PhD Information and Communication Systems
Course overview
The PhD in Information and Communication Systems at the University of Surrey gives you the chance to explore advanced topics in communications technology through independent research. You will work with leading academics in areas such as 5G and 6G, satellite and mobile networks, wireless communication, AI networking, connected transport, and more.
The PhD in Information and Communication Systems at the University of Surrey usually takes three to four years of full-time study. You will be supported by two supervisors, who will help guide your research from the beginning to the end. They will assist you with your research topic, give feedback on your work, and support you as you write your thesis.
In your first year, you will write a report about your research progress. Two examiners will assess this report. At the end of your PhD, you will submit your final written thesis and take part in a viva examination, which is a discussion about your research with at least two examiners. Studying this PhD at the University of Surrey will give you the skills and knowledge needed for work in research, industry, or teaching at the university level.
Entry requirements
Applicants will be required to attend interviews and provide suitable references.
Grade Requirements:
- Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification).
- A lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK master's degree with distinction (or equivalent overseas qualification) is also accepted.
English Proficiency:
International students whose first language is not English are required to have an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with at least 6.0 in each of the four components.
Scholarships
Discounts for Surrey Graduates
As graduate of Surrey you may be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on our taught masters programme fees.
Up to 20% of feesEarly Payment Discount
The discount is awarded as a £2,000 fee waiver for eligible students in the first year of their studies.
Up to £2,000ICAEW Foundation Bursary
The ICAEW Foundation Bursary will be given as a one-off payment of £5,000 for one year of postgraduate study.
Up to £5,000International Alumni Discount for Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS
The discount of 20% only applies to the first year of the Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS programme.
Up to 20% of feesInternational Excellence Award (Postgraduate)
This prestigious £5,000 award recognises academic excellence and is awarded to selected students starting a masters degree at Surrey.
Up to £5,000International Excellence Award (Undergraduate)
The scholarship is awarded as a £5,000 fee waiver.
Up to £5,000ISTAT Foundation Scholarship Program
Contributing to the development of future aviation professionals by providing funds and avenues for students with a keen interest in commercial aviation.
Surrey MBA AI Pathfinders Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Eastern Europe Bridge Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Employer Partnership Scholarship
This scholarship allows the Surrey MBA to match employer contributions towards the tuition fee up to 40%.
Surrey MBA Enterprise Trailblazer Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Service Stewardship Scholarship
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10–50% of tuition fees, depending on the applicant’s profile and interview performance.
Surrey MBA Women in Leadership
This is a partial scholarship that covers 10 – 50% of the tuition fee.
The Professor GQ Max Lu Global Scholarship
The total value of the award is £30,000 (£10,000 x 3 years).
Up to £30,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the PhD in Information and Communication Systems at the University of Surrey are well-qualified for employment in the following roles:
- Professor/Lecturer
- Research Scientist
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Data Scientist
Cost of study
For the 2025/2026 academic session, the tuition fee for the PhD in Information and Communication Systems at the University of Surrey is £27,200. Kindly note that fees will increase by 4% for each year of study.
Admission
To study this course, you have to apply through the online platform provided by the university. If you have any enquiries about this process, do not hesitate to reach out to our counsellors at AHZ.
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