MPhil, PhD, EngD & Industrial Doctorate Electronic & electrical engineering

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Research opportunities

We offer MPhil, PhD, Engineering Doctorate (EngD) and Industrial Doctorate postgraduate degree programmes. All of these pathways lie within our Doctoral Programme, which is aligned to the key research areas of our two broad-based research Institutes:

 

Detail of High voltage power transformer in substation

View our current research opportunities



High Power Density Converter Topologies for Pulsed Power Applications

This project will contribute to a major Ministry of Defence (MOD) research programme intended to develop generation-after-next technologies for applications in defence and security, and will be co-funded and supported by Ultra Maritime. The project will see the successful applicant explore advanced converter topologies that can handle high peak power levels and maintain efficiency while delivering short-duration pulses. Invaluable expertise in the fast-moving domains of power electronics, power

Deadline:

31 December 2024

Funding:

funded

Gas-Filled Plasma Closing Switches for the Next Generation of Pulsed Power Without SF6

The High Voltage Technologies Research Group of the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, is offering an exciting opportunity to join the HVT Group as a PhD student and to undertake a PhD research project in the field of high voltage pulsed power engineering. This fully-funded iCASE 4-year PhD programme will be conducted in collaboration with First Light Fusion, a leading inertial fusion company.

Deadline:

31 December 2024

Funding:

funded

Neuromorphic RF sensing and processing

Neuromorphic (NM) technologies provides an attractive alternative to conventional computing architectures due to their low latency, efficiency, low computational cost and power requirements. While its use in the optical sensing domain has already attracted some interest, the use of this technology in the RF sensing domain has not been investigated yet. This project will investigate both hardware and software solutions to apply the neuromorphic paradigm in RF sensing.

Deadline:

Funding:

funded

In-process Material Evaluation of Welding & Additive Manufacturing

This project aligns directly with one key deliverable in the 5-year plan “Towards Industry ‎‎4.0: In-process ‎Repair of Welding and Wire Additive Manufacturing‎” associated with ‎the Strathclyde Chancellor’s ‎Fellowship for the ‎primary supervisor (Dr Javadi). The core of this ambitious plan is fully automated Non-‎Destructive Evaluation in robotic welding and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.

Deadline:

Funding:

funded

EngD with an enhanced stipend of £22,109 per year - Cokebusters/FIND CDT - Next Generation Smartpigs

A 4-year EngD funded by Cokebusters and the FIND CDT. It will focus on the development of technologies for next generations smartpigs. Based at Cokebusters facility near Chester and at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. The FIND CDT offers a competitive stipend of £22,109 per year which is not taxed. Cokebusters is a rapid growth SME (currently around 100 staff) with offices in the UK and USA. Cokebusters services an international market.

Deadline:

Funding:

funded



Advancing Multi-Agent Approaches to Intelligent Smart Grid Control

The University of Strathclyde’s Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering is offering a three-year fully funded PhD in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Smart Grids. This is based within the Intelligent Systems Team and will investigate distributed intelligence and the application of state-of-the-art Multi Agent System and related AI techniques to the control of distributed energy systems and smart grids.

Deadline:

Funding:

funded

Dry-coupled ultrasonic inspection of CFRP aerospace structures

The project focuses on two areas applied to dry-coupled ultrasonic inspection of CFRP composite materials employed in the aerospace sector: studying the properties and acoustics of new polymer materials that allow for a couplant free efficient transmission of acoustic energy into CFRP materials, thus removing the traditional requirement for a liquid couplant; the application of advanced signal processing techniques to enhance the signal to noise ratio of ultrasonic inspection.

Deadline:

30 June 2025

Funding:

funded

Gyrinid inspired propulsion for underwater vehicles

The project will examine micropatterned hull and impeller surfaces inspired by the body of the whirligig beetle (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae). The pitted structure of the insect body changes the flow pattern on the surface increasing the size of the boundary layer during motion, effectively delaying the onset of turbulent flow and decreasing drag. This proposal is based on our developing ability to replicate this hierarchical material structure using digital light processing and photopolymers.

Deadline:

Funding:

funded






John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS)

John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) doctoral studentships are available annually for excellent students and excellent research projects.

There are two main sources of funding:

  • Central University funding
  • Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - Doctoral Landscape Award (EPSRC - DLA) funding.

The JARSS 2025/26 competition will open in October 2024 and students successful in this competition will commence studies in October 2025. Faculties will set their own internal deadlines for the competition.

Academics/Supervisors make the applications for this scheme and there are various deadlines across Departments and Faculties, therefore, in the first instance, all interested students should contact the Department where they would like to carry out their research.

Deadline:

Funding:

Funded

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

Our Doctoral Programme

MPhil & PhD

You can apply for our one year MPhil or three year PhD programmes at any point during the year. We welcome speculative research proposals or you can select from our list of defined PGR projects offered by our Institutes.

All PhD students will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development programme (PgCert RPD).

