Optimum antenna arrays for 6G wireless communications

About the Project

Base stations employ antenna arrays to accommodate parallel data streams and increase information transmission rates of wireless communication networks. Particularly, the antenna array should occupy a limited volume at the base station premises while ensuring optimum performance to meet the requirements of future 6G wireless networks.

Starting from a very thorough literature review, the PhD candidate will thoroughly study and analyse existing antenna arrays together with relevant key performance metrics (KPMs) such as the channel capacity (CC) and energy efficiency (EE). Next, the PhD candidate will devise optimum three-dimensional (3D) antenna arrays demonstrating better performance while occupying minimum space. Analysis should consider both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) scenarios.

Academic qualifications

First degree with at least a 2:1 classification in one of the following - Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineering or Mathematics

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Fundamental knowledge:

• Electromagnetic Theory
• Communication Theory
• Engineering Mathematics
• Algorithms/Programming
• Optimization Theory

Essential attributes:

• Fundamental knowledge in the majority of the following subjects: Electromagnetic Theory, Communication Theory, Engineering Mathematics, Algorithms/Programming, Optimization Theory.
• Willingness to conduct thorough studies to obtain deep knowledge in relevant subjects such as wireless channel modelling, advanced optimization techniques, and information theory.
• Very competent with algorithms/programming and with the use of software/programming tools such as Matlab.
• Strong motivation with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the topic.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Good time management skills

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact p.karadimas@napier.ac.uk

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?ElOlarlItFiG37xnH5PRRBvv3d563wLdwX4JfhYskMa3bJWTuc

PhD Start Date: October 2026

Funding Notes

International applicants should note that visa application costs and the NHS health surcharge are additional costs to be taken into consideration, and successful applicants will need to cover these expenses themselves.