Masters Degrees (Digital Signal Processing)

The MSc in Telecommunications with Digital Signal Processing aims to produce postgraduates with an advanced understanding of communication systems with special emphasis on the application of digital signal processing, which supports and pervades all modern communication systems. It makes extensive use of MATLAB and Simulink simulation tools to design digital filters that perform noise reduction, signal shaping and channel modelling. Adaptive filters, matched filters, reception and detection algorithms essential for digital communications are also modelled and tested.

Course structure

Each MSc course consists of three learning modules (40 credits each) plus an individual project (60 credits). Each learning module consists of a short course of lectures and initial hands-on experience. This is followed by a period of independent study supported by a series of tutorials. During this time you complete an Independent Learning Package (ILP). The ILP is matched to the learning outcomes of the module. It can be either a large project or a series of small tasks depending on the needs of each module. Credits for each module are awarded following the submission of a completed ILP and its successful defence in a viva voce examination. This form of assessment develops your communication and personal skills and is highly relevant to the workplace. Overall, each learning module comprises approximately 400 hours of study.

The project counts for one third of the course and involves undertaking a substantial research or product development project. For part-time students, this can be linked to their employment. It is undertaken in two phases. In the first part, the project subject area is researched and a workplan developed. The second part involves the main research and development activity. In all, the project requires approximately 600 hours of work.

Further flexibility is provided within the structure of the courses in that you can study related topic areas by taking modules from other courses as options (pre-requisite knowledge and skills permitting).

Prior to starting your course, you are sent a Course Information and Preparation Pack which provides information to give you a flying start.

MSc Telecommunications Suite of Courses

The MSc Telecommunications has three distinct pathways:
-Digital Signal Processing
-Satellite and Broadband Communications
-Wireless Technologies

The demand for engineers in both wide-area and local-area communication systems is currently flourishing and is expected to grow for the foreseeable future. These three pathways offer both recent engineering graduates and industry-based engineers access to in-depth skills for closely related aspects of the communications discipline.

The course structure is quite flexible, affording industry-based students an opportunity to attend and accumulate module credits over an extended period of time. It also simultaneously serves the full-time student cohort which generally progresses through the MSc pathway in a single calendar year.

The MSc programmes are short course based and feature assessment through sequentially submitted result portfolios for the work packages, ie the ILPs. These are assigned immediately upon each short course module where the students are able to concentrate their study efforts just on the most recently-taught subject material. This greatly promotes efficient focused learning. The individual oral examination administered for each ILP furnishes valuable experience in oral defence, and frees students from written examination burdens.

The technical tasks undertaken in ILPs, along with the required major project, thoroughly exercise the concepts covered in the course modules and give scope for originality and industry-relevant study. Team-working activities encouraged within modules, along with the all-oral individual examination regimen employed in this Telecommunications MSc Suite, have proven solidly beneficial in refining the communication and employability-enhancing skills that are strongly valued by industry.

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Why this course?

This full-time course covers the theoretical and practical aspects of communications theory and networks, fundamental control technology and digital signal processing (DSP). All these topics are critical to the information and communications age.

You’ll gain an advanced knowledge of the principles of the communications, control and DSP domains. You’ll also develop an understanding of the current and future developments and technologies within these three disciplines.

Along with full accreditation from the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET), this course will enable you to capitalise on job opportunities across a range of sectors including:
- control
- telecommunications
- signal processing
- electronics
- IT user companies

EDF Energy, Siemens and Texas Instruments are just some of the multinationals where our graduates have secured positions.

See the website https://www.strath.ac.uk/courses/postgraduatetaught/communicationscontroldigitalsignalprocessing/

You’ll study

You’ll take two semesters of compulsory and optional taught classes. These are followed by a three-month research project in your chosen area. Opportunities exist to do the project through the department's competitive MSc industrial internships.

The internships are offered in collaboration with selected department industry partners including Selex ES, ScottishPower, SmarterGridSolutions. You'll address real-world engineering challenges facing the partner, with site visits, access and provision of relevant technical data and/or facilities provided, along with an industry mentor and academic supervisor.

Facilities

We’ve a wide range of excellent teaching spaces including interactive classrooms and brand new state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with the latest technologies including:
- White Space Communications Facility
- Hyperspectral Imaging Centre
- DG Smith Radio Frequency Laboratory

You’ll have access to our IT facilities including web based resources, wireless internet and free email. There’s an IT support team to help with all your needs.

Accreditation

The course is fully accredited by the professional body, the Institution for Engineering and Technology (IET).
This programme also fulfils the educational requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer when presented with a CEng accredited Bachelors programme or equivalent.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the entry requirements for a Masters degree at the University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options
To find out more about the courses and opportunities on offer visit isc.strath.ac.uk or call today on +44 (0) 1273 339333 and discuss your education future. You can also complete the online application form. To ask a question please fill in the enquiry form and talk to one of our multi-lingual Student Enrolment Advisers today.

