MSc Communications and Information Engineering

Why choose Herts?

Industry Accreditation: This course is accredited by IET and meets Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UKSPEC).
Teaching Excellence: You will be taught by the Engineering Research Group research academics. This group receives funding each year from industry to deliver industry-demand courses.
Employment Prospects: Graduates work as Communications Systems Engineers, Network and Communications Engineers for organisations including Transport for London, Network Rail, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The entry requirements will typically be a minimum of a 2(ii) Honours degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline.

In addition, candidates should have been exposed to relevant material at undergraduate level to sufficient depth to enable them to benefit from their chosen MSc programme.

International qualifications will be considered on the basis of their equivalence to UK qualifications, typically guided by a resource such as the National Academic Recognition Information centre (NARIC). Candidates will be required to demonstrate a suitable level of proficiency in written and spoken English. An IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) would typically be required from candidates whose first language is not English. Candidates who do not satisfy these requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.


Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Full Time, 1 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Employability

Careers

Communications engineers prepare and maintain communications systems and the marketplace increasingly relies on highly advanced communications systems, so communications engineering is a valued field. Careers may be sought in telecommunications or related fields that use computer networking and satellite, digital TV, Internet or radio technology.

Graduates may therefore expect employment across a very wide range of engineering companies.

Professional Accreditations

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) up to and including the January 2024 intake on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

About the course

This course enables students to understand the fundamentals of information theory and apply appropriate performance and quality measures to engineer enhanced data communication systems.

Students design state-of-the-art networks using legacy as well as emerging optical and wireless technologies, developing the students’ ability to define and apply appropriate analytic, algorithmic and a mix of simulation and hardware tools for reliable data transfer.

Students will cover subject specific subjects such as Digital Mobile Communication Systems and Optical Communication Technologies alongside cohort taught subjects to develop their management skills and their employability.

The successful postgraduates of the course will acquire the knowledge and understanding, intellectual, practical and transferable skills necessary for the analysis and synthesis of problems in engineering and manufacturing through a combination of experimental, simulation, research methods and case studies. They can expect to gain work in a range of disciplines within a variety of industries from specialist technical roles to positions of management responsibility.

The programme offers two award routes that you can choose to study:

One-year full-time MSc Communications and Information Engineering (September entry)
18-months full-time MSc Communications and Information Engineering (September and January entry)

Why choose this course?

Students who undertake this course will gain knowledge and understanding of the advanced theoretical issues and their practical implementations that underlie recent developments in Communications and Information Engineering.

Students will be able to explore, explain the engineering challenges inherent in a variety of data communication applications.

Supported by the School which 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.

Ranked 5th for engineering in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, Advance HE, 2023).

What will I study?

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.

The Department of Engineering and Computer Science has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning, where nearly all MSc modules are delivered through a combination of traditional face-to-face teaching and backup tutorial's using the University's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic teaching and learning resources, and conduct electronic discussions with staff and other students.

A heavy emphasis is placed on theory and practice, and the Department of Engineering and Computer Science has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible.

Where will I study?

Learn in our brand-new School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science building, opening in 2024, where you’ll experience a range of experiential learning zones. You will have access to modelling, simulation and research labs, our Merlin Flight Simulator and automotive workshop (complete with electric vehicle facility), wind tunnel, welding bay and controls testing suite.

You will also benefit from a Success and Skills Support Unit, which is aimed at helping you build your employability and academic skills. Plus, have access to industry mentors who will provide you with pastoral support, vocational guidance, and career progression opportunities.

The new building will also provide space to collaborate, with plenty of workshops, social and meeting spaces available. Even better, the building has been designed with the University’s net zero carbon target in mind, and forms part of our plan to replace or upgrade older sites that are energy inefficient.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Advanced Reconfigurable Systems and Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This course presents the architecture of the field programmable gate array (FPGA). It will introduce applications that are efficient for implementation on FPGA platforms. The student will appreciate the significant performance by implementing digital signal processing algorithms on an FPGA and will be able to benefit the parallel processing mechanism of FPGA implementation. Software tools will be introduced and used to simulate the applications on FPGAs.
Optical Communication Technologies	15 Credits	Compulsory
The module will cover two main areas, namely, physical aspects of optical fibre and network topologies. The first will cover the transmission of light in an optical fibre. It will then examine the implications for optical networks, covering issues such as amplification (SOAs and, EDFAs. The Network topologies section will cover different types of network, such as core, PONs and ring, and the types of equipment used in them.
Broadband Networks and Data Communications	15 Credits	Compulsory
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, GEPONs and SONET/SDH and OTN will be covered for analysis of significant qualitative and operational parameters of high speed networks meeting current and future traffic demands.
Digital Mobile Communication Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module starts by reviewing digital modulation (ASK, FSK, PSK, GMSK, QAM) and then moves on to multi-carrier digital modulation techniques such as OFDM and spread spectrum techniques FHSS and DSSS. Multiple access techniques FDMA, TDMA and CDMA are studied together with error control techniques appropriate for radio links. Modulation, transmission and communications protocols are also studied in the context of GSM, 3G/UMTS, 3GPP LTE, 4G and 5G cellular radio systems. Radio propagation topics such as fading models and multipath effects are studied with emphasis on mobile communications. Various building blocks for radio communication systems are included, such as antennas, amplifiers, mixers, filters, frequency control and synthesis. Radio transmitters and receivers are also studied with emphasis on Software Defined Radio (SDR).
Information Theory and Data Processing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module introduces the concept of Information theory and data processing techniques. It helps in analysing the fundamentals demonstrating application of the information theory in noisy channels conditions. The various coding techniques are studied to explore error correction and detection process. The data processing techniques include coding, storage and compression and encryption methods and applications.
Sustainable Business of Engineering	15 Credits	Compulsory
Recognition of the implications relating to regulatory constraints and risks including legal, ethical, environmental and commercial. Understand and gain skills in the management processes in an organisational context in the area of specialisation. Develop the interpersonal skills through learning how to negotiate, present defensible recommendations, working in a team and leading people.
MSc Individual Project (E)	60 Credits	Compulsory
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.
Digital Signal Processing and Applications	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the concepts and principles of digital signal processing and processors. The material included in the module range from techniques and design methods used in digital signal processing to the architecture of digital signal processors. The student will appreciate the significant differences between implementing on fixed-point or floating-point digital signal processors and will be able to decide which platform to use for a particular implementation. Software tools will be used to simulate some of the applications on digital signal processors.
Biometric Systems & Speech Processing	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of biometrics and principles of speech processing. Treatment of material is both descriptive and analytical, with selected topics being treated in more depth. The study is supported by guided experimental work.

Further course information

Course fact sheets
MSc Communications and Information Engineering	Download

Programme specifications
MSc Modular Masters in Electronics	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	n/a
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes

Student experience

At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

Find out about how we support our students

You can also read our student blogs to find out about life at Herts.

Funding and fees
Other financial support

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

Fees 2024
UK Students

Full time
- £11655 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £16450 for the 2024/2025 academic year
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University's Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed "When tuition fees change"), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

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

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

Start Date	End Date	Link
26/09/2024	22/09/2025	Apply online (Full Time)

2025

Start Date	End Date	Link
26/09/2025	22/09/2026	Apply online (Full Time)

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MSc Communications and Information Engineering

Why choose Herts?

Careers

Professional Accreditations

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Where will I study?

Further course information

Student experience

Other financial support

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Living costs / accommodation

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2024

2025