Bangor University

PhD Optical Communications

Bangor University

Course overview

This PhD in Optical Communications at Bangor University is a three-year, full-time PhD. It is designed for creating new research and making important academic contributions. Students' research will align with the school’s expert areas: advanced optical networks (including core network systems), optical networking, and signal processing. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to deepen their foundational knowledge in telecommunications and related sciences.

Completing a PhD in Optical Communications from Bangor University implies being thoroughly grounded in self-managed research and writing a substantial thesis or dissertation. The programme ensures students have complete academic, personal, and career support whenever they need it. The only way to be assessed is by submitting the final thesis and discussing and defending their research during an oral examination (called the viva voce).

Entry requirements

Candidates are required to submit an online application with comprehensive documentation. This should include a personal statement outlining the reasons for applying and relevant academic or professional background. Applicants must also provide a relevant academic and/or employer reference to support their suitability for the programme. Students have the option to include their CV along with their applications to demonstrate any past work experience, and a research proposal is mandatory if applying without an advertised studentship.

Grade Requirements:

  • Applicants need to hold a first- or second-class honours degree (2:1 or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or engineering field, such as electronic engineering or physics.

  • Alternatively, a different degree qualification may be acceptable if the student possesses enough relevant experience in a related professional or academic setting.

English Proficiency:

Applicants from countries where English is not the primary language must demonstrate proficiency. The standard requirement is a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with no element scoring below 5.5.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Scholarship

    £1,000 in addition to any other international scholarship awarded by Bangor University, UK (excluding the Vice-Chancellor scholarship), awarded for each year of study.

    Up to £1,000

  • Deans Scholarship

    Undergraduate: £6,000 (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

    Up to £6,000

  • Deans Scholarship - Postgraduate Research

    20% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Heads of School Scholarship

    10% reduction in the published Postgraduate Research tuition fee for each year of study.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • Inclusive Bangor Scholarships

    Payment towards tuition fees for one-year taught or research postgraduate Masters (or for two years if studying part-time). This will be capped at £9,500.

  • International Scholarships

    Undergraduate: £4,000 minimum (per year of study); Postgraduate: £6,000.

  • Refugee Scholarship

  • Start-Up Bursaries

    Start Up Bursaries of £1,000 are available to those students (aged under 25) entering the University from care.

    Up to £1,000

  • Vice-Chancellor Postgraduate Research Scholarships

    50% discount on the published International Tuition Fee for each year of study.

    Up to 50% of fees

  • Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

    Undergraduate & Postgraduate Taught - £10,000

    Up to £10,000

Career opportunities

Major career paths include:

  • Optical Systems Researcher

  • Telecommunications Engineer

  • Fibre Optics Specialist

  • Data Centre Network Architect

  • University Academic

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee for the PhD in Optical Communications at Bangor University is £21,000 for international students. Fees are subject to annual increases.

Admission

Applicants are strongly advised to contact a potential supervisor and develop a detailed research proposal before submitting their application to the university. We highly recommend that all applicants contact AHZ's trained counsellors for assistance with their application process.

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