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Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time

Apply now

Study a PhD in a department dedicated to exploring the latest research from advanced sensors and bio-technologies to power, and radio and acoustic waves.

Find out more about our research

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 2 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 4 years.

You will start this programme in October.

You may also start mid-year, subject to agreement with your supervisor and the Doctoral College.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Candidature
  4. Confirmation
  5. Research
  6. Writing up
  7. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  8. Submission for examination
  9. Examination (Viva Voce)
  10. Examiners report
  11. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  12. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team

Research content

You’ll join the Department as a member of the research centre that best fits your broad research interest and as agreed on acceptance.

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our MyDoctoralDevelopment workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment

Assessment methods

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce

Assessment description

We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

First or good second class honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

English Language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet the minimum English language requirements before you can start your course.

You’ll need to provide us with a valid result in an approved English language test, for example:

  • Duolingo (taken on or after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Speaking 110, Writing 110, Reading 110, Listening 105
  • Duolingo (taken on or before 30 June 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
  • Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken before 21 January 2026): 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken after 20 January 2026): 4.5 overall with no less than 4.0 in any component

See the required scores for all the English language tests we accept.

You must have taken your English language qualification within 24 months of your course start date.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you might be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

You don't normally need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency if:

  • you're a UK national
  • you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, as recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and you’ve lived and been educated in that country for a significant period
  • you graduated from a degree taught in English during the last two years

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

How to pay

Funding options

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

Applicant profile

You'll be welcomed into the Department as a junior academic colleague rather than a student. We expect you to play a full and professional role in contributing to the Department’s objective of international academic excellence.

We are open to a wide range of ideas and want to hear where you’d like to focus your research. Our academics are especially interested to hear how your research could build on their existing work or about a new topic in their current subject areas.

Your application should include:

  • a cover letter stating your reasons for applying
  • proof that you have met the entry requirements
  • a full CV
  • a brief research proposal for your PhD

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

Selection process

You'll be interviewed by two academics from the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering.

Immigration requirements

This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries

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