This certificate is designed to support you with your research and rewards you for things you'll do as a research student here. It'll help you improve skills which are important to professional development and employability:

  • the knowledge and intellectual abilities to conduct your research
  • the personal qualities to succeed in your research and chosen career
  • the standards, requirements and conduct of a professional researcher in your discipline
  • working with others and communicating the impact of your research to a wide range of audiences

All you have to do is plan these activities alongside your PhD, documenting and reflecting your journey to success along the way.

EngD

We offer EngD programmes in two research areas:

  • Optics and Photonics Technologies
  • Non-Destructive Evaluation

These are delivered in partnership with a number of other reputable UK universities, so do not worry if you are directed to another university website to submit your application. You can apply for these all year round. EngD students are not required to enrol on the PgCert RPD.

Industrial Doctorate

An Industrial Doctorate offers those currently in work, the opportunity to gain a PhD through undertaking a three-year industrial-focused research project with their employer. Your project focuses on issues relevant to the company, enabling it to gain valuable knowledge, supporting its growth and development.

Email carol.brady@strath.ac.uk for further information. Industrial Doctorate students are not required to enrol on the PgCert RPD.

Our students

Jiajun Ma

The program I enrolled in was perfectly aligned with my career goals, providing both the theoretical foundation and the practical skills necessary for the field. The coursework and research projects were directly relevant to the challenges and opportunities in my industry, ensuring that I was well-equipped to handle professional tasks and decision-making processes.

Jiawei Zhao

The knowledge and skills I’ve gained from my PhD study have ensured that I now have a very strong background in the industry, which qualifies me to step into the work environment. It has encouraged me to think in an original way which has been critical for problem solving and analysis.

Minjiang’s journey from Strathclyde to SP Energy Networks

Minjiang joined our Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering from China through one of our articulation programmes, before continuing his studies with a PhD. Minjiang now works for SP Energy Networks, and discusses his journey to where he is today.

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.

Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£4,786

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£4,786

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£28,250

Funding

Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information.

You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities.

Postgraduate research opportunities

Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities.

Additional costs

Full-time students will have access to a phone, networked printing facility and a photocopier. Students are given an annual limit of £100 worth of credit on the 1 October each year. This re-sets at the start of each academic year. Additional credit can be purchased through the online shop.

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

Our research

We're one of the leading departments of our kind, internationally recognised for our research excellence, industry engagement and first-class teaching programmes.

All our activities are driven by two broad-based research institutes, supported by 60 academic staff and more than 220 researchers. The Institutes’ expertise spans power and energy, telecommunications, signals, ultrasonics, microsystems, photonics and control systems.

Find out more about our research

Pylons in the sunset

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Supervisors

Research supervisors are assigned to you by the department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering.

We ask you to highlight a potential supervisor in your application, but the department will team you up with the best supervisor for your project.

Once we've received your application, your research proposal is passed to potential supervisors for consideration. If it's not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they are unable to supervise, it's passed along to another for consideration. If they can supervise you, they’ll confirm and nominate a potential second supervisor.

As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.

When you accept our offer of study, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you'll have provided.

Postgraduate research at the Strathclyde Doctoral School

The Strathclyde Doctoral School offers a vibrant, student-centred research and training environment, dedicated to supporting both current and future research talent.

Bringing together all four of our faculties, it is committed to enhancing the student experience, increasing research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring that training is delivered at the highest standard.

As a postgraduate researcher, you will automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.

Find out more about the Doctoral School

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Support & development

Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD)

As part of your PhD, you will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).

This certificate is designed to enhance your research experience and recognize the skills and activities you develop as a research student.

It will help you build essential skills for both professional development and employability, including:

  • Knowledge and intellectual abilities to conduct your research
  • Personal qualities that will enable you to succeed in your research and future career
  • Understanding the standards, requirements, and conduct expected of a professional researcher in your field
  • The ability to collaborate effectively and communicate the impact of your research to diverse audiences

You will plan these activities alongside your doctoral studies, documenting and reflecting on your journey to success along the way.

Find out more about the PgCert RPD programme.

Careers

The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.

Student support

From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Apply

Entry requirements

You'll need a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, in a relevant engineering, physical sciences or technology-based discipline from a recognised academic institution.

If English isn't your first language, you'll also need to have a recent UKVI recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualification.

The application

During the application you'll be asked for the following:

  • your full contact details
  • transcripts and certificates of all degrees
  • proof of English language proficiency if English isn't your first language
  • two references, one of which must be academic
  • funding or scholarship information
  • research proposal of 250-1,000 words in length, detailing the subject area and topic to be investigated

By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.

Accepting an offer

Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.

UK or EU students

If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.

International students

An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement for some postgraduate students in science, engineering and technology.

Find out if you need an ATAS certificate.

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

full-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

part-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2024 - Sep 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Engineering

MRes
part-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

part-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026

Start date: Sep 2025

Engineering

MRes
full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Start date: Sep 2026

Engineering

MRes
full-time
Start date: Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

part-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Start date: Sep 2026

Engineering

MRes
part-time
Start date: Sep 2026

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

Electronic and Electrical Engineering

MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027

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Contact us

Elaine Black

Telephone: +44 (0)141 548 2170

Email: elaine.black@strath.ac.uk

Royal College Building, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW