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Information and Communication Systems PhD
Key information
Full-time - 4 years
Start dates
April 2021Part-time - 8 years
Start dates
April 2021Why choose this course
The University’s Institute for Communication Systems (ICS) is the UK’s largest academic research centre specialising in information and communications technology, with about 160 academics, researchers and PhD students. You’ll be taught by leading experts in the field, become part of our thriving postgraduate research community and gain excellent employment prospects.
We’re specialists in mobile and wireless technologies, including satellite communications, internet of things, cybersecurity, future network architectures and protocols. As home to the 5G & 6G Innovation Centre (5G/6GIC), we’re recognised as world leaders in end-to-end research and practical implementation for 5G and Beyond 5G mobile communications.
Our strong track record in research includes high quality publications, patents and world-class implementations. We’re heavily involved in collaborative research across the UK, Europe, Asia and the Americas, funded by governments and industry. Our PhD graduates are well known and gain good positions across industry and academia.
ShanghaiRanking’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) ranked our telecommunication engineering subjects as the 48th best in the world in 2020.
Frequently asked questions about doing a PhD
Read moreWhat you will study
It normally takes three to four years of full-time study to complete our PhD.
You’ll be assigned two supervisors, who’ll guide you through your studies. Your supervisors will give you direction and experience of the cutting-edge technologies in their areas of expertise. They’ll also give you the support you need to complete your PhD, from giving you guidance and feedback on your work to helping you frame your research proposal. Though you’ll primarily be in contact with your two supervisors, you’ll also work with other staff within ICS and you may have the opportunity to become a team member on particular research projects.
You’ll be required to write a confirmation report on your research, and be examined by two examiners. After that, you’ll submit a thesis in your third or fourth year, and complete a viva examination with both internal and external examiners.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Research themes
We research areas related to ICT, end-to-end mobile and satellite communications and networks, and their application to verticals such as connected vehicles and health, including:
- Intelligent and high-performance networking and service delivery
- New physical layer
- MAC, RRM and RAN management
- Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Communications
- Theory and Practice of Advanced Concepts in Wireless Communications
- 5G Security
- Antennas and Signal Processing
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the Institute for Communication Systems.
Schools and departments
Research areas
Research facilities
You’ll be allocated space in ICS, home to about 160 researchers. ICS is one of the world’s largest academic research centres dedicated to mobile and wireless communications, and you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as:
- Campus-wide 5G Testbed
- Antennas, Intelligent Surfaces and Propagation labs
- Networks Lab Testbed
- Link, System and Network level Models and tools
- Satellite Networking Testbed
- Wireless Network Testbed
- Internet of Things and Robotics Testbed.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).
View entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Fees
Start date: April 2021
Full-time
UK/EU £4,407
Overseas £22,000
Part-time
UK/EU £2,203.50
Overseas £11,000
Start date: July 2021
Full-time
UK/EU £4,407
Overseas £22,000
Part-time
UK/EU £2,203.50
Overseas £11,000
Start date: October 2021
Full-time
UK £4,500
Overseas £22,700
Part-time
UK £2,250
Overseas £11,400
Start date: January 2022
Full-time
UK/EU £4,500
Overseas £22,700
Part-time
UK/EU £2,250
Overseas £11,400
For fees payable in 2020/1, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Overseas students applying for 2021 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey. Find out more.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
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Course | Status |
---|---|
Information and Communication Systems PhD Full-time, April 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Sunday 31 January 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Full-time, July 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 6 May 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Full-time, October 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 22 July 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Full-time, January 2022 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 22 November 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Part-time, April 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Sunday 31 January 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Part-time, July 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 6 May 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Part-time, October 2021 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 22 July 2021 |
Information and Communication Systems PhD Part-time, January 2022 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 22 November 2021 |
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read more.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682 222
- Email: admissions@surrey.ac.uk
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH