Electronic and Electrical Engineering MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

Based in UCL's vibrant doctoral community, this research degree is your opportunity to develop advanced research skills through hands-on projects working alongside leading researchers and industry experts. Graduates emerge well-equipped for high-demand careers in industry and academic research.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£6,215
£3,105
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£33,000
£16,500
Duration
3 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
October 2025
February 2026
May 2026
Applications accepted
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least three months prior to your preferred start date.

Entry requirements

A UK Master’s degree, or a minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. The qualification may be in any relevant subject, e.g. electronic engineering, communication engineering, computer science, chemistry, materials science (the latter two for electronic materials research).

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

If you are intending to apply for a time-limited visa to complete your UCL studies (e.g., Student visa, Skilled worker visa, PBS dependant visa etc.) you may be required to obtain ATAS clearance. This will be confirmed to you if you obtain an offer of a place. Please note that ATAS processing times can take up to six months, so we recommend you consider these timelines when submitting your application to UCL.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Electronic and electrical engineering drives technological innovation across numerous industries. This doctoral programme is for you, if you are passionate about advancing your expertise in a dynamic, fast-evolving field.

As a part of our vibrant doctoral community, you'll explore a diverse range of advanced topics from control systems, machine learning and nanotechnology to communications systems and large-scale networks. 

You’ll work alongside leading researchers and industry experts, gaining the advanced research skills needed to address complex challenges in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, and robotics.

Our strong industry connections and world-class research environment will equip you with the tools to make significant contributions to the field and prepare you for high-demand careers in both academia and industry.

Who this course is for

This programme is ideal for you, if you have a strong academic background in electronic and electrical engineering or a related field, who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of technological innovation. 

It is well-suited for those aspiring to pursue a career in advanced research, whether in academia or industry, and who are eager to develop specialised knowledge in areas such as nanotechnology, communications systems, or novel materials. 

The programme offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects while working alongside a community of world-class experts. It is designed for those aiming to become leaders in shaping the future of electronic and electrical engineering and for those preparing themselves for research careers or high-level industry positions.

What this course will give you

This programme offers you the following benefits and opportunities:

  • A PhD from a top-ranked university. UCL is consistently ranked among the best universities globally (ranked 9th in the latest QS World University Rankings 2025), providing you with a prestigious qualification that is highly regarded by employers worldwide. 
  • Benefit from cutting-edge resources, including the state-of-the-art London Centre for Nanotechnology (LCN) and advanced in-house design and test facilities for radio frequency, radar, communications, optical networks, materials, and photonics.
  • Learn from world-renowned academics and gain comprehensive training through a research-focused curriculum that emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
  • Develop sophisticated research skills and a deep understanding of advanced topics, preparing you for high-demand careers in industry or academia.
  • Join a vibrant doctoral community from around the world with extensive industry connections and opportunities to collaborate with leading researchers and experts in the field.
  • Study in the world's best city for university students (QS Best Student Cities 2024). UCL’s Bloomsbury campus is in the heart of a London district famous for its cultural and educational institutions.

The foundation of your career

This programme prepares you for a range of career paths that will allow you to excel in both academia and industry. The programme’s extensive network positions alumni for impactful careers and leadership roles. 

In industry, graduates have secured roles at leading companies such as Cisco Meraki, Nokia-Siemens, and Microsoft, with some advancing to Directorships or transitioning into management consultancy and entrepreneurship.

In academia, alumni hold positions at prestigious institutions like the University of Liverpool and UCL, with many earning distinguished fellowships such as Royal Academy of Engineering and Leverhulme Trust Awards.

UCL is where I learned my core research skills, which I continue using to this day!

Headshot of aluma Kasia Balakier

Dr Kasia Balakier

Research Degree: Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Employability

Our graduates are highly sought after in both industry and academia.

The programme equips graduates with the skills and attributes needed for influential roles across various sectors, ensuring they are well-prepared for high-demand career paths and leadership positions.

Networking

You’ll have numerous opportunities to connect, collaborate, and build professional contacts throughout your programme:

  • Leverage UCL’s London locations including central London and UCL East, and extensive industry connections for unique opportunities such as site visits and placements.
  • Participate in research projects supervised by industry experts and take advantage of sponsored studentships and public engagement activities.
  • Attend events like the highly regarded EEE Festival of Research, which celebrate industry collaborations and facilitate networking between students, researchers, and professionals.
  • Connect with institutions and organisations worldwide through our international collaborations and Knowledge Transfer programmes.

