Performance of reconfigurable intelligent surface-assisted 6G wireless communications

About the Project

Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) are smart devices that can manipulate electromagnetic wave propagation to optimize performance of future 6G wireless networks. In RIS-assisted wireless communications, the performance such as the symbol error rate (SER), bit error rate (BER) and channel capacity (CC) depends on the underlying statistical attributes of the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), as is the case for any wireless communication scenario.

Therefore, devising an accurate received SNR probabilistic model for RIS-assisted wireless communications is of paramount importance. The latter forms the main goal of this project, after which, the SER, BER, and CC performance can be determined via standard statistical and probabilistic mathematical tools.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Electrical/Electronic/Communications Engineering/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:

• Communication Theory
• Digital Communications
• Probability Theory
• Engineering Mathematics

Essential attributes:

• Fundamental knowledge in the majority of the following subjects: Communication Theory, Digital Communications, Probability Theory, Engineering Mathematics.
• Willingness to conduct thorough studies to obtain deep knowledge in relevant subjects such as wireless channel modelling and advance probability theory.
• Very competent with the use of software 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

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.