Our MSc in Communications and Information Engineering allows students to gain an in- depth understanding of the theoretic underpinnings alongside the physical-layer aspects of wireless and optional communication systems.
You’ll cover developments in wireless network architectures and deployment (such as 4G/5G/6G communication systems) and have the opportunity to study digital multimedia storage and communication technologies, data analytics and data mining in terms of algorithms and goals in real-world problems. Cross-discipline options from the Department of Computer Science offer key insights into approaches for dealing with the explosion in data collected in modern society (‘Big Data’).
After graduation you’ll be well equipped for employment opportunities in modern information and communication engineering, which is currently undergoing a revolution. Recent graduates from the course occupy positions in a variety of industries in the UK and worldwide, including core network provision, logistics, software support and data communication equipment/services, as well as banking, oil and gas, and fashion. The course is also the perfect platform for progression to a PhD.
A minimum 2:i undergraduate UK Honours degree or equivalent international qualification, in an engineering, physical sciences or mathematical subject.
Please note that applicants will need post A2 Level (or equivalent) knowledge in Mathematics, covering topics such as linear algebra, calculus and analysis, and including differential equations. This could be gained through a mathematics module taken as part of an undergraduate course. It is expected that candidates have a good understanding of these topics at the start of their MSc studies.
You can see how your current degree score or GPA equates to the British system in our Study pages in the equivalent scores table.
We are willing to consider applications from students with lower qualifications on a case-by-case basis, particularly when the applicant can evidence relevant employment, practical experience or strong performance in undergraduate modules related to their proposed postgraduate course of study.
To ensure you have the essential foundations for the course, and depending on your overall academic profile, we may require you to take a mathematical skills test.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
Graduates from this course can work for:
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
Core modules
Advanced Wireless Systems and Networks
This module enables you to understand the performance of different wireless networks in modern cities, in the context of: functionality, architecture, resource allocation and mutual interaction. The systems considered include legacy 1G/2G/3G systems, as well as current 4G/5G/IoT systems.
Information Theory and Coding
The subject of Information Theory underpins all of modern communications and hence the connected world in which we live. This module provides insight into this important topic plus the compression and error-control coding schemes used in communication systems. It provides the means to quantify information; introduces entropy; presents a quantitative approach to the capacity of communication channels; investigates the methods and limits of source coding and reliable communications.
Radiowave Propagation and Wireless Communications Theory
The module will enable you to carry out project work in radio-wave propagation and wireless communications. It is the module's aim to present fundamental theory and its application in understanding the operation and design aspects of the physical layer of a wireless communications system.
Optical Communication Systems
This module is designed to present the key elements driving the growth in optical communication systems. The approach necessary includes not only an appreciation of device principles but also the broader picture of optoelectronic systems integration, essential to the future provision of high bandwidth for multimedia applications.
Within the module, the principles of optical fibre waveguiding and fibre transmission characteristics are presented. In addition, the operation of modern optical devices is described. Furthermore, the module also considers the detailed design, analysis and operation of optical fibre communication systems and networks. In particular, it presents detailed coverage of important optical fibre and free space networks for future communication applications, with both the facilitating technologies and the networks resulting from their integration being considered. The module aims to provide specialist knowledge of the strategies and techniques involved in the design and implementation of optical communication systems.
Communication and Information Engineering Design Project
The Communication and Information Engineering design project is a group project aiming to give you experience of working within a team, and parallel the way engineers often work in industry. You will integrate your knowledge and understanding in order to specify and solve a Communication and Information Engineering problem (or user need), through the creation and development of a product, process or system.
The project also allows you to develop their understanding of project management, time management, ethics, sustainability, health and safety, risk management and intellectual property rights. You will develop effective communication and leadership skills, for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Research Methods and Professional Skills
The module aims to equip you with the research skills necessary to support masters’ level learning in engineering and facilitate engagement with the individual project through equipping you with a broad research skill set. In addition, this module will provide you with the professional and team skills to support the course and your career in engineering.
Individual Project
This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have independently contributed primary data and/or a new analysis of secondary data, within your chosen advanced research topic.
Projects will be highly variable in nature to reflect the range of topics within the programmes of study but all will provide you with an opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes. Thus, projects may entail experimentation, modelling, analysis and literary survey skills to develop advanced skills in the discovery and occasionally creation of new knowledge. The module also offers the chance for you to pursue curiosity driven work guided by an academic supervisor.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
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