Data Communications and Networks MSc

About the course

This programme will enable you to apply your knowledge of data communications to wireless and multimedia networks. You will study the analytical techniques that can be used to describe the properties of signals carried by such systems and you will learn the latest techniques by which digital systems can be applied to filter, compress and otherwise process these signals. You will be taught by experienced research and teaching staff with expertise in the specialist fields and you will be learning about the latest theories, techniques and technologies. You will need an understanding of both generic and domain-specific research techniques, and the ability to apply them in your own work. A module in research methods enables you to develop these techniques, moving from generic skills, such as the design and evaluation of experiments, to focus on the specific skills that you will need for your own project. An important outcome of the module is a well-structured report, augmented by the use of appropriate artefacts and media, presenting your proposals for your specialist project. In the first two semesters of the programme you take modules exploring a variety of current research topics in electronics and related areas. At the end of the programme you complete a project which enables you to demonstrate your understanding of the principles and concepts that you have learned and your ability to apply them to a substantial piece of development or investigative work.

Why choose this course?

• The School has over 25 years' experience of teaching electronic engineering and has established an excellent international reputation in this field;
• We offer extensive lab facilities for engineering students, including the latest software packages;
• Learn to apply your knowledge of data communications to wireless and multimedia networks

Study routes

• Full Time, 15 Months

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

You will typically be employed in the design and implementation of advanced digital systems and networks in the communication and control industries. Within your area of expertise, you will be making independent design decisions on mission-critical systems.

Teaching methods

Our enthusiastic staff is always looking for new ways to enhance your learning experience and over recent years, we have won national awards for our innovative teaching ideas. In addition our staff are active in research and useful elements of it are reflected on the learning experience. Learning tools such as StudyNet, unique to the University of Hertfordshire, are extremely useful for the learning environment of the student.

Work Placement

N/A

Professional Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Broadband Networks and Data Communications

  This module studies data communications via cable, optical fibre and wireless concentrating on the lower three levels of the OSI 7 layer model; the Physical Layer, Data Link Layer and Network Layer. Topics include line transmission via twisted pair cables, serial data encoding principles, error control codes and modulation techniques for baseband, DSL and fibre. Local access networks such as Passive Optical networks, DSL and wireless will be investigated both in architectures and MAC protocols. Switched Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and G/EPONs will be covered with an introduction to TCP/IP.

• Distributed Systems Security

  A range of topics will be covered in this module. The detailed content will vary acording to current research directions. Case studies will be used throughout. Issues will be considered in relation to each topic as appropriate. These pervasive issues are: models, design, standards, protocols, and performance. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Distributed Systems Security

  A range of topics will be covered in this module. The detailed content will vary according to current research directions. Case studies will be used throughout. Issues will be considered in relation to each topic as appropriate. These pervasive issues are: models, design, standards, protocols, and performance. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• MSc Projects

  The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

• Multicast and Multimedia Networking

  How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Multicast and Multimedia Networking

  How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Operations Management

  This module will cover the fundamentals and strategic aspects of operations management and will enable the students to develop their understanding of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems. Students will examine case studies relating to both manufacturing and service operations to support lectures and guided learning.

• Operations Research

  What makes the difference between a good decision and a bad decision? A 'good' decision is one that uses analytical decision making, and is based on logic and considers all available data and possible alternatives. Engineers and managers are decision makers, thus to achieve their goals, they must understand how decisions are made and know of which decision-making tools to use. To a great extent the success or failure of human resources and management depends on the quality of their decisions. Therefore, this module determines that with the use and implementation of good operations research decision-making tools, then the process of decision making should be made easier.

• Radio and Mobile Communications

  This module starts by reviewing modulation (AM, FM, FSK, PSK, QAM) and then moves on to modulation techniques for digital signals such as GMSK, TDMA and CDMA together with spread spectrum techniques FHSS and DSSS and error control techniques appropriate for radio links. Modulation, transmission and communications protocols are also studied in the context of GSM, 3G/UMTS, 3GPP LTE and 4G cellular radio systems. Radio propagation topics such as fading models and multipath effects are studied with emphasis on mobile communications. Antennas are studied in the context of mobile radio networks (base station and portable antennas). Various aspects of radio receivers and transmitters are included, such as superhet and zero I.F. receiver techniques, radio frequency mixers, amplifiers and frequency synthesis (PLL and DDS).

• Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking

  How can we cope with users and computers that move from place to place, and yet wish to remain in contact with the net? This module looks at a range of wireless communications technologies, and addresses some of the problems of mobile ad-hoc and wireless networks. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Wireless, Mobile and Ad-hoc Networking

  How can we cope with users and computers that move from place to place, and yet wish to remain in contact with the net? This module looks at a range of wireless communications technologies, and addresses some of the problems of mobile ad-hoc and wireless networks. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

Optional

• MSc Projects

  The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply