MSc Communication Networks and Signal Processing

Program Overview

MSc Communication Networks and Signal Processing

Overview

This is a challenging one-year taught master's programme focused on advanced topics in communication networks (fixed and wireless) and related signal processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in some of the most dynamic fields in communication networks.

This programme builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Communications Systems and Networks, High Performance Networks and Photonics and Quantum research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The groups conduct pioneering research in several key areas, including network architectures, cross-layer interaction, high-speed optical communications and advanced wireless access.

You'll explore the essentials of communication networks, from the fundamentals of network protocols and signal encoding to complex network architectures and advanced networking techniques. Our curriculum integrates practical skills in optical communication and networks and equips you with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience.

Key Information

• Programme duration: One year full-time
• Start date: September 2025
• Application deadline:
  • Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
  • Home applicants: 8 August 2025
• Delivery method: On-Campus
• Location: Clifton
• Awards available: MSc

Programme Structure

This programme comprises six core units, followed by a substantial research project, starting during the second term and completed during the summer. Your project may be based at the University or with industrial partners.

World-leading Research

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education)
• 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent

Entry Requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in:

• Communications Engineering
• Computer Networks
• Computer Science and Technologies
• Computer Systems Engineering
• Electrical Engineering with Management
• Electronic System Engineering
• Electronic and Information Engineering
• Electronic Information Science and Technology
• Electronic Science and Technology
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Information and Communications Technologies
• Information Engineering
• Microelectronic Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Optical Information Science and Technologies
• Optoelectronic Information Science and Technologies
• Telecommunications

Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a UK minimum score of 60% or an international equivalent is achieved in 5 modules from the following units:

• Analog Electronic Circuits
• Communication networks
• Computer programming
• Digital Electronics Circuits
• Digital Signal Processing
• Electronic circuits
• Electromagnetic fields and waves
• High frequency electronic circuits
• Image processing
• Internet Technology
• Microelectronics
• Microprocessors
• Microwave Technology
• Optical communication
• Optics
• Principles of Communications
• Programming languages
• Semiconductor devices
• Signals and Systems

Fees and Funding

• Home: full-time £18,400 per year
• Overseas: full-time £35,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

Alumni Discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

Funding and Scholarships

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career Prospects

This one-year MSc gives you a world-class education in aspects of current and future communication networks and signal processing. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers – not only in communications but also in management consultancy, project management, finance and government.

Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies, including Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba and Intel. Some graduates follow a more research-oriented career path, with several students going on to study at PhD level at Bristol or other leading universities.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This one-year taught master's program focuses on advanced topics in communication networks (fixed and wireless) and related signal processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in some of the most dynamic fields in communication networks. The program builds on the internationally recognized research strengths of the Communications Systems and Networks, High-Performance Networks, and Photonics and Quantum research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The groups conduct pioneering research in a number of key areas, including network architectures, cross-layer interaction, high-speed optical communications, and advanced wireless access. The program includes units on Optical Networks and Data Centre Networks. The Optical Networks unit focuses on wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks, time division multiplexed (TDM) networks including SDH/SONET and OTN, optical frequency division multiplexed networks, and optical sub-wavelength switched networks. The Data Centre Networks unit focuses on networks for cloud computing, cloud-based networking, grid-computing, and e-science.

Outline:

The program comprises six core units, followed by a substantial research project, which you will start during the second term and complete during the summer.

Careers:

This one-year MSc gives you a world-class education in aspects of current and future communication networks and signal processing. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers - not only in communications but also in management consultancy, project management, finance, and government. Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies, including Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba, and Intel. Some graduates follow a more research-oriented career path, with a number of students going on to study at PhD level at Bristol or other leading universities.

Other:

The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education). 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

UK: full-time£17,700 per year Overseas: full-time£34,200 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year. More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.