Learning & teaching

We use a blend of teaching and learning methods including interactive lectures, problem-solving tutorials and practical project-based laboratories. Our technical and experimental officers are available to support and guide you on individual subject material.
Each module comprises approximately five hours of direct teaching per week. To enhance your understanding of the technical and theoretical topics covered in these, you're expected to undertake a further five to six hours of self-study, using our web-based virtual learning environment (MyPlace), research journals and library facilities.
The teaching and learning methods used ensure you'll develop not only technical engineering expertise but also communications, project management and leadership skills.

- Industry engagement
Interaction with industry is provided through our internships, teaching seminars and networking events. The department delivers monthly seminars to support students’ learning and career development.
Xilinx, Texas Instruments, MathWorks, and Selex ES are just a few examples of the industry partners you can engage with during your course.

Assessment

A variety of assessment techniques are used throughout the course. You'll complete at least six modules. Each module has a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work and, where appropriate, an end-of-term exam.

Assessment of the summer research project consists of four elements, with individual criteria:
1. Interim report (10%, 1,500 to 3,000 words) – The purpose of this report is to provide a mechanism for supervisors to provide valuable feedback on the project’s objectives and direction.

2. Poster Presentation (15%) – A vital skill of an engineer is the ability to describe their work to others and respond to requests for information. The poster presentation is designed to give you an opportunity to practise that.

3. Final report (55%) – This assesses the communication of project objectives and context, accuracy and relevant of background material, description of practical work and results, depth and soundness of discussion and conclusions, level of engineering achievement and the quality of the report’s presentation.

4. Conduct (20%) - Independent study, project and time management are key features of university learning. The level of your initiative & independent thinking and technical understanding are assessed through project meetings with your supervisor and your written logbooks.

Careers

By concentrating on three distinct disciplines, this course enables you to capitalise on job opportunities across a range of sectors including control, telecommunications, signal processing, electronics and IT user companies. Globalisation of the communications, electronic & digital sectors means if graduates wish to work abroad, this course provides an ideal passport to anywhere in the world.
Almost all of our graduates secure jobs by the time they have completed their course. They have gained professional and technical occupations with international companies such as Samsung, MathsWorks, Nokia and Texas Instruments, as well as joining Wolfson Microelectronics, Seles ES and Linn Products in the UK.
Increasingly, graduates of this course also play leading roles in the power and renewable energy sectors, supporting data analytics, information transmission and security for organisations such as EDF Energy, Siemens & Petrofac Engineering.

Where are they now?

87.5% of our graduates are in work or further study.*

Job titles include:
- Graduate controls engineer
- Graduate software engineer
- Lecturer
- Plant controls graduate

Employers include:
- FTDI
- MacDonald Humfrey (Automation)
- Mehran University of Engineering
- Vestas

*Based on the results of the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey (2010/11 and 2011/12)

Find information on Scholarships here http://www.strath.ac.uk/engineering/electronicelectricalengineering/ourscholarships/.

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This course provides a thorough, methodical and wide-ranging education in digital signal and image processing. The Degree course offers both core taught modules and a substantial individual research project.

Teaching and learning

The course contains both compulsory core taught modules and a substantial individual research project. Four taught modules are delivered in the first semester from September to January, and four taught modules are delivered in the second semester from February to June. Each taught unit is assessed by coursework or laboratory report, with written examinations in January and June.
You will conduct your dissertation project work during summer and submit your final dissertation in September.

Course unit details

Typical course units include:
-Signals and data capture engineering
-Digital image processing
-Digital Communications engineering
-Sensing and transduction
-Digital image engineering
-Tomography engineering and applications

Career opportunities

Digital signals are part of almost every aspect of 21st technology. If you take this course, you will become expert in this area and expose yourself to a world of opportunity respecting careers. You will, for example, be able to perform biomedical signal processing, audio/visual/multimedia engineering, digital waveform synthesis and medical, industrial and military image processing. You will be able to work in the fields of imaging, medical physics, aerospace, telecommunications systems development, mechatronics, robotics, remote sensing and nondestructive testing. Your skills will be highly sought after in organisations that develop systems for these and many related state-of the art disciplines.

This course will not only make you very employable; it will be a very fulfilling and enriching experience.

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Modern information systems continue to transform and progress the ease with which information can be accessed across the globe and to underpin the digital society and economy.

They depend fundamentally on digital systems of communication, and this programme provides thorough coverage of the speciality to meet the high and increasing demand for digital communications engineers who can manage and develop the technologies of today’s data-driven lifestyle.

