Key Information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- Part-time
- 72 months
Start dates & application deadlines
You can apply for and start this programme anytime.
More details: multiple start dates available; to apply, please email the Doctoral College.
Language
English
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL IBT: 79 (or)
- PTE Academic: 59
- IELTS: 6.5
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Hatfield, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Communications Engineering
Overview
Each student of the Optical Networks PhD from University of Hertfordshire will be assigned a Principal and a second supervisor who are experts in the research topic.
Key Facts
The research will be conducted in our labs which are well-equipped for research in the topics of our expertise. Students studying on Full-Time mode are expected to submit their registration and progression reports in the first and second years of the research programme respectively and are formally assessed in the form of a viva by (usually) an internal examination panel. In completion of their 3rd year students are expected to start the preparation for their final assessment and to submit their thesis which is examined in the form of a viva by an external and an internal examiner (Part-Time mode assessment deadlines are extended accordingly).
In particular in Optical and Wireless Network Architectures, Next-Generation Passive Optical networks (NGPONs), MAC protocols and algorithms for NGPONs, 5G Radio Access Networks, Crosshaul (xhaul) Networks, Software Defined Networks (SDN) and Satellite IP Networks.
What's next for my career?
Our PhD programmes enable students to develop specialist research skills and knowledge. We aim to provide PhD projects that will challenge and in some cases even inspire our students.
If you are self-motivated and want to improve your ability to understand and solve engineering problems, then a PhD Optical Networks at the University of Hertfordshire may be right for you.
Programme Structure
Research topics include:
- Optical and Wireless Network Architectures
- Next-Generation Passive Optical networks (NGPONs)
- MAC protocols and algorithms for NGPONs
- 5G Radio Access Networks
- Crosshaul (xhaul) Networks
- Software Defined Networks (SDN)
- Satellite IP Networks
Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
- GPA: First Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 120
- TOEFL IBT: 79 (or)
- PTE Academic: 59
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
- Applicants must have a First class Honours BEng in Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering, Computer Science or Maths.
- Exceptional candidates with a 1st Division, 2.1 qualification may be considered.
- Personal attributes including a drive to conduct research, self-motivation and the ability to work independently and within a team are essential.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International
Applies to you. Non-residents: 34,392 AUD / year ≈ 18,120 GBP / year
Domestic
Applies to you. Citizens or residents: 11,578 AUD / year ≈ 6,100 GBP / year
Living Costs
Hatfield, United Kingdom
1,253-2,164 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Scholarships
Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Optical Networks.
- LPDP (Indonesia Endowment for Education) — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- Aga Khan Foundation — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- PETRONAS Education Scholarships — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation loan scholarships — Provided by university, Grant, 20 INR, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- The University of Hertfordshire Graduate Scholarship - 20% Fee Discount for Herts Alumni — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime
- Super Early Bird Payment Scholarship — Provided by university, Grant, 4000 GBP, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026
- Study Abroad - 20% Discount — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified
- King's Award Scholarship (£2000) — Provided by university, Grant, 2000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- King's Award Clearing Scholarship (£2000) — Provided by university, Grant, 2000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- Full payment discount — Provided by university, Grant, 1000 GBP, Deadline: 04 Jan 2027
- University of Hertfordshire Graduate Scholarship - Herts Alumni 20% Discount — Provided by university, Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Anytime
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Independent provider (U.S. government), Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 07 Oct 2026
- ServiceScape Scholarship — Independent provider (ServiceScape), Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 30 Nov 2026
- ACES Scholarships — Independent provider (ACES Education Fund), Grant, 3500 USD, Deadline: 15 Nov 2026
- Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility — Independent provider (OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation), Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Scholarships for PhD Students — Independent provider (Junhua Li), Grant, 19000 GBP, Deadline: Not specified, Merit-based
- Boustany Astronomy PhD Scholarship — Independent provider (Boustany Foundation), Grant, Various benefits, Deadline: 28 Feb 2027, Merit-based
- Amberscholar Scholarship — Independent provider (Amber Scholar), Grant, 6000 USD, Deadline: 31 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- $1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship — Independent provider (IvyPanda), Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 31 Oct 2026, Merit-based
- Voice Talent Online Scholarship — Independent provider (Voice Talent Online), Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 01 Mar 2027
- Dream Chaser Scholarship — Independent provider (Salvado Law), Grant, 1000 USD, Deadline: 13 Jan 2027, Merit-based
- Scholarship for students with disabilities — Independent provider (Anonymous Hope Fund), Grant, 3000 USD, Deadline: 31 Dec 2026, Need-based
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship – University Bids — Independent provider (UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)), Grant, 22500 GBP, Deadline: Not specified
- The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship — Independent provider (IELTS from 6 to 9), Grant, 1500 USD, Deadline: Not specified
- Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme — Independent provider (The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme), Grant, 12000 USD, Deadline: 11 Jan 2027