PhD Advanced Technology Institute

The PhD Advanced Technology Institute at the University of Surrey is a doctoral research programme run through the Advanced Technology Institute (ATI). Students conduct original research in cutting-edge areas, including quantum information, nanotechnology, energy materials, microwave engineering, advanced materials, ion beams, sensors, photonics, and more. Research is highly multidisciplinary, often combining physics, engineering, materials science, computation and sometimes biology. Students work in ATI facilities, which include labs for fabrication, characterisation, simulation, clean rooms, and ion beam centres. The programme duration is full-time over 4 years, and part-time options are also available.

Research themes cover nanoelectronics, photonics and quantum sciences, ion beam science, theory and computation, flexible electronics, advanced energy materials, renewable energy systems, modelling and simulation, sensors and smart environments. Students typically propose their own PhD topic in consultation with supervisors or join existing ATI research group projects. Regular supervision by at least two academic staff members happens, and students undergo milestones such as confirmation reports after the first year and periodic progress reviews.

Learning is through independent research, seminars, lab work, workshops, collaborations, and possibly co-supervised projects with industry or external institutions. Students are assessed by the quality of their research output, regular progress reports, and a thesis submitted after research, followed by a viva voce examination. Some write their thesis in publication format if allowed.

The University of Surrey is based in Guildford in the county of Surrey, England, with its main campus called Stag Hill. Surrey offers modern research facilities, good supervision, and a strong Doctoral College programme that supports postgraduate researchers academically and professionally. Student life includes a campus full of societies, sports, good housing options, and opportunities for travel and collaboration. In relation to teaching and education, the university emphasises research-led learning.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants are expected to hold a first-class or upper-second-class (2:1) degree in a relevant discipline or a lower-second (2:2) degree plus a good UK master's degree – distinction is normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).

English Proficiency:

• International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency with an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 in all skill components.

The annual tuition fee to study the PhD Advanced Technology Institute course at the University of Surrey for international students is £27,200 per year. Students should expect a maximum of a 4% increase in tuition fees each year.

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and funding options for PhD students in ATI. Some funding comes through departmental or university-wide scholarships, while others come through specific research grants. International students may apply for doctoral scholarships sponsored by Surrey or external bodies. Often, applications need to indicate interest in these funding sources and meet required criteria such as academic merit, research proposal strength, and discipline relevance. Surrey also participates in external funding schemes.

Graduates of the PhD Advanced Technology Institute course from the University of Surrey can work as:

• Research Scientist
• Materials Scientist
• Quantum Computing Specialist
• Sensor System Designer or Developer
• Renewable Technology Researcher

Prospective students for the University of Surrey PhD Advanced Technology Institute can apply through the University of Surrey’s postgraduate research application system. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.