Research profile
PhD in Computer Systems Engineering expands to different research areas such as audio and video networking, multimedia architectures and applications, data communications and networking, computer engineering, video, image processing and computer vision. Our cross-disciplinary research projects draw on the expertise of our electronic engineers, computer engineers, mathematicians, and physicists.
The department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering supports extensive networked computer facilities and software, as well as a wide range of computational platforms. Our research covers a range of topics, such as the theory of computation, computational intelligence and computer games, to artificial intelligence and robotics, with most of our research groups based around laboratories offering world-class facilities. Our research groups, namely Electronics Systems Research, Sensors and Measurement, Power Systems, Wireless and Computer Communication, supports different research topics and projects. The Department enjoys an international reputation for its work and prides itself in allowing students the freedom to realise their maximum potential.
Find out about the exciting research we do in this area. Browse profiles of our experts, discover the research groups and their inspirational research activities you too could be part of. We’ve also made available extensive reading materials published by our academics and PhD students.
Learn more about research in this area.
Browse the work of subject-relevant research groups
Find a supervisor
Our researchers create knowledge and advance understanding, and equip versatile doctoral researchers with the confidence to apply what they have learnt for the benefit of society. Find out more about working with the Supervisory Team.
You are welcome to approach your potential supervisor directly to discuss your research interests. Search for expert supervisors for your chosen field of research.
While we welcome applications from students with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:
PhD topics
While we welcome applications from students with a clear direction for their research, we are providing you with some ideas for your chosen field of research:
- AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
- AI system for historical handwritten text recognition (HTR), supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
- Ambient Vibration-Based Calibration of Finite Element Models of Bridges, supervised by Michael Rustell
- Automatic computational fluid-dynamics, supervised by James Tyacke
- Autonomous Drone Surveys and Convolutional Neural Networks for Bridge Maintenance: A Predictive Approach Using Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
- Autonomous robots for non-disruptive inspection of utility and sewage systems, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
- Bridging the Gap: Integrating Neural Radiance Fields and Micro-drones for Enhanced 3D Volumetric Finite Element Analysis, supervised by Michael Rustell
- CFD modelling of plasma flow control, supervised by James Tyacke
- Deep learning-based autonomous diagnosis of gastrointestinal tract cancers, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
- Design and implementation of Explainable Trustworthy Artificial Intelligent System, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
- Developing a device for marine life and water quality monitoring, supervised by Gera Troisi
- Development of a miniature capsule robot for capsule endoscopy, supervised by Md Nazmul Huda
- Development of an Optical Shape Sensing Method Using Optoelectronic Sensors for Soft Flexible Robotic Manipulators in Minimally Invasive Surgery, supervised by Yohan Noh
- Intelligent, Interpretable and Adaptive Design of Steel Structures using Deep Learning and NLP, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
- IoT techniques for disaster prediction and mitigation, supervised by Take Itagaki
- Large Language Modeling (LMM) for unstructured dialogues, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
- Metasurfaces for smart environments, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
- Optimising end to end delay in 5G and Beyond networks, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
- Pattern Reconfigurable Antennas for future wireless communication systems, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
- Precision control of Nano-fuel production, supervised by Yang Yang
- Radio frequency Orbital Angular Moment (OAM) wave generation, supervised by Nila Nilavalan
- Smart Homes: Intelligent Data Collection and Processing using Lynsyn, supervised by Tatiana Kalganova
- Study of stray current induced corrosion in railway construction, supervised by Kangkang Tang
- Unlocking the hosting capacity of renewable energy in distribution power systems, supervised by Ahmed Zobaa
- Use of Large Language Models (LLM) as a Structural Engineering Design Assistant, supervised by Michael Rustell and Tatiana Kalganova
Research journey
This course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in January. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in October. Or this course can be studied 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, starting in April.
Research support
UK entry requirements
The general University entrance requirement for registration for a research degree is normally a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (1st or 2:1).
An interview will be required as part of the admissions process and will be conducted by at least two academic staff members remotely via MS Teams, Zoom, or face to face.
Applicants will be required to submit a personal statement and a research statement.
Please contact your proposed supervisor, where possible, to receive feedback and guidance on your research statement before submitting it. Learn how to prepare a research statement here.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
Fees and funding
2024/5 entry
International
£23,615 full-time
£11,805 part-time
UK
£4,786 full-time
£2,393 part-time