This programme is aimed at recent engineering, physics and computer science graduates and/or those with a number of years industry experience in the communications industry, who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge of this key specialism in order to progress their careers.

Core study areas include fundamentals of digital signal processing and information theory and coding, and a research project.

Optional study areas include communication networks, personal radio communications, communication channels, digital signal processing for software defined radio, multimedia over networks, mobile network technologies and intelligent signal processing.

See the website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/eese/digital-communication-systems/

Programme modules

Compulsory Modules:
Semester 1
- Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing
- Information Theory and Coding

Semester 2
- Research project
- Advanced individual project

Optional Modules:
Semester 1
- Communication Networks
- Personal Radio Communications
- Communication Channels

Semester 2
- Digital Signal Processing for Software Defined Radio
- Communication Network Security and e-Commerce
- Mobile Network Technologies
- Intelligent Signal Processing

How you will learn

The course is designed to give both deep understanding of the core technologies which underpin the industry and which are driving the latest advances in performance and capability. It allows you to develop your personal interests via a range of specialised optional modules. The individual research project is often undertaken as part of the School’s internationally respected research portfolio.

- Assessment
Examinations are held in January and May, with coursework and group work throughout the programme. The individual research project is assessed by written report and viva voce in September.

Facilities

Students on the programme have access to laboratories, industry standard software and hardware including equipment provided by Texas Instruments. There is a range of anechoic chambers including the largest microwave chamber at any UK university.

Careers and further study

Job opportunities include both senior technical and managerial activities in the fields of communications engineering including high speed digital design, communication systems engineering, software/firmware engineering, algorithm development and signal processing engineering.

Why choose electronic, electrical and systems engineering at Loughborough?

We develop and nurture the world’s top engineering talent to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. All of our Masters programmes are accredited by one or more of the following professional bodies: the IET, IMechE, InstMC, Royal Aeronautical Society and the Energy Institute.

We carefully integrate our research and education programmes in order to support the technical and commercial needs of society and to extend the boundaries of current knowledge.

Consequently, our graduates are highly sought after by industry and commerce worldwide, and our programmes are consistently ranked as excellent in student surveys, including the National Student Survey, and independent assessments.

- Facilities
Our facilities are flexible and serve to enable our research and teaching as well as modest preproduction testing for industry.
Our extensive laboratories allow you the opportunity to gain crucial practical skills and experience in some of the latest electrical and electronic experimental facilities and using industry standard software.

- Research
We are passionate about our research and continually strive to strengthen and stimulate our portfolio. We have traditionally built our expertise around the themes of communications, energy and systems, critical areas where technology and engineering impact on modern life.

- Career prospects
90% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study six months after graduating. They go on to work with companies such as Accenture, BAE Systems, E.ON, ESB International, Hewlett Packard, Mitsubishi, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd, Rolls Royce and Siemens AG.

Find out how to apply here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/eese/digital-communication-systems/

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Engineers with a good knowledge of mobile communications systems are much sought after and careers in this industry offer both high rewards and opportunities to work on the latest technical advances.

We work closely with industry and understand the skills and knowledge required to operate successfully in this field. Our specialised curriculum comprehensively covers the principles and techniques involved. It will equip you with the toolset needed to design and develop next generation mobile communication and wireless systems. As fresh technologies emerge in this ever-expanding field, you will have the essential formal theory and confidence in your practical skills to support your long-term career development.

Core study areas include fundamentals of digital signal processing, personal radio communications, information theory and coding, communication channels and a research project.

Optional study areas include a research project, digital signal processing for software defined radio, mobile network technologies, intelligent signal processing, advanced individual project.

See the website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/eese/mobile-communications/

Programme modules

All modules on the programme are compulsory. Together they form an intensive and comprehensive curriculum of the principles and techniques required to design and develop next generation mobile communication systems, enabling successful students to contribute effectively in a commercial environment.

Semester 1:
- Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing
- Personal Radio Communications
- Information Theory and Coding
- Communication Channels

Semester 2:
- Research Project
- Digital Signal Processing for Software Defined Radio
- Mobile Network Technologies
- Intelligent Signal Processing
- Advanced Individual Project

Facilities

Importantly, the course is supported by the Centre for Mobile Communications Research and by way of advanced projects encourages access to staff and post-doctoral researchers who are part of our University’s thriving academic community. State-of-the-art testing and measurement systems related to communications engineering support this concentration of expertise.

Careers and further study

Gaining this masters degree shows potential employers that you have achieved the highly developed and complex levels of knowledge, which enable you to develop in-depth and creative responses to hardware and software technical challenges in this field.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and bursaries are available each year for UK/EU and international students who meet the criteria for award.

