Program Overview

Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Overview

The School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS) aims to enhance the way we use technology in communication, data science, computing systems, cyber security, power electronics, intelligent control, and many related areas. You’ll be part of a dynamic doctoral research environment and will study alongside students from over 40 countries worldwide.

Subject Summary

You will have the opportunity to develop and refine appropriate research skills and learn how to carry out significant, high-quality, original research in your specified research area, as well as having the opportunity to work with some of the most passionate internationally recognised researchers in their field. Research areas include:

• Cyber Security
• Wireless Technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Systems
• Energy, Power and Intelligent Control
• Education and Society

Course Content

There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods. You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.

Research Information

Research within the School is organised into research themes combining strengths by working together on major projects, in many cases in collaboration with key technology companies. The research clusters combine strengths by working together on major projects, in many cases in collaboration with key technology companies.

Career Prospects

For further information on career opportunities at PhD level, please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

People Teaching You

Ms Elaine Cranston
Electronics, Elec Eng & Comp Sc
Email: elaine.cranston@qub.ac.uk

Course Structure

• There is no specific course content as such. You are expected to take research training modules that are supported by the School which focus on quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• You are also expected to carry out your research under the guidance of your supervisor.
• Over the course of study, you can attend postgraduate skills training organised by the Graduate School.
• You will normally register, in the first instance, as an ‘undifferentiated PhD student’ which means that you have satisfied staff that you are capable of undertaking a research degree.
• The decision as to whether you should undertake a MPhil is delayed until you have completed ‘differentiation’.
• Differentiation takes place about 8-9 months after registration for full-time students and about 16-18 months for part-time students: You are normally asked to submit work to a panel of up two academics and this is followed up with a formal meeting with the ‘Differentiation Panel’.
• The Panel then make a judgement about your capacity to continue with your study.
• To complete with a doctoral qualification, you will be required to submit a thesis of approx 80,000 words and you will be required to attend a viva voce [oral examination] with an external and internal examiner to defend your thesis.
• An MPhil programme runs for 2-3 years full-time or 4-6 years part-time.
• Students can apply for a writing up year should it be required.

Entrance Requirements

• The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
• Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

• For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component (*taken within the last 2 years) is required.
• International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research.
• Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £5,006
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £5,006
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £5,006
• EU Other £25,600
• International £25,600

Additional Course Costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
• All students:
  • Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
  • Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.
  • If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100.
  • Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
  • Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
  • There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines.
  • In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis.
  • There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Bench Fees

• Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee.
• Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work.
• If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter.
• If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage.
• Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

Funding and Scholarships

• PhD Opportunities
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• PhD loans
• International Scholarships
• The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

• Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
• If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.
• To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here.
• You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.