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MSc Engineering (Electronics and Communications) (Near STEM)

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

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Institution code	H36
School of study	School of Engineering and Computer Science
Course length	Full Time, 16 Months Part Time, 3 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Entry requirements

An honours degree (at least 2:2 or above).

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.

About the course

The near STEM route is for admission of mathematics, physics, astrophysics or other relevant first degree candidates and whose programme would have made extensive use of applied mathematics to design and explain engineering and/or scientific concepts. After accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) at Level 5, you will spend three semesters studying towards a General Engineering Transition Masters with the opportunity to specialise in the above options at Level 6 and/or 7.

To obtain a Master's degree, you will need to complete an in-depth independent research project.

Why choose this course?

The course enable will enable you to understand the fundamentals of information theory and apply appropriate performance and quality measures to data communication systems.
Develop your ability to define and apply appropriate analytic, algorithmic and a mix of simulation and hardware tools for reliable data transfer.
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.
Study leading-edge applications such as biometric authentication and speech-based interaction.

What will I study?

Our enthusiastic staff are 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 which is reflected in your learning experience.

The School 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 School has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Digital Design & Embedded Systems	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module extends coverage of digital design into the area of microprocessor, microcontroller and programmable logic devices. The fundamental aspects of microprocessor system hardware design are covered, along with an introduction to programming in assembly language. The module also introduce the study of digital systems using field programmable logic devices and modern computer based tools such as VHDL that are used in the programming of such devices.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Microelectronics and VLSI	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module aims to extend students' knowledge of analogue and digital electronics into the area of integrated circuit design. Material is biased toward advanced high-speed analogue and digital IC technologies and circuits. The module also covers the way in which these concepts are used in the design of integrated analogue circuits and digital 'systems on chip'. Although treated in an analytical way, learning is supported by the use of modern relevant software design and simulation tools.

Level 7

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
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.
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.

Fees and funding
Fees 2020
UK/EU Students

Full time
- £8925 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £745 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 academic year
International Students

Full time
- £13500 for the 2020/2021 academic year
Part time
- £1125 per 15 credits for the 2020/2021 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

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

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

Course fact sheets
MSc Engineering (Electronics and Communications) (Near STEM)	Download

Programme specifications
General Transition Masters in Engineering	Download

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

International applicants

Apply through our international application portal

Home and EU applicants

Apply using the links below:

2020

Start Date	End Date	Link
26/09/2020	31/05/2021	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2020	31/05/2021	Apply online (Part Time)

2021

Start Date	End Date	Link
26/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2021	31/05/2022	Apply online (Part Time)

2022

Start Date	End Date	Link
26/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Full Time)
26/09/2022	31/05/2023	Apply online (Part Time)

Please note that some of the images and videos on our course pages may have been taken before social distancing rules in the UK came into force.

MSc Engineering (Electronics and Communications) (Near STEM)

About the course

Why choose this course?

What will I study?

Fees 2020

UK/EU Students

Full time

Part time

International Students