Qualification : MASTER OF ENGINEERING DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH MASTERS (9)
CAO/MU Apply code : MHJ04
CAO Points :
THE BIG PICTURE
A PhD or Research Masters degree represents the pinnacle of human education and intellectual pursuit. It involves delving deeply into a specific research topic, often over a period of 4 years for a PhD or 2 years for a Masters, with the goal of making a tangible and original contribution to the field of engineering. These programmes provide an extraordinary opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge and to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.
At the core of a PhD or research Masters is the relationship between the student and their supervisor, an expert in the chosen research area. This collaboration is fundamental to the success of the research. Typically, the student and supervisor meet at least once a week to discuss progress, explore new ideas, and refine research objectives. The supervisor offers guidance, insights, and support, while the student drives the research through their curiosity, dedication, and problem-solving skills.
Research topics our Engineering department can range from cutting-edge developments in artificial intelligence and renewable energy systems to the design of advanced medical devices or future internet communication systems. These projects often require a combination of theoretical modelling, experimental work, and computational analysis. Along the way, students acquire not only deep technical expertise but also critical thinking, project management, and communication skills that are invaluable in both academic and industrial careers. The final product of this process is the PhD or Masters thesis, which completely describes the student's contribution.
A PhD or research Masters is not just about solving technical problemsits about contributing to the global body of knowledge and leaving a legacy in the field. For those driven by curiosity and the desire to make an impact in the world, it is an immensely rewarding journey of discovery and innovation.
FACILITIES
Maynooth University's Engineering Department offers cutting-edge research facilities designed to inspire innovation and support world-class academic pursuits. Among the highlights are advanced¿wave simulators, enabling dynamic exploration of fluid mechanics and wave interactions. Our¿two biophotonics laboratories, equipped with over 1 million worth of state-of-the-art research instruments, facilitate groundbreaking work in imaging, spectroscopy, and light-based technologies. The department also benefits from collaboration with the Maynooth University Hamilton Institute, a multidisciplinary institute specializing in applied mathematics, which hosts regular seminars and provides access to advanced computer labs and video conference rooms for collaborative research.
The department also has a¿dedicated robotics lab, featuring some of the most exciting robotics technology, as well as¿radio-frequency (RF) laboratories, including a large, high-performance anechoic chamber for precise electromagnetic testing. These facilities are maintained under rigorous¿health and safety protocols, ensuring safe and efficient use by researchers and students alike.
With this infrastructure, Maynooth University supports interdisciplinary innovation across engineering and beyond, setting a strong foundation for the next generation of pioneers.
SUPPORTS
First and foremost, the staff in the Engineering Department are available to help integrate any new PhD or Masters students. This will include regular lab, office, or group meetings where we help the student to integrate into the existing group. In addition to the Engineering Department, other university groups are available to support your PhD or Masters journey:
The Graduate Research Academy (GRA) offers supports for training, development and mentorship of postgraduate students in Maynooth University. In terms of integrating the students, the GRA hold an induction for new incoming students (see this years agenda here) which includes information on the services available to them and key supports.
The GRA also manage the graduate kills modules described in the COURSE STRUCTURE tab. You will have to do at least three of these modules during your PhD or one module during your Masters. You can review the modules provided by the GRA here and also here. The latter link includes training in ethics and integrity. All postgraduate students are required to attend and complete the Epigeum Research Integrity course.
If the student is funded by an external award (for example by an SFI funded project, or by an Irish Research Council Scholarship), the Research Development Office (RDO) will also play an important role, assisting with the management of the postgraduate award and the finances.
There is also MaynoothWorks, our commercialisation office which can assist in any results that are identified as exploitable (this would be project specific).
The library has an open access repository called MURAL (Maynooth University Research Archive Library) which is open access and provides postgraduate scholars an avenue to make their publications publicly accessible. In addition, the library provides access to a range of archives, journals and books as well as guides and tutorials.
For international students, the international office provides information such as dealing with immigration and health insurance. This office also organises welcome events for international students to help integrate them into the university. A dedicated International Student Experience Officer is available to provide personalized support, ensuring students feel welcomed and supported throughout their time at Maynooth University.
SOCIAL LIFE
The university is based in Irelands only university town. There is more general information about the university available here. The Engineering department is typically home to 20-30 postgraduate research students at any one time. These students tend to socialise together and support each other through an inclusive environment. The department organises social everts to build a friendly, inclusive, and collegial community.
COMMITMENT TO EDI
The Engineering Department and Maynooth University are committed to EDI. The university received the Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of the universitys commitment to advancing gender equality to show it is a good environment to work in and we have received recognition for this. The cornerstone of Maynooth Universitys 2023 Athena Swan Bronze application was its comprehensive Gender Equality Action Plan for 2023-2026, which is underpinned by the Universitys Equality and Diversity Policy. The Engineering Department is also striving to make our department a better place for women and for minority groups, and we are currently undertaking an Athena Swan Bronze application of our own.
All candidates should have obtained a 2.1 in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or a degree in a related area. Applicants may be required to attend for interview as part of the admissions process. Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.
