Information and Communication Systems PhD

Why 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.

What 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 will guide you through your PhD. 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 the Institute for Communications Systems, and 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 themes

We research areas related to IT, mobile and satellite communications and networks, including:

• 5G network and technologies
• Air interface
• Cognitive networks and future internet
• Cognitive radio
• Radio access system optimisation
• Security
• Knowledge and data engineering
• Satellite communication systems and networks.