Course summary

The MPhil and PhD degree programmes enable students to study a chosen area of research with leading researchers in the Department. These degrees are awarded in either Electronic Engineering or Music Technology following the successful submission of a thesis and subsequent oral examination. The PhD degree is a three year full-time or six year part-time programme. The MPhil is a two-year full-time (or four-year part-time) research programme that is undertaken and examined in a similar way to the PhD, but of a smaller body of work. All PhD and MPhil students are subject to formal reviews of progress. The purpose of formal reviews of progress is to ensure that students are making satisfactory progress with their research project and other elements of their PhD or MPhil programme. The progress of all research students is continually guided by a supervisor and a thesis advisory panel. All PhD students take part in the Departmental PhD Conference held each year. The two day conference includes a first year presentation session, second year poster competition and third year seminars. These sessions are designed to give students experience in presenting their research - it gives the opportunity to prepare a talk, face an audience, and answer questions. The overall intention is to give research students the opportunity to develop both oral and written communications skills which are essential in a modern engineering environment. Students often have the opportunity to present their work at UK and overseas conferences and their work is frequently published in international journals. The department provides a conference travel fund to enable each PhD student to attend an international conference to present their work, during their period of registration with us. Students apply to the fund with their supervisor. (In exceptional circumstances the department reserves the right to change or amend the travel fund arrangements as and when necessary.)