Minimum English language requirements:
Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and International applicants..
Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850
Below you will find a list of the Principal Investigators in the Engineering Department and their research areas. If you are interested in pursuing a PhD, please feel free to contact these staff members directly to explore the opportunities.
Dr Bryan Hennelly Dr Hennelly specialises in optical engineering and optoelectronics, focusing on advanced microscopy, computational imaging and AI, and spectroscopy techniques for clinical and biological applications. His research seeks to develop innovative optical systems for diagnosing diseases at the cellular level using holography and Raman spectroscopy.
- Raman and Nonlinear spectroscopy for clinical diagnostics and automated pathology.
- Quantitative phase imaging and Optical Diffraction Tomography for 3D imaging of biological cells.
- Interferometry and image processing for precision metrology.
- Hyperspectral Imaging for biological applications.
- Deep Learning Methods in Imaging and Signal Processing
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are passionate about optical engineering, advanced imaging systems, or biophotonics, please feel free to contact me to discuss potential PhD opportunities.
Prof Gerard Lacey Prof Lacey works on robotics and human-machine systems, with a particular focus on real-time computer vision applications in healthcare and agriculture. His expertise includes robotics for augmented reality, surgical simulation, and hospital hygiene training systems.
- Robotics for healthcare & agricultural applications.
- Real-time computer vision systems.
- Augmented reality surgical simulators.
- Automated hand hygiene training systems.
- Human-machine physical interaction.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are interested in Agricultural robotics, augmented reality, computer vision for healthcare or human-machine systems, I would be happy to discuss opportunities for PhD research.
Dr John Dooley Dr Dooleys research focuses on digital signal processing for wireless communications, with emphasis on power efficiency and high-frequency system design for terrestrial and satellite communications.
- Digital compensation for high-efficiency RF power amplifiers.
- Optimisation of cellular network power efficiency.
- Distributed PAs for massive MIMO and beamforming.
- Ku and Ka band satellite communications.
- E-band wireless system design and testing.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you have an interest in wireless communication systems or high-frequency signal design, I would be delighted to discuss PhD opportunities with you.
Prof Ronan Farrell Prof Farrells expertise lies in wireless communication systems, IoT, and sensor networks. His research focuses on designing innovative radio technologies for telecommunications and environmental applications.
- Radio technologies for 5G and beyond.
- Marine and aerospace communication systems.
- Sensor networks and IoT applications.
- Wide-area wireless sensor network design.
- Technology transfer and innovation in wireless systems.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are intrigued by wireless system design, IoT, or sensor networks, I would welcome the opportunity to discuss PhD research possibilities.
Dr Jahan Zeb Gul Dr Gul specialises in soft robotics and embedded AI, with applications in medical devices and automated systems. He integrates machine learning techniques to enhance robotic systems' adaptability and functionality.
- Development of soft robotics for medical applications.
- Embedded AI for adaptive robotic systems.
- Soft sensors and actuators for biomedical devices.
- Integration of machine learning in robotic systems.
- Automated systems for dynamic environments.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are inspired by the intersection of robotics, AI, and biomedical applications, I would love to hear from you about potential PhD opportunities.
Dr Mustafa Kishk Dr Kishks research revolves around modelling, design, and performance analysis of modern wireless communication networks with focus on non-terrestrial networks such as LEO satellite-enabled communication systems.
- Non-terrestrial network design and optimisation.
- UAV-enabled communication systems.
- Satellite-based global connectivity.
- Energy harvesting for IoT devices.
- Performance analysis of communication systems.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are enthusiastic about advancing satellite communications, UAV communication systems, or IoT technologies, Id be happy to explore PhD research opportunities with you.
Dr Bob Lawlor Dr Lawlor focuses on digital signal processing and innovative educational methodologies like problem-based learning. He also explores advanced audio and biomedical signal processing techniques.
- Digital audio signal processing for education and entertainment.
- Biomedical signal processing for healthcare applications.
- Problem-based learning in engineering education.
- Sound source separation and audio enhancement.
- Computer-assisted language learning tools.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are excited by the potential of audio and biomedical signal processing or innovative educational methods, please reach out to discuss possible PhD research topics.
Dr Erivelton Nepomuceno Dr Nepomuceno specialises in chaos theory, cryptography, and green computing, with applications in ocean energy and sustainable systems. His work also includes system identification and nonlinear circuits and systems.
- Chaotic systems and cryptography.
- Green computing for sustainable technologies.
- Modelling and Control for Ocean energy.
- Nonlinear systems identification and data modelling.
- Sustainable Circuits and Systems
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are keen on exploring chaos theory, cryptography, or sustainable computing, I would be happy to discuss PhD research possibilities with you.
Prof John Ringwood Prof Ringwoods research spans modelling and control systems with a focus on ocean energy and physiological feedback systems. He develops solutions for renewable energy and medical diagnostics.
- Advanced modelling techniques for ocean energy systems.
- Control systems for renewable energy devices.
- Feedback analysis in physiological systems.
- Estimation and forecasting in environmental applications.
