PhD Project in Machine Learning for Integrated Sensing and Communication

This PhD project aims to design novel resource allocation and signal processing methods using machine learning techniques to enhance the performance of both communication and sensing systems, which is expected to significantly impact the development of 6G wireless networks.

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) represents a significant advancement in future wireless systems, where both sensing and communication use the same frequency band and hardware. This approach is crucial for various important applications in fifth-generation (5G) and future networks, including autonomous vehicles, extended reality, and smart healthcare monitoring, which require robust sensing capabilities alongside effective wireless communications. For instance, in the context of autonomous vehicle networks, these vehicles will rely on the network to gather extensive data, such as ultra-high-resolution maps and near-real-time information, which are essential for navigation and for avoiding traffic congestion. Consequently, ISAC has attracted substantial attention and interest from both academic and industry. A main challenge of ISAC is the efficient design of an integrated system that optimally supports both sensing and communication functionalities.

This PhD project will focus on the design of ISAC, incorporating machine learning techniques along with optimization and signal processing algorithms to ensure high-performance sensing and wireless communications. ISAC is expected to be one of the key technologies for next generation (beyond 5G and towards 6G) wireless systems. Thus, the research outputs of this project will be of high impact to both academia and industry. The students working on this project will have chances to collaborate with big research groups who are developing new technology for beyond 5G wireless systems.

Funding Information

To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.

Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.

Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.

Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.

Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.

A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.

Academic Requirements:

The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Entrance requirements

Graduate
The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.