Program Overview

PhD Programme

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of network engineering. The programme is structured to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of network engineering, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.

Objectives and Background

The objectives of the PhD Programme in Network Engineering are to provide students with a deep understanding of the principles and practices of network engineering, as well as the ability to design, develop, and evaluate network systems and protocols. The programme is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of network engineering, as well as the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest.

Programme Results

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering has a strong track record of producing graduates who are well-equipped to pursue careers in industry, academia, and research. In the period, 31 doctoral theses were defended in the doctoral programme in Network Engineering, an average of 6.2 per year. In the period, 32 theses were defended, an average of 6.4 per year. In the courses, 35 theses were defended, an average of 7 per course.

Statistics

The programme has a strong international orientation, with a high number of students and professors completing stays at renowned universities and research centres outside Spain. The programme's international orientation is reflected in the high number of students and professors who complete stays at renowned universities and research centres outside Spain, including Columbia University, UCLA, UCSB, and KTH.

Information on Doctoral Degree Holders

To gain an insight into the outcomes achieved, we have followed the careers of doctoral degree holders who have completed the programme since 1998. Most of the doctoral degree holders who completed the programme in the first years after it was established now work in the Department of Network Engineering itself. Their recruitment has fuelled tremendous growth in network engineering research and teaching at the UPC. After teaching at the UPC, some PhD graduates have taken up posts at other universities—including Pompeu Fabra University, the Technical University of Cartagena, and the University of the Balearic Islands—where they have helped establish or strengthen network engineering programmes, which have also experienced strong growth.

Employment of Holders of the Doctoral Degree

A significant number of PhD graduates have also joined Spanish research centres (such as the i2CAT Foundation and Barcelona Digital) and international research centres (NEC Laboratories Europe and NTT DOCOMO Euro-Labs). Some have also been hired by companies—INDRA, GTD, and Evaluates, among others—that recognize the value doctoral degree holders bring to their business.

• The employment situation of all degree holders is known.
• The "seeking employment" category corresponds to those who have completed their thesis and are currently looking for their first job.

Research Areas

The programme has a strong research focus, with students and professors working on a wide range of topics related to network engineering. The programme's research areas include:

• Network architecture and protocols
• Network performance and optimization
• Network security and privacy
• Wireless and mobile networks
• Networked systems and applications

Academic Committee and Doctoral Program Staff

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering is overseen by an academic committee and doctoral program staff who are responsible for ensuring the quality and integrity of the programme. The academic committee and doctoral program staff are composed of experienced researchers and educators who are experts in the field of network engineering.

Procedures

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering has a well-defined set of procedures for admission, progression, and completion. The procedures are designed to ensure that students are well-supported throughout their studies and that they are able to complete their degree in a timely and successful manner.

Regulations

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering is subject to a set of regulations that govern the programme's operation. The regulations are designed to ensure that the programme is delivered in a fair and transparent manner and that students are treated equally and without bias.

Financial Issues and Grants

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering offers a range of financial support options to help students fund their studies. The programme offers grants and scholarships to eligible students, as well as opportunities for students to work as research assistants or teaching assistants.

General Information and Quality Indicators

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering is committed to providing high-quality education and research training to its students. The programme has a range of quality indicators in place to ensure that it is meeting its objectives and that students are achieving their full potential. The quality indicators include:

• Student satisfaction surveys
• Graduate employment rates
• Research output and impact
• Internationalization and collaboration with other institutions

Industrial Doctorate and Cotutelle

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering offers opportunities for students to pursue an industrial doctorate or cotutelle. The industrial doctorate and cotutelle options allow students to work with industry partners or other institutions to complete their degree.

Theses Completed

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering has a strong track record of producing high-quality theses. The programme's theses are published in reputable academic journals and conferences, and are recognized for their contribution to the field of network engineering.

PostDoctoral Offer

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering offers postdoctoral research positions to eligible graduates. The postdoctoral research positions provide an opportunity for graduates to continue their research training and to develop their skills and expertise in a specific area of network engineering.

PhD Awards

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering offers a range of awards and prizes to recognize outstanding student achievement. The awards and prizes are designed to encourage and reward excellence in research and academic achievement.

Research Groups: Topics and Theses

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering has a range of research groups that work on specific topics and theses. The research groups are led by experienced researchers and provide an opportunity for students to work on cutting-edge research projects.

Surveys Results

The PhD Programme in Network Engineering conducts regular surveys to gather feedback from students and alumni. The survey results are used to inform programme development and to ensure that the programme is meeting its objectives.