MPhil/PhD (Electronic Engineering)
The University offers Electronic Engineering research degrees at both Doctoral and Masters level and you may choose to study either full- or part-time.
Your postgraduate research project will be supervised by a team of experienced academic staff with relevant expertise in your research area.
Teaching
A PhD is an advanced supervised piece of individual research. There are no lectures, no modules and no coursework. You will be assessed by your original contribution to knowledge through the submission of a thesis and defence at viva.
Most full-time PhD programmes last for three to four years. Students are expected to submit a thesis within 12 months of the end of the programme (and preferably within the three year period).
Electrical engineering academics have an reputable track record in research, development, spin-offs, patents and innovations for the digital economy and life science fields.
Our research projects cover radiowave propagation, radio system planning and wireless channel characterisation for applications in future generation fixed and mobile communication networks.
You can find more about our electrical engineering research here.
Assessment
MPhil
For the MPhil, you will submit and defend via oral examination, a thesis of up to 60,000 words demonstrating critical investigation and analysis of a topic. You will also demonstrate an understanding of appropriate research methods and their application to your chosen field.
Where the submission involves your own creative works or a scholarly edition of the creative works of others the thesis word count will be reduced to no more than 25,000 words.
PhD
You will normally initially register for an MPhil/PhD and apply to transfer from MPhil to PhD at the end of your first year. At the end of your programme, you will submit for examination and defend a thesis (no more than 100,000 words) on your approved topic which must demonstrate an original contribution to knowledge.
Facilities
Our electrical and electronics labs have industry-standard tools and software. Staff are committed to exploring new ideas to improve existing systems, such as medical equipment, and mobile and satellite communications.
The optoelectronics and RF facilities are composed of two optoelectronics laboratories and two RF equipped with £1million worth of experimental equipments and modelling facilities.
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
Applicants will normally hold one of the following:
- A UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent)
- A UK Masters qualification in a relevant subject (or equivalent)
- Appropriate, relevant qualifications/experience regarded by the University as equivalent
For direct registration for the award of PhD (without the need to 'transfer'), applicants will additionally hold one of the following:
- A relevant UK Masters degree (or equivalent) with a significant research component in the same discipline area as the proposed research which included training in research and execution of a research project
- Significant research and / or professional experience which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment
International students will also require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, including a minimum of 5.5 in reading and writing.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
August 2025 - July 2026 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Part-time UK: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
The first step is to register with our online service and apply directly.
The following documents must be uploaded as supporting documents:
- A single research proposal of approximately 2,000 words is required unless you are applying for a funded studentship which has a specified project. (Only one research proposal is permitted.)
- Two references on headed paper. At least one referee should be able to comment on your academic/professional ability. References provided by relatives are not acceptable.
- Applications that do not include references and / or a research proposal will be rejected as will applications that include multiple research proposals.
- Applicants from countries where English is not the first language are required to provide evidence of the required English Language proficiency e.g. IELTS or TOEFL certificates which must be uploaded as supporting documents.
- Evidence of qualifications e.g. degree certificates and transcripts must be submitted at the time of application.
- If you are applying for a PhD direct and you hold a relevant Masters degree you should submit a research proposal of the title and content e.g. an abstract of your Masters degree and one of your referees should be an independent academic referee who can comment on your performance on the Masters degree.
Please ensure you apply in time for your chosen entry month:
- October admissions: Closing date for applications — 1st May, notification of decision — 1st July.
- January admissions: Closing date for applications — 1st October, notification of decision — 1st December.
- April admissions: Closing date for applications — 1st January, notification of decision — 1st March.
You will also have an interview. The interview is a key part of your PhD application, and your chance to meet your prospective PhD supervisors, discuss your research proposal and show what you can bring to the team.
You can find more information on our Graduate School website.
Graduate Stories
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.