Program Overview

Electronic Communications and Computer Engineering MSc

Overview

This 12-month MSc in Electronic Communications and Computer Engineering allows for study of a variety of topics including digital signal processing, electronic design, communications, and software engineering. The course delivers understanding of the art of electronic engineering and an in-depth study of topics covering modern technology for electronic engineering and communication systems.

Key Facts

• Students will gain experience of the type of problems encountered by academic and industrial researchers.
• This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) 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.

Why Choose This Course?

• 10th in the UK for electrical and electronic engineering (The Guardian University Guide 2025).
• Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Modules

Core Modules

• Holistic Engineering Design (10 credits)
  • The Holistic Engineering Design module is vital for future engineers as it equips them with the skills and mindset needed to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of the modern engineering landscape.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 20%
    • Coursework 2: 15%
    • Coursework 3: 5%
    • Coursework 4: 60%
• Project Design and Development (10 credits)
  • The Project Design and Development module equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to design, plan, and implement research projects.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 80%
    • Coursework 2: 20%
• MSc Project (summer) (60 credits)
  • In this module, a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
  • Assessment:
    • Dissertation: 80%
    • Oral presentation: 20%

Optional Modules

• Advanced Computational Engineering (20 credits)
  • This module covers the development of advanced engineering software projects, spanning a range of application areas.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 12.5%
    • Coursework 2: 12.5%
    • Coursework 3: 25%
    • Coursework 4: 25%
    • Coursework 5: 25%
• Digital Signal Processing (20 credits)
  • This module introduces the principles, major algorithms, and implementation possibilities of digital signal processing at an advanced level.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 60%
    • Exam: 40%
• Instrumentation and Measurement (20 credits)
  • This module is an introduction to the principles and practice of instrumentation and measurement systems in an engineering context.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 60%
    • Exam: 40%
• Integrated Circuits and Systems (20 credits)
  • The module introduces CMOS integrated circuit design and internal operating mechanisms of semiconductor electronics and opto-electronic devices.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 30%
    • Coursework 2: 30%
    • Exam: 40%
• Scalable Cross-Platform Software Design (20 credits)
  • Development and deployment of software for a variety of platforms ranging from the web and mobile devices through to large-scale parallel computers.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Coursework 3: 25%
    • Exam: 25%
• Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (20 credits)
  • This module will provide you with knowledge of the fundamentals of artificial intelligence technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 60%
    • Exam: 40%
• Digital Communications (10 credits)
  • This module is an introduction to the operation of modern digital communication systems.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• Embedded Computing (10 credits)
  • This module aims to introduce principal generic and distinctive features of embedded computing, and develop practical skills in designing firmware for PIC16 microcontrollers using assembly language.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 20%
    • Laboratory: 30%
    • Exam: 50%
• HDL for Programmable Devices (20 credits)
  • The module introduces both the syntax and application of HDL for the design of modern electronics.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 30%
    • Laboratory: 30%
    • Exam: 40%
• Mobile Technologies (10 credits)
  • This module provides knowledge of the fundamentals of mobile communications and its application to real systems.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• Optical and Photonics Technology (20 credits)
  • This module covers selected topics from the interface between electronic and optical regimes.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 50%
    • Exam: 50%
• Optical Networks (10 credits)
  • You will be introduced to the concepts and operating principles of optical communication systems and networks and the devices that underpin them.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• Robotics, Dynamics and Control (10 credits)
  • This module is an introduction to electromechanical fundamentals in robotics and covers direct kinematics, inverse kinematics, workspace analysis, and specifying appropriate robotic manipulators for industrial processes.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (10 credits)
  • This module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework 1: 25%
    • Coursework 2: 25%
    • Exam: 50%
• RF Devices and Systems (20 credits)
  • This module introduces typical analytical, computational, and experimental tools used in the study of Radio Frequency (RF) and high-frequency devices and systems.
  • Assessment:
    • Coursework: 30%
    • Coursework: 30%
    • Exam: 40%

Learning and Assessment

How You Will Learn

• Independent study
• Lectures
• Group study
• Practical classes
• Workshops
• Lab sessions
• Supervision
• Tutorials

How You Will Be Assessed

• Formative examination
• Coursework
• Lab skills
• Examinations
• In-class test
• Online exams
• Dissertation
• Reports
• Research project
• Presentations

Entry Requirements

MSc

• Undergraduate degree: 2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related discipline.
• Applicants are expected to have covered modules such as Circuits, Computer Engineering, Signal/Systems, Digital Signal Processing, Communication, or related key technical modules.

International and EU Equivalents

• We accept a wide range of qualifications from all over the world.
• For information on entry requirements from your country, see our country pages.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element)
• We also accept other English language qualifications, including TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB, and O level English.

Fees

• Qualification: MSc
• Home/UK: To be confirmed
• International: To be confirmed

Careers

Careers Advice

• We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.
• Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills, and meet employers.

Job Prospects

• Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include IT business analysts, systems designers, programmers, software development professionals, production technicians, and electrical engineers and engineering professionals.

Accreditation

• This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.