At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on advanced electric drives and contribute to the UK's net-zero goals.
- Company: Join Newcastle University's prestigious Electrical Power Group, a leader in power electronics research.
- Benefits: 100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,835.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of technology that transforms energy and transport globally.
- Qualifications: Must have a 2:1 Honours degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry leaders and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20835 - 20835 £ per year.
Award summary: 100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,835 (2026 UKRI rate). Home Only Students.
Overview: Advanced Integrated Motor Drives – PhD Opportunity. Electric drives are essential to the UK's net-zero ambitions and will play a crucial role in powering the electric revolution. Future electric drives must be smarter, more power dense, and more efficient, delivering greater performance, functionality, and reliability. This demands the adoption of faster switching wide bandgap devices and greater system integration.
About This PhD: This PhD programme is part of a prestigious £8M EPSRC Programme Grant on Advanced Integrated Motor Drives (AIMD), a major research initiative launched in 2025. You will work on the development of wide bandgap device-based integrated motor drives, advanced control techniques for next-generation drives, and innovative approaches to reducing passive components in electric drive systems. Your research will contribute to cutting-edge technology that is central to transforming energy and transport globally.
About the Electrical Power Group: You will join the Electrical Power Group at Newcastle, one of the UK's premier academic research groups in power electronics and electrical drives. Our research spans an impressive range—from Nano Watts to Giga Watts—supported by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. We are highly cross-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary, conducting innovative, internationally recognised research in power electronics systems. We specialise in the design and implementation of hardware and control algorithms for real-world applications. The Electrical Power Group is expanding rapidly with ambitious plans. We work closely with leading industry partners across multiple sectors and are seeking ambitious, innovative individuals to join our dynamic team.
Number of awards: 1
Start date: October 2026
Award duration: 4 Years
Sponsor: School of Engineering, Newcastle University
Supervisors: Dr Xu Deng
Eligibility criteria: The award is available to UK and international applicants. You should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or international equivalent, in Electrical Engineering or closely related discipline. If English is not your first language, you must have IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.
How to apply: You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. Once registered, select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F Research Area: Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Select ‘PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time)’ as the programme of study. You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly into the application form. The studentship code ENG160 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. When prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
Contact details: Dr Xu Deng
PhD in Electrical Engineering: Advanced Electric Drives in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Newcastle University
Contact Detail:
Newcastle University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD in Electrical Engineering: Advanced Electric Drives in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty members in the Electrical Power Group. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest trends in electric drives and power electronics. Show us you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to tailor your personal statement! Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the cutting-edge research at Newcastle. We want to see your unique perspective!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application shine.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD in Electrical Engineering: Advanced Electric Drives in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for electrical engineering and how it aligns with the PhD programme. We want to see your enthusiasm for advanced electric drives and any relevant experience you have.
Follow the Application Instructions Carefully: It’s super important to stick to the application guidelines. When filling out the ‘Further Details’ section, don’t forget to include the studentship code ENG160 and select ‘Write Proposal’ for your research proposal. We’re all about attention to detail!
Showcase Your Academic Achievements: Make sure to mention your academic qualifications clearly. If you’ve got a 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, let us know! This is key for us to assess your eligibility for the programme.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity—get your application in today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest advancements in electric drives and wide bandgap devices. Brush up on your knowledge about advanced control techniques and how they apply to real-world applications. This will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Tailor Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is crucial, so make it count! Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the PhD programme. Be specific about your interests in integrated motor drives and how you can contribute to the Electrical Power Group’s research.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during the interview. Review key concepts in electrical engineering and be ready to discuss your previous projects or research. Practising with a friend or mentor can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Show Enthusiasm and Curiosity
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the research area. Ask insightful questions about the programme, the team, and ongoing projects. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.