PhD Studentship in Computer Science: Quantum-Safe Security for 6G Networks

Award Summary

100% home fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £21,805 (2026-27 UKRI rates)

Overview

6G networks are expected to enable ultra-low latency communication and support massive Internet-of-Things (IoT) deployments through technologies such as network slicing. At the same time, the emergence of large-scale quantum computing poses a significant threat to current public-key cryptographic schemes (e.g., RSA and ECC), creating an urgent need for quantum-safe security solutions.

This PhD project will investigate the design and evaluation of quantum-safe security mechanisms for 6G networks, with a particular focus on delay-sensitive and resource-constrained IoT applications. The research will examine the suitability of NIST-standardised post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms in realistic network settings and explore hybrid approaches that combine classical and post-quantum techniques.

The project will involve protocol design, system-level evaluation, and performance analysis, with the aim of understanding how quantum-safe cryptography can be effectively integrated into next-generation network architectures. The work will contribute to the development of secure, efficient, and scalable communication solutions for 6G systems. The project is particularly suited to candidates with an interest in cryptography and network security in applied settings.

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: September 2026

Award Duration:3.5 years

Application Closing Date: 17 April 2026

Sponsor: School of Computing

Supervisors: 

Dr Vipin Sathi

Dr Essam Ghadafi

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject or subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

A background in cryptography, network security, or secure systems is essential, including familiarity with fundamental concepts such as public-key cryptography and security protocols. 

Experience with programming (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar) and an understanding of networking or distributed systems will be advantageous.

We are particularly interested in candidates who wish to work at the intersection of cryptography and systems, with a focus on practical design, evaluation, and optimisation of secure solutions.

The studentship covers fees at Home rate (UK and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status and meet the residency criteria). International applicants are welcome but must cover the difference between Home and International fees.

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 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

Apply using Newcastle University Portal 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify programme of study:  

• search for ‘Course Title’ using programme code: 8050F
• Research Area: Computing Science
• select ‘PhD Computer Science’ as programme of study 

You need to provide the following information in ‘Further Questions’ section:  

• ‘Personal Statement’ (mandatory) - upload document or write statement directly in to the application form
• studentship code COMP2175 in ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• when prompted for a research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert – and provide your own statement. 

Contact Details

Dr Vipin Sathi, Dr Essam Ghadafi

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