- Non-invasive biomedical diagnostic techniques.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If renewable energy systems or biomedical diagnostics spark your interest, I would welcome a conversation about PhD opportunities in these areas.
Dr Seán Doherty Dr Dohertys research focuses on the modelling and advanced control of non-linear chemical processes, particularly pH control. He also applies artificial neural networks to dynamic system modelling and multivariate statistical methods for process diagnostics.
- Modelling and control of non-linear chemical processes.
- Artificial neural networks for dynamic system modelling.
- Multivariate statistical process control for diagnostics and quality control.
- Advanced pH control techniques.
- Applications of neural networks to process dynamics.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are interested in non-linear process modelling, control systems, or the application of neural networks in engineering, I would be delighted to discuss PhD research opportunities.
Dr Seamus McLoone Dr McLoones research focuses on system identification, intelligent systems engineering, and innovative teaching methods. His work applies advanced modelling techniques to solve engineering problems and improve the student learning experience.
- Non-linear system identification techniques for dynamical modelling.
- AI applications in engineering using fuzzy logic and multiple models.
- Real-time interactive student response systems for STEM education.
- Investigating teaching styles and technology integration in education.
- Time series prediction and signal processing.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are enthusiastic about system modelling, intelligent systems, or STEM education innovations, Id love to discuss PhD opportunities with you.
Andrew Meehan Andrew Meehans research focuses on computer vision and motion detection systems with applications in sports science and medical diagnostics. He also explores biosensing technologies for advanced analysis of human movement and gait.
- Motion detection using computer vision systems.
- Gait analysis for sports science and medical diagnostics.
- Biosensing technologies for human movement analysis.
- Applications of computer vision in healthcare systems.
- Development of tools for advanced biomechanical assessments.
Contact:¿[email protected]
If you are interested in motion detection, gait analysis, or biosensing applications, Id be happy to discuss potential PhD research opportunities with you.
Dr. Majid Sorouri Dr. Sorouri works in the field of mechatronics, focusing on intelligent and modular robotic systems. His research explores innovative solutions to enhance robotic functionality and adaptability, with particular emphasis on safety in human-robot interactions. He is dedicated to advancing robotics and AI in various domains, including healthcare, agriculture, and industrial automation.
- Learning robots capable of improving performance through observation or experience.
- Ensuring safety in human-robot interaction.
- Developing modular and composable robotic systems for versatile applications.
- Robotic systems for precision agriculture.
- Assistive robots for healthcare and elderly care.
Contact: [email protected] If you are passionate about modular robots, learning robots, or applications in agriculture or healthcare, I would be delighted to discuss potential PhD opportunities or collaborations in these areas.
In addition to a research thesis, the Structured Research Masters (M.Eng.Sc) requires
- 1 module (5 credits) of approved graduate skills /transferable modules.
- 1 module (5 credits) of approved subject specific/advanced specialist modules.
If you click on the links above, you will notice that some of these modules are marked as flexible and can be classified under either of the two categories, subject to supervisor approval. Some modules can span multiple semesters and years, but students must register for the modules in the semester they wish to be assessed. Each module can only be taken once during the programme of study and credit cannot be achieved for the same material in two different modules.
Each student will be assessed annually, for satisfactory progress in both the taught and research elements of their degree. There is no requirement for any minimum number of credits to be achieved in any one year, however students who have not successfully achieved the minimum number of credits in both sets of modules will not be allowed to submit their final thesis.
Online application only. To make an application please click here.
To enrol in the Engineering PhD programme, there are several requirements including a 2.1 in an Engineering degree. You can see full details on the entry requirements here: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/our-courses and see this link for more info from Maynooth University:¿https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/how-apply. You will notice from the latter link that English literacy is a requirement.
The biggest obstacle to doing a PhD is often the fees, details of which can be found here: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-grants/postgraduate. While we welcome students that can fund these fees themselves, we acknowledge that most students cannot. For these students various scholarships are available through the IRC (open in Q3/Q4 each year) and our own MU internally funded scholarship, the John Hume programme as well as some others, but these all require the support of a supervisor (member of staff) who will help to plan for a suitable research project in advance of the application. There is usually a 6-12-month lag in application to starting a postgraduate if successful. In some cases, the supervisor may already have funding through a research grant - in this case they will advertise the positions on our website, here: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/current-vacancies. If you see a PhD project you like, please email the supervisor with your CV and a cover letter.
If you wish to apply for funding, please look at the RESEARCH INTERESTS tab to the left and seek a suitable supervisor and e-mail them your CV. We suggest you try to find a supervisor whose interests overlap with your own and to contact them directly either seeking an existing funded PhD opportunity or seeking their support in applying for a scholarship. If you wish, you can get more information on the staff in the department on our staff page: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/our-people.
If you plan to approach a potential supervisor regarding a possible scholarship application, you may wish to align your proposed project with Maynooth Universitys Research Beacons announced in Maynooth University Strategic Plan 2023-2028 as well as Maynooth Universitys Five-Year Focus in its strategic plan. You are more likely to receive scholarship funding in these areas.