow control, supervised by James Tyacke
• Deep learning-based autonomous diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract cancers, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Design and implementation of Explainable Trustworthy Artificial Intelligent System, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
• Developing a device for marine life and water quality monitoring, supervised by Gera Troisi
• Development of a miniature capsule robot for capsule endoscopy, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
• Development of an Optical Shape Sensing Method Using Optoelectronic Sensors for Soft Flexible Robotic Manipulators in Minimally Invasive Surgery, supervised by Yohan Noh
• Intelligent, Interpretable and Adaptive Design of Steel Structures using Deep Learning and NLP, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
• IoT techniques for disaster prediction and mitigation, supervised by Take Itagaki
• Large Language Modeling (LMM) for unstructured dialogues, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
• Metasurfaces for smart environments, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
• Optimising end to end delay in 5G and Beyond networks, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
• Pattern Reconfigurable Antennas for future wireless communication systems, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
• Precision control of Nano-fuel production, supervised by Yang Yang
• Radio frequency Orbital Angular Moment (OAM) wave generation, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
• Smart Homes: Intelligent Data Collection and Processing using Lynsyn, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
• Study of stray current induced corrosion in railway construction, supervised by Kangkang Tang
• Unlocking the hosting capacity of renewable energy in distribution power systems, supervised by Ahmed Zobaa
• Use of Large Language Models (LLM) as a Structural Engineering Design Assistant, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova

Research journey

The  Brunel Integrated PhD  combines PhD research with a programme of structured research, professional and subject training. The programme typically takes 4 years (compared to 3 years for a non-integrated PhD programme). On successful completion, you will be awarded a PhD with an Integrated Postgraduate Diploma in Research in your chosen subject specialisation.

The programme involves demonstrating through original research or other advanced scholarship the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice, the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the general of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline.

The programme of taught modules runs in parallel to your research work during the first three years of study, with the fourth year providing time for you to focus on writing up your PhD thesis. The taught modules cover research and professional skills as well as providing discipline-specific content. The Brunel Integrated PhD aims to support an individual’s development as a research professional. It aims to produce researchers who are well prepared to embark on careers as academics or professional researchers. As well as the skills to conduct and disseminate high-quality academic research, researchers will develop a range of broader (‘transferable’) skills to help ensure that their work has an impact in the wider world.

Find out more here. 

This course can be studied 4 years full-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 4 years full-time, starting in October.

Find out about what progress might look like at each stage of study here:  Research degree progress structure.

Research support

Excellent research support and training

The Graduate School provides a range of personal, professional and career development opportunities. This includes workshops, online training, coaching and events, to enable you to enhance your professional profile, refine your skills, and plan your next career steps as part of the Researcher Development Programme . The researcher development programme (RDP) offers workshops and seminars in a range of areas including progression, research management, research dissemination, and careers and personal development. You will also be offered a number of online, self-study courses on BBL, including Research Integrity, Research Skills Toolkit, Research Methods in Literature Review and Principles of Research Methods.

Library services

Brunel's Library is open 24 hours a day, has 400,000 books and 250,000 ebooks, and an annual budget of almost £2m. Subject information Specialists train students in the latest technology, digital literacy, and digital dissemination of scholarly outputs. As well as the physical resources available in the Library, we also provide access to a wealth of electronic resources. These include databases, journals and e-books. Access to these resources has been bought by the Library through subscription and is limited to current staff and students.

Dedicated research support staff provide guidance and training on open access, research data management, copyright and other research integrity issues.

Find out more: Brunel Library

Careers and your future

You will receive tailored careers support during your PhD and for up to three years after you complete your research at Brunel. We encourage you to actively engage in career planning and managing your personal development right from the start of your research, even (or perhaps especially) if you don't yet have a career path in mind. Our careers provision includes online information and advice, one-to-one consultations and a range of events and workshops. The Professional Development Centre runs a varied programme of careers events throughout the academic year. These include industry insight sessions, recruitment fairs, employer pop-ups and skills workshops.

In addition, where available, you may be able to undertake some paid work as we recognise that teaching and learning support duties represent an important professional and career development opportunity.

Find out more.

UK entry requirements

The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1). 

An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.

Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement  and a research statement. Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement  here .   

EU and International entry requirements

If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list . This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.

English language requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
• BrunELT : 63% (min 58% in all areas)
• TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all) 

You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our  English Language Requirements  page.

Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our  Brunel Language Centre .

Please check our Admissions  pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.

Fees and funding

2024/5 entry, international.

£23,615 full-time

£11,805 part-time

£4,786 full-time

£2,393 part-time

Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.

Some courses incur  additional course related costs . You can also check our  on-campus accommodation costs  for more information on living expenses.

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. Recently the UK Government made available the Doctoral Student Loans of up to £25,000 for UK and EU students and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Scholarships and bursaries

• Brunel Graduate Discount