Electronic Engineering PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships

PhD candidates in Electronic Engineering research the electronic components such as semiconductors, resistors and inductors, and the devices they power. Electronic systems are near-ubiquitous in in modern industry, and your research could help promote developments in a wide range of sectors including communications, computing, healthcare, energy and transport.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Electronic Engineering?

Working under the guidance of an expert supervisor or supervisory team, you’ll work towards completing a thesis that will make an original contribution to the field of Electronic Engineering. You will likely divide your time between lab-based research, supervision meetings and writing your thesis. Many universities also offer departmental training in areas such as research methodologies and presentation skills.

Possible research areas include:

• Nanoelectronics
• Electromagnetic fields
• Photonics
• Semiconductor electronics
• Antennas, radar and navigation
• Optical materials and devices

Your research may involve collaboration with academics from other departments, or with industrial partners. You also may have the opportunity to connect with the wider academic community through attending conferences and publishing papers.

Most PhDs in Electronic Engineering are pre-designed, but some universities may accept applications for self-proposed projects. If you are planning to design your own research proposal, it will need to align with the research priorities of the department and the expertise of your prospective supervisor.

PhD in Electronic Engineering entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for a PhD in Electrical Engineering is usually a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area such as Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or Material Science, although a Masters may sometimes be required. You may occasionally be able to gain entry onto an Electrical Engineering PhD with a lower-class degree if you have a Masters and/ or relevant work experience.

PhD in Electronic Engineering funding options

The main body funding Electronic Engineering PhDs in the UK is the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Most projects have funding attached, meaning that you’ll automatically be awarded tuition fee coverage, a living cost stipend, and a research grant if you are accepted onto the programme.

Some students may propose their own research topic or apply for a project without attached funding (though this is less common). It may be possible to self-fund your PhD by combining the UK government’s doctoral loan with additional sources of funding such as support from your university or from a charity or trust.

PhD in Electronic Engineering careers

Career opportunities in Electronic Engineering are wide-ranging. Expertise is in demand in cutting-edge industries including cybersecurity, blockchain and BitCoin, as well as the sectors that make day-to-day modern life possible such as transport, energy and manufacturing.

You may also choose to continue your academic career, for example by applying for a postdoc that eventually leads to a permanent research position.