University of British Columbia

What you'll study

The PhD programme is primarily research-led and culminates in an original doctoral thesis. Core expectations include developing a programme of advanced coursework appropriate to the chosen research area, passing departmental qualifying or candidacy requirements, and completing a supervised research project that results in a defended thesis.

• Advanced coursework options typically cover subjects such as advanced signal processing and estimation, stochastic systems and control, optimisation for engineering, advanced electromagnetics, semiconductor device physics, micro- and nano-electronics, VLSI design and verification, computer architecture, embedded systems, wireless communications and networking, photonics and quantum engineering, and machine-learning methods for sensing and inference.
• Research activities involve literature synthesis, proposal and experiment design, simulation and prototyping, theoretical analysis, and dissemination through peer-reviewed conferences and journals.
• Doctoral students form a supervisory committee, present regular research updates, complete any departmental candidacy or comprehensive examinations, and prepare a written thesis followed by an oral defence.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities allow students to work with collaborators across departments and with research centres and institutes on campus, fostering projects that bridge hardware, software and systems.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant master’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or a closely related discipline; exceptional candidates with a strong bachelor’s degree and significant research experience may also be considered. Admission emphasizes demonstrated research potential.

• Academic transcripts showing strong performance in relevant undergraduate and graduate coursework.
• A clear research statement outlining intended research topics, motivations and possible faculty supervisors.
• Evidence of research potential, such as a master’s thesis, publications, technical reports, or substantial project work.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can comment on research ability.
• Proof of English language proficiency where applicable (acceptable test scores or exemptions according to university policy).
• Other materials commonly requested include a curriculum vitae and any relevant code or project portfolios. Many applicants secure admission only after identifying a faculty member willing to supervise their research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme move into research-intensive roles in academia, industry and the public sector. Career paths regularly pursued by alumni include:

• Academic positions such as postdoctoral fellowships and faculty appointments, leading independent research and teaching.
• R&D roles in technology companies focusing on areas like semiconductor design, wireless systems, control and robotics, photonics, and machine learning infrastructure.
• Research scientist or engineering roles in national laboratories, government research agencies and public-sector technology groups.
• Technical leadership positions in industry, including principal engineer, research manager and architect roles, and technical consultancy.
• Entrepreneurship and technology transfer, founding startups or bringing research innovations to market through partnerships and licensing.

Why study at University of British Columbia

UBC’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers a broad base of expertise across fundamental and applied areas, supported by well-equipped laboratories and strong links to industry and research institutes. The department’s faculty conduct internationally recognised research in areas ranging from microelectronics and photonics to systems, communications and machine intelligence.

• Students benefit from access to specialised facilities for microfabrication, photonics, robotics, high-performance computing and hardware prototyping.
• UBC’s collaborative research environment encourages interdisciplinary projects with departments such as computer science, mechanical engineering, materials engineering and the medical sciences.
• Located in a thriving technology region, the university provides connections to local and global tech companies, startups and research partners, supporting internships, collaborations and translational opportunities.
• A supportive graduate community, funding opportunities through research assistantships, teaching assistantships and competitive fellowships, and professional development resources help students transition to research and career success.