PhD Information and Communication Systems

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.

The University of Surrey is a well-known public university located in Guildford, Surrey, in the south-east of England. It was first set up in 1843 as a School of Design and officially became a university in 1992.

The university is home to the Surrey Research Park, where around 175 companies are based and about 4,500 people work. This helps the local area grow, especially in technology and business.

The University of Surrey offers students a friendly and modern place to learn. It is known for good teaching, strong academic support, and helping students get ready for successful careers after their studies.

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.

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.

The University of Surrey offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to ease the financial burden of students. Also, international PhD students at the University of Surrey are strongly encouraged to seek funding from external sources, especially for full scholarships. Applicants can go on to check the university’s website for the latest funded PhD 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

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.