Wireless Communication Systems – (M.Sc.)

Contents

Course length

Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
Part-time: 2 years

The course provides in-depth coverage of established 2G and the developing 3G mobile communication networks. Allied to this is detailed coverage of the rapidly expanding technologies of WiMax, Wi-Fi, and wireless technologies which support developments in fields such as sensor networks and personal area networking.

To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (50 credits) and a module on research and study methods (10 credits).
For the taught part of your course, you will take three modules in Semester 1 (September to December) and three more in Semester 2 (January to May). This makes up two-thirds of your studies. Part-time students normally take four modules in their first year and two in their second year.

Semester 1

In Semester 1 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module:

* Wireless Systems (compulsory) studies the transmission and system requirements required to establish wireless links in point to point, mesh and broadcast personal, local and wide area wireless networks.
* Digital Mobile Communications (compulsory) introduces the principles and techniques of 2G mobile communications with particular emphasis on GSM networks. It covers infrastructure, protocols, multiplexing technologies, signalling, call set-up, data structures, system design and environmental considerations.
* Digital Communications covers the principles and techniques of digital communications with particular emphasis on its applications in mobile and wireless networks.
* Object-Oriented Programming covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to applying these using an object oriented programming language.

In Semester 2 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module:

* Broadband Wireless Networks (compulsory) covers the latest broadband personal, local and wide area wireless networks, including network technology, protocols and implementation.

* High Speed Mobile Communications (compulsory) examines the technology behind the third generation of mobile communication systems which offer services such as mobile internet and video in addition to voice and message/data communications.
* Optical and Broadband Networks describes the operational principles of optical fibre communication systems and examines how optical networks are used to provide the next generation broadband infrastructure.
* Programming Mobile Devices covers the current and emerging mobile technologies, giving you experience of developing software applications for mobile devices using appropriate programming languages and tools.
* Computer and Network Security covers the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of modern networked computer systems, as well as looking at digital forensics.

As courses are reviewed regularly, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.

You also take:

* Research and Study Methods covers the research skills, planning and management techniques and guidance on analysis and technical presentation that you will need for your dissertation. This is taken in Semester 1.
* MSc Dissertation is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You start your dissertation in Semester 2, continuing over the summer period.