Qualification : PHILOSOPHIAE DOCTOR DEGREE
Award Type and NFQ level : RESEARCH PH.D. (10)
CAO/MU Apply code : MHJ02 (FT), MHJ03 (PT)
CAO Points :
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
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 specializes 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.
For further information on research in Electronic Engineering see https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/electronic-engineering/our-research.
Traditionally the PhD was a 4-year journey deep into a specific topic with the supervisor helping to guide the way. Around 2010, Maynooth University, together with the other Irish universities, decided to adopt a structured PhD programme, whereby the student would still undertake a 4-year research project, but would also be expected to complete 6 taught modules as well, in a range of diverse topics. The motivation here was to avoid a student becoming pigeon-holed, i.e. to avoid the student becoming expert in a very narrow (but deep) topic, which may be disadvantageous to their future career prospects. The module subjects are designed to expand the students horizon, and to equip them with various new skill sets that will benefit the student in their future careers.
In addition to the final thesis, the Structured PhD consists of 6 taught modules
- 3 modules (15 credits) of approved graduate or generic skills /transferable modules that are designed to help develop the student in subjects not aligned with their research project.
- 3 modules (15 credits) of approved subject specific/advanced specialist modules that can support the research topic. Also, see here for more information on these modules.
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.
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.