Program Overview

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Overview

Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of optical communications and signal processing with our specialized programme. You will explore advanced topics in photonics, optical communications devices, systems and networks, equipping you with the expertise to make a significant contribution to this rapidly evolving field. This programme offers you the opportunity to gain essential skills for a thriving career in optical communications.

Optical fibre communications form the backbone of all land-based communications and are the only viable means to support today's global information systems. Research at Bristol is contributing to the ever-increasing requirement for bandwidth and flexibility through research into optical switching technology, next-generation optical networks, high-speed modulation, data regeneration and novel semiconductor lasers.

This programme builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Photonics and Quantum and High Performance Networks (HPN) research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The Photonics and Quantum group is pioneering the emerging field of quantum photonics, achieving significant advancements in photonic crystal fibre light sources, secure optical communications using quantum technology, and innovative quantum gate technologies. The HPN group is renowned for its extensive research in optical networking.

In addition to units on the fundamentals of photonics, optical fibres, and optical devices, you will engage with cutting-edge topics through specialised units. Previously, these have included Computer Networks and the Internet, Future Connectivity: From Optical to Quantum, and The Photonics Skills Forge unit, which helps develop practical skills in lab-based experiments as well as theoretical modelling and simulation for photonics.

Join us to become a part of the future of Optical Communications and Signal Processing, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in this critical field.

Key information

Programme duration

One year full-time.

Start date

September 2025

Application deadline

• Overseas applicants: 25 July 2025
• Home applicants: 8 August 2025

Please note that due to high demand, some programmes may close earlier than advertised. Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment. Places are limited and allocated on a continuous basis from September 2024 until all places are filled.

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

• 5th: The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94%: 94% of our research assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or 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
• Physics
• Telecommunications.

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

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

If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date.

We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.

We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.

If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:

• Evidence of significant, relevant work experience with a minimum of six months (full-time, or part-time equivalent) in Engineering
• A relevant postgraduate qualification.

Specific module requirements would still apply.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.

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. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding and scholarships

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

Career prospects

This programme gives you a world-class education in all aspects of current and future optical communication systems, along with associated signal processing technologies. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers, not only in communications but also in areas such as management consultancy, project management, finance and government.

Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies: Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba, China Mobile and Intel, for example. Some graduates follow a more research-orientated career path, with a number of students going on to study at PhD level.