Program Overview

Program Overview

The Communication & Radio Access Networks course is delivered by Electronic & Electrical Engineering, in partnership with Strathclyde Executive Education & Development. This course will introduce wireless networks from a technical perspective, including the background of wireless standards, and the evolution to 5G and beyond.

Course Objectives

The course aims to provide a firm technical grounding in wireless communications systems, enabling participants to appreciate the development of Radio Access Networks (RANs) and the factors influencing their design. The content is structured to pair theory with practice, allowing participants to evaluate and discuss radio communications systems confidently.

What You'll Study

The course covers the following topics:

• The Evolution of Mobile and Wireless Networks
  • The journey from 1G to 5G
  • Key wireless network concepts, metrics, and terminology
  • Radio spectrum and signal transmission
• Radio Communications Engineering Principles
  • Transmitting and receiving radio signals
  • Baseband and bandpass processing; modulation and demodulation
  • Spectrum access and using radio channels
• Radio Access Networks and Technologies
  • Architecture and components of Radio Access Networks (RANs)
  • Noise, interference and coexistence
  • 5G public and private networks
• Standards and Regulations
  • Spectrum access and government regulators
  • Wireless communications standards (3GPP, IEEE)
  • Interoperability and sharing (roaming, neutral hosting, Open RAN)
• Design, Implementation, and Case Studies
  • Open RAN principles, Software Defined Radio (SDR), and disaggregation
  • Public and private networks – technology, economics, and applications
  • Design case studies on public and private networks

Course Structure and Dates

The course can be delivered in person at the University of Strathclyde or online, depending on demand. Course dates will be confirmed once an adequate number of applications have been received.

Fees and Funding

The course fee is £2,250 for all applicants. Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy, and tuition fees will be notified in the offer letter. Annual revision of fees may occur, with changes published on the University website in October each year.

Accreditation

The course is part of the MSc Communication, Technology Policy & Strategy and is worth 20 credits at SQCF Level 11 upon successful completion of the assessment. Strathclyde Business School holds triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.

Course Directors

The course is led by:

• Bob Stewart, Professor of Signal Processing and Communications
• David Crawford, Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow
• Louise Crockett, Senior Teaching Fellow

University Information

The University of Strathclyde is a charitable body, registered in Scotland. It has various faculties and departments, including Engineering, Humanities & Social Sciences, Science, and Strathclyde Business School. The University offers a range of professional services and online services to support students and staff.