Why choose electronic, electrical and systems engineering at Loughborough?

We develop and nurture the world’s top engineering talent to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex world. All of our Masters programmes are accredited by one or more of the following professional bodies: the IET, IMechE, InstMC, Royal Aeronautical Society and the Energy Institute.

We carefully integrate our research and education programmes in order to support the technical and commercial needs of society and to extend the boundaries of current knowledge.

Consequently, our graduates are highly sought after by industry and commerce worldwide, and our programmes are consistently ranked as excellent in student surveys, including the National Student Survey, and independent assessments.

- Facilities
Our facilities are flexible and serve to enable our research and teaching as well as modest preproduction testing for industry.
Our extensive laboratories allow you the opportunity to gain crucial practical skills and experience in some of the latest electrical and electronic experimental facilities and using industry standard software.

- Research
We are passionate about our research and continually strive to strengthen and stimulate our portfolio. We have traditionally built our expertise around the themes of communications, energy and systems, critical areas where technology and engineering impact on modern life.

- Career prospects
90% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study six months after graduating. They go on to work with companies such as Accenture, BAE Systems, E.ON, ESB International, Hewlett Packard, Mitsubishi, Renewable Energy Systems Ltd, Rolls Royce and Siemens AG.

Find out how to apply here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/eese/mobile-communications/

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Summary

There is increasing pressure to make life quieter and to gain a better understanding of how noise and vibration affect people. The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR) at the University of Southampton is renowned for its contributions to reducing noise and vibration in engineering applications and also for fundamental work on understanding how humans hear sounds and process this information. No prior knowledge of acoustics is required to take this programme, and you will cover aspects of engineering acoustics, structural dynamics, applied digital signal processing and human effects of sound and vibration. You have the possibility to specialise in one of the three pathways: Applied Digital Signal Processing; Engineering Acoustics; Structural Dynamics.

Modules

You have the possibility to specialise in one of the three pathways: Applied Digital Signal Processing; Engineering Acoustics; Structural Dynamics.
Compulsory module: Research Methods
Core module: MSc Research Project
Typical Optional Modules: Signal Processing; Fundamentals of Acoustics; Fundamentals of Vibration; Musical Instrument Acoustics; Noise Control Engineering; Underwater Acoustics; Electroacoustics; Aeroacoustics; Architectural and Building Acoustics; Audio Engineering; Human Responses to Sound and Vibration; Advanced Vibration; Biomedical Application of Signal and Image Processing; Active Control; Applied Digital Signal Processing; Numerical Methods for Acoustics

Visit our website for further information...

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This course equips you with the theory and practice necessary to begin a career as a design or development engineer in communications and signal processing. You will also develop transferable skills in research and knowledge acquisition.

Highlights of the course include:
-Unparalleled coverage of all major disciplines in communications engineering and signal analysis methodology
-The comprehensive treatment of advanced communication systems from theoretical and practical approaches
-Innovative educational techniques designed to equip you with practical knowledge
-Design skills and research methodologies

On completing the course, many students progress into employment as design and development engineers in telecommunications and digital signal processing areas or onto a higher research degree.

Our Communications and Signal Processing MSc derives its uniqueness from research strengths in communications and digital signal processing in the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. All course lecturers have a world-wide reputation for high quality research at the leading edge of the subject. They have many years of experience with industrial projects and in running short courses for industry.

Research projects cover a range of applications in areas of:
-Wireless networks
-Future generation communication technologies
-Error control coding
-Digital signal and image processing
-Biometrics identification and authentication

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Engineering Council, and therefore provides a good foundation for professional registration.

Facilities

The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has a suite of world-class research and teaching laboratories. These have the latest electronic instruments and computer aided design software for Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Field-programmable gate array (FPGA) devices.

The facilities are among the most advanced of their type. This enables us to join the global race to develop ambient intelligence systems involving tiny sensors and computing devices embedded in much of what we use.

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In our modern world, we are surrounded by systems and devices that have unseen computer software and hardware, such as digital televisions, MP3 players, smartphones and traffic lights. It takes a special type of person (typically working in a multidisciplinary team) to conceive, design and implement, and deploy these so-called embedded systems. This course is designed to set you ahead in the vibrant jobs market for consumer electronics, industrial equipment and the automotive industry.

Key features
-This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
-Practical-based teaching will provide you the opportunity to put your hands on industry and/or research-standard software/hardware such as LabView, Compact Rio, Microchip's dsPIC DSC / MPLAB, Matlab.
-The course is taught by academics with expertise in computer science, electrical, mechanical and automotive engineering and by industrial visiting lecturers based in industry.
-You will have the opportunity to work on your project dissertation in one of our industrial contacts or alongside our research teams with internationally recognised expertise in digital image processing, computer vision