Teaching and learning

You’ll carry out an independent research project under the supervision of an academic, normally within a research group. You’ll have regular meetings with your primary supervisor, contact with your secondary supervisor, and participate in group meetings.

Students initially register for an MPhil degree and transfer to the PhD programme after a year, pending success in a transfer/upgrade examination. For a successful upgrade to PhD, students must prepare a written report, give an oral presentation and pass an oral examination.

The final examination for a PhD degree is by the presentation of a thesis, which is assessed by both an external examiner (someone from outside UCL) and an internal examiner (from within UCL). The thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to pursue original research based upon a good understanding of the research techniques and concepts appropriate to the discipline.

The MPhil/PhD programme is centred on self-directed study under the guidance of academic supervision.

While full-time students typically commit approximately 35-40 hours per week, the nature of research often demands flexibility and can require additional time, depending on the project's scope and individual progress. Part-time study expectations are adjusted accordingly (pro rata).

Students will have regular monthly meetings with their Primary Supervisor and frequent consultations with a Subsidiary Supervisor.

Those with external funding should also adhere to their funder’s Terms and Conditions.

Research areas and structure

UCL Electronic and Electric Engineering boasts a dynamic research environment, spearheaded by dedicated academic and research staff working together with over 100 PhD students. Our research aims not only to advance the frontiers of knowledge but also to positively impact society and shape the future of our discipline for generations to come. Research in our Department falls primarily into the following domain areas:

  • Communications and Information Systems: telecommunication networks and services; wireless communications; IP networks; sensor networks; information security and retrieval.
  • Electronic Materials and Devices: optical materials and electronic devices; quantum nano-electronics; diamond electronics; laser processing; resistive switching.
  • Optical Networks: optoelectronic devices and systems; large scale optical networks; dense WDM optically routed networks; optical packet networks; high speed optical systems.
  • Photonics: connected electronic and photonic systems; ultrafast photonic devices; wireless over fibre devices and systems; photonic generation of THz signals; advanced liquid crystal devices; uncooled and coherent wavelength division multiplex technology
  • Sensors, Systems, and Circuits: radar and sonar; antennas and EM modelling; medical electronics; RFID systems; IC design.

Visit UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering’s research website for more.

Research environment

This department offers an exceptionally vibrant and innovative research environment for students. 

We collaborate widely, both with other departments in UCL, and with leading research groups and industrial partners around the world. This generates a highly stimulating environment that has led to brilliant careers for most of our graduating students.

The length of an MPhil/PhD in this department is normally 3 years full time. 

Full-time research degree students are required to register for an MPhil degree for not less than 9 months after initial registration. 

They must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree no later than 12 months after initial registration. A full-time student must be registered for at least 2 calendar years before they will be allowed to submit their PhD thesis for examination.
 

The length of an MPhil/PhD in this department is normally 5 years part time.

Part-time research students in this department are required to register for an MPhil degree for a minimum of 15 months after initial registration. 

They must then fulfil academic requirements to upgrade to PhD degree no later than 22 months after initial registration. A part-time student must be registered for at least 3 calendar years before they will be allowed to submit their PhD thesis for examination.
 

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Two students working at desk opposite each other in room filled with computer equipment and wires

UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering’s facilities feature a variety of test equipment, including soldering stations, microscopes, and reflow ovens. Workstations offer test software, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, and digital multimeters. We provide 3D printers and a benchtop laser cutter for rapid prototyping of mechatronic designs. Our PCB Facility, staffed by experts, produces PCBs like RF, multilayer, and flexible circuits, using CNC machines, electroplating, laser ablation, and etching equipment. The department includes a computer lab and CPU/GPU servers. Research labs feature cleanrooms, nanoscale labs, quantum measurement labs, an anechoic chamber, and photonic and optical communication labs, supporting final-year projects and advanced research.


Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £6,215 £3,105
Tuition fees (2025/26) £33,000 £16,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

There are no programme-specific costs.

As each PhD research project is unique in nature, additional costs related to consumables, equipment, materials, attending and presenting at conferences, poster printing, etc. will vary. Prospective students are advised to contact the project supervisor for more information on additional costs for specific research projects.

A student conference and travel fund is available to students within the department to help with costs associated with attending and presenting at conferences. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

A number of competitive EPSRC funded studentships are available each year for UK and EU students who meet residency requirements.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Next steps

Deadlines and start dates may be dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation. In most cases you should identify and contact potential supervisors before making your application. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.