Engineering - Electronic Engineering - Research

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.



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)

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

Applications are open for the 2025/6 academic year. Visit our online application portal to start your application.

We are here to support you throughout the admissions process.



For queries on your postgraduate course options please contact pgstudies@mu.ie

For queries or support on your application process please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie



If you are an international (Non-EU) applicant please contact internationaladmissions@mu.ie

4 years Full-time, 6 years Part-time

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.

Commences September (or other agreed 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.

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