Close

Maynooth University Department of Electronic Engineering

Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE

Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)

CAO/MU Apply code : MHJ02 (FT), MHJ03 (PT)

CAO Points :

The Electronic Engineering Department offers a structured PhD programme in Electronic Engineering. The objective of this programme is to produce high quality PhD graduates with the skills and advanced engineering knowledge to operate as independent researchers and take on leadership roles in research and development both in academia and in industry. Our structured approach to a PhD education provides students with an excellent foundation in a variety of technical areas that are targeted towards the research area of the student combined with training in research, communication and business skills. We will also encourage engagement with the global research community, in academia and industry, through research visits, internships and attending conferences.

The structured PhD in Electronic Engineering is also offered by the Callan Institute. The Institute is focussed on the use of information, computing and communications technologies to address challenges arising from our increasingly complex world – our communications and technology driven environment and the impact on our personal lives. The Institute’s area of expertise is in electronic and software systems, wireless communications and in data mining, knowledge extraction and cognition. As a group, we wish to blend focussed basic research with a systems perspective that drives cross-disciplinary developments, essential in tackling the new challenges arising from the need for a more sustainable, knowledge-driven society. Innovation, and the transfer of the knowledge gained from our research, is a fundamental principle for the Institute.

A key element of achieving this is the construction of demonstrators and experimental platforms for demonstrating our achievements. We welcome engagement with all companies, local and international and we have demonstrated success in transferring knowledge and technology to assist new startup companies and product development. The Callan Institute provides research students with the skills and advanced engineering knowledge to operate as independent researchers and take on leadership roles in research and development.

Closing date
Research applications are generally accepted at any time

Commences
September (or other agreed time)

The entry requirements for a PhD in Electronic Engineering is at least a 2:1 Bachelor in Electronic Engineering or a similar disciple applicants -  weaker academic results or a different discipline will be considered where there are other beneficial factors, such as work experience.

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

A full list of research areas available in the Department https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/our-research.
If you are looking for a specific topic area, please contact the researcher closest to your interest area. All our researchers are open to discussing potential research topics. Our general areas include:

- Analysis of Dynamic Systems
- Machine learning and Data Based Modelling
- Wireless systems (telecommunications)
- Renewable energy (focus on wave energy systems)
- Neural Systems & Rehabilitation Engineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Control systems
- Sound and Speech Signal Processing
- Microelectronic circuits

Individual staff research interests:

Prof John Ringwood

Modelling and advanced control of industrial, environmental and biomedical processes. Particular focus on ocean energy systems, with modelling, control, estimation and forecasting application. Biomedical analysis includes analysis of feedback systems in physiology and non-invasive methods for measurement of anaerobic threshold in athletes.

Dr Seán Doherty
Modelling and advanced control of non-linear chemical processes, particularly pH. Artificial Neural Networks for modeling of dynamic non-linear systems. Multivariate Statistical Process Control and its application to process diagnostics and quality control.

Dr Rudi Villing

Intelligent systems, Signals and embedded software with application to autonomous robotics and devices for health and well being.

 

Prof.  Ronan Farrell

Radio technologies for 5G, marine and aerospace communications

Sensor Networks and the Internet of things

Uses and Impacts of Mobile Communications.

 

Dr Bob Lawlor

Applied E-learning.

Problem-Based Learning.

Multimedia learning.

Audio digital signal processing.

Biomedical signal processing.

Audio time-scale and frequency scale modification.

Sound Source Separation.

Dr Seamus McLoone

Modelling from Data – Linear and non-linear system identification techniques applied to dynamical system modelling, time series prediction and signal processing.

Intelligent Systems Engineering – Utilising AI techniques such as Fuzzy Logic and Multiple Models to solve engineering problems.

Improving the student learning experience – Investigating different styles of teaching and assessment to provide a better education for students.

Integrating technology into the classroom environment.

Dr. John Dooley

  • Digital compensation techniques for high efficiency RF power amplifiers
  • Cellular network level power efficiency optimization  
  • Distributed PAs for Massive MIMO and Beamforming
  • Ku and Ka band satellite communications
  • E-band wireless communications system design, build and testing
  • Industry led validation of research projects

Dr. Bryan Hennelly

  • Optical engineering and opto-electronics.
  • Quantitative phase imaging and computational imaging for 3D imaging of biological cells with applications to clinical cytology.
  • Interferometry and image processing for metrology
  • Designing and building advanced microscopy systems for biological applications.
  • Laser based spectroscopy for clinical diagnostics.
  • Biophotonics; the application of light to understanding biology.

For further information on research in Electronic Engineering see https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/our-research.

 

 

 

The Structured PhD consists of a significant thesis on a large body of research  and a number of taught modules.  Students must complete the following number of credits in taught modules.

15 credits of approved generic skills /transferable modules (GS modules)
15 credits of approved subject specific/advanced specialist modules (DS modules)

Course Duration: 4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time

The programme offered by Electronic Engineering provide students with an excellent foundation for a wide variety of careers. The core of the structured programme is the research programme that will be undertaken by the student. This will allow the student to gain deep insight and expertise in their specific focus area. In engineering, there is normally a strong correspondence between our research areas and career opportunities – be it in industry or continuing in the academic arena.

Online application only. To make an application please click here.                                                                                                                           

Please note: All research applicants should contact the respective department before applying to ensure their research proposal aligns with departmental interests and criteria.

To apply for your chosen postgraduate study at Maynooth University, please ensure you have the following documents to make an application:

  • Evidence of your primary degree
  • Academic transcripts
  • A copy of your passport
  • Proposed Thesis Title and Summary 
  • A personal statement   
  • An academic letter of recommendation
  • A professional letter of recommendation

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. 

Back to top