Space Systems & Satellite Communications, MSc

University of Sussex, School of Science and Technology

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Disciplines:

Telecommunication

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Quick facts

Country:	United Kingdom	Duration:	12 Months
City:	Brighton	Start Date:	October
Educational Form:	Taught	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Part Time Full Time
Annual Tuition Fee:	€ 4788 - Details € 14198 (non-EEA)

Programme Description

Satellite communication systems are used for satellite TV broadcasting, mobile communications, internet access systems, satellite navigation systems (GPS), environmental monitoring, surveillance systems and defence systems. Space systems and space technology are vital enabling technologies that have permitted the development of the global communications technology that is now a part of everyday life and has developed into a multi-billion dollar international commercial activity.

Whilst providing vital support for deployment of satellite communication systems, space systems technology is also important for space exploration and scientific discovery. It is a technology that will ultimately enable the human race to explore the far reaches of the universe, that final frontier that will provide the answer to many unanswered questions.

This degree programme aims to:

* Introduce students to satellite communication systems.
* Acquaint them with fixed and mobile communication systems for the media industries, the high-powered world of business, leisure and entertainment.
* Introduce the fundamental principles of space systems and their applications.
* Provide students with a background suitable for future employment in the communications, media or aerospace industries, space agencies, or a research institute involving the design or construction of satellites, spacecraft, space-related systems or space instruments.
* Emphasise the interdisciplinary nature of these advanced technologies at Sussex and involve education in many disciplines applied to a common theme.
* Produce multidisciplinary engineers equipped to play valuable roles in the communications and/or aerospace industries.

The European Union has recognised the economic importance of satellite communications and space systems in its strategic research programmes. Current priorities are:

* Galileo: development of multi-sectorial systems, equipment and tools
* GMES: stimulating the evolution of satellite-based information services by the development of technologies (e.g. sensors, data and information models, services for global environment, land use, desertification, disaster management)
* Satellite telecommunications: to be integrated with the wider area of telecommunications, notably terrestrial systems

The European Space Agency continues to expand its capabilities and is starting to rival NASA in its level of achievement and commercial success.

Satellite communications and space systems is a growth area that will continue to expand to meet the ever-increasing demand for these new and advanced technologies, thus offering unprecedented opportunities.

Contents
Requirements
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MSc and PG Diploma students take eight taught courses, four in the autumn term and four in the spring term. MSc students undertake a six month project under supervision.

Part-time students normally take two courses per term with the main project mainly in the second year.

Autumn term

Compulsory courses:

* Mobile & Satellite Communication Technologies
* Digital Signal Processing - Advanced

Plus take two optional courses from:

* Advanced Network Technologies
* Robot Sensory Systems
* Real Time Embedded Systems
* RF Electronic Design
* Strategic Management

Spring term

* Compulsory courses
* Advanced Space Systems
* Advanced Digital Communications

Plus take two optional courses from:

* Advanced Microprocessor Systems
* Fibre Optic Communications
* Advanced Manufacturing Technology
* Electronic Systems 2
* Power Electronics Technology

THE SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS PROJECT

The purpose of the project is to provide independent learning, research, and skills enhancement through a major practical project.

The topic selected is relevant to the needs of the digital communications, satellite, space systems industry. The student will have an opportunity to investigate a specific area at the frontiers of knowledge and research.

The project is supervised by one of the University faculty. Through close supervision, the student is able to contribute to the level of understanding in the subject area and to fulfil the individual objectives in their project brief.

For the assessment, students are expected to show evidence of technical achievement, understanding of the subject, self-organisation, planning, and the ability to write a coherent and informative report.

TEACHING & ASSESSMENT

As with other engineering degrees at Sussex, this MSc is taught by a combination of lectures, workshops and laboratory sessions including a wide variety of practical projects. A close association with the latest research and with industrial and commercial contexts is maintained throughout the programme.

o The taught courses are assessed by laboratory reports, coursework, project reports, essays or unseen examinations taken in May. There are typically two such assessments on each course.

o The main project is assessed on a final report of about 12,000 words.

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

More information

Requirements

For UK graduates, normally a first or second class honours degree, or equivalent qualification, in an engineering-related subject. Relevant subjects are: electronics or communications engineering, computer science, computer systems engineering, information technology, mechanical or aerospace or civil or chemical engineering, physics, chemistry, or mathematics or any other mathematically-based degree.

International applicants should have achieved a comparable standard of qualification. They should have English language certificates at IELTS 6.0 or Computer TOEFL 213, or equivalent qualifications, or language experience.