PhD Advanced Technology Institute
Course overview
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.
Entry requirements
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.
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 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
Cost of study
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.
Admission
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.
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