Bangor University in North Wales is offering four fully funded PhD scholarships in telecommunications, open to UK, EU and international students. Each one pays a £21,805 a year stipend (the 2026/27 UKRI rate) plus a full tuition fee waiver for three years. All four are based at the University’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Centre, and all close on 24 November 2026.
The four studentships share the same funding, entry requirements and deadline; only the research topic differs. They are funded through three DSP Centre research projects: two from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and one from the Flintshire & Wrexham Investment Zone Research and Innovation Programme. Successful candidates are expected to start as soon as possible, so this is a chance to begin a funded PhD within months rather than waiting for October 2027.
At a glance
- Places: four PhD studentships, one per research topic
- Funding: £21,805 a year stipend plus a full tuition fee waiver, for three years (possible extension, subject to future funding)
- Open to: UK, EU and international students
- Entry: First or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in physical science, engineering or technology
- Deadline: 24 November 2026
- Start: as soon as possible
- Contact: Professor Jianming Tang, j.tang@bangor.ac.uk
The four PhD topics
The adverts describe the topics only briefly, so the summaries below explain each field in general terms. Ask the DSP Centre about the specific project before you apply.
1. Joint Communications and Sensing
Future networks are expected to do two jobs with the same signals and hardware: carry data and sense the world around them, for example detecting objects, movement or changes in the environment. Joint communications and sensing is a central idea in 6G research. Read the advert.
2. Data-Carrying Fibre-Based Sensing
Optical fibres can act as long sensors, picking up vibration, temperature or strain along their length. This topic looks at fibres that do that sensing while still carrying data, so existing networks could also monitor roads, railways, pipelines or buildings. Read the advert.
3. Converged Fibre, RF and Optical Wireless Networks
Today’s networks mix fibre, radio (RF) and light-based wireless links, but these are often designed separately. Converged networks bring them together into one system that can handle the speed and number of devices expected from 5G and 6G. Read the advert.
4. Physical-Layer Network Security
Most security is added in software, through encryption and passwords. Physical-layer security instead uses the properties of the signal and the channel itself, such as noise and the way signals travel, to protect data or create secret keys. Read the advert.
What the funding covers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | £21,805 a year (2026/27 UKRI rate) |
| Tuition fees | Full tuition fee waiver |
| Duration | Three years initially; possible extension, subject to future funding |
| Open to | UK, EU and international students |
The adverts do not mention visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, travel to the UK or research expenses, so international applicants should assume these are not covered and budget for them. The adverts also don’t say in so many words that the waiver covers the full international fee rate, although jobs.ac.uk lists international students as eligible for the funding. It is worth confirming this in writing before accepting an offer.
Who can apply
You need, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class (2:1) honours degree, or the international equivalent, in a relevant physical science, engineering or technology subject. Knowledge or experience in one or more of these areas is desirable:
- Optical, wireless or optical wireless communications
- Joint communications and sensing
- Data networks
- Digital or analogue signal processing
- Mobile communications
- High-speed digital circuit design
- Computer programming
Bangor is also looking for strong mathematical, analytical and experimental skills, good written and spoken communication, and the ability to work both independently and in a team. Previous research experience, peer-reviewed publications and knowledge of 5G/6G technologies will help, but are not essential.
What the role involves
These are research studentships within live, funded projects. As well as your own theoretical or experimental research, you would publish and present results at journals, conferences and project meetings, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, help prepare research proposals, and support undergraduate projects. Training and development are part of the package.
About the DSP Centre
Bangor’s DSP Centre is a telecommunications research centre with links to more than 35 industry partners worldwide. Its work covers next-generation fibre, wireless and optical wireless networks, advanced signal processing and 5G/6G technologies. The University is set between the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the North Wales coast.
What international applicants should check
- ATAS certificate. Non-UK/EU nationals may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate before they can study these subjects in the UK. Applications can take several weeks, which matters for an “as soon as possible” start.
- Right to study and work. All offers are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and satisfactory references. International students would normally come on a Student visa; ask the DSP Centre how this condition applies to you.
- Fee waiver. Confirm that the waiver covers the international fee rate in full.
- Which topic. Ask whether you can be considered for more than one of the four studentships, and whether a separate application is needed for each.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For visa questions, check GOV.UK, speak to Bangor’s international student team, or consult an adviser regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority (IAA). StudyAbroad.ac and LSLIT do not provide immigration advice.
How to apply
- Choose your topic. Read the four adverts and decide which project fits your background best.
- Contact Professor Tang. For an informal discussion, email Professor Jianming Tang at j.tang@bangor.ac.uk (tel. +44 (0)1248 382697). Mention which studentship interests you and attach a short CV.
- Apply online. Submit your application through Bangor University’s application portal (the “Apply” button on each advert leads there).
- Meet the deadline. Applications close on 24 November 2026. No closing time is given, so aim to submit a few days early.
Before you apply: what to remember
Bangor’s four DSP Centre studentships offer a rare chance to start a fully funded telecommunications PhD within months, with a UKRI-rate stipend and a full fee waiver, and with international students eligible. The topics are joint communications and sensing, fibre-based sensing, converged fibre/RF/optical wireless networks, and physical-layer security.
Time is short: the deadline is 24 November 2026. Contact Professor Tang early, check whether you need an ATAS certificate, and confirm in writing that the fee waiver covers international fees.
Official links
- PhD Studentship in Joint Communications and Sensing (jobs.ac.uk)
- PhD Studentship in Data-Carrying Fibre-Based Sensing (jobs.ac.uk)
- PhD Studentship in Converged Fibre, RF and Optical Wireless Networks (jobs.ac.uk)
- PhD Studentship in Physical-Layer Network Security (jobs.ac.uk)
- Bangor University application portal
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (GOV.UK)
Information reviewed: 8 November 2026. Funding, eligibility, requirements, dates and contact details were checked against the four Bangor University adverts on jobs.ac.uk (placed 28 October 2026). Topic summaries are general explanations of each field, not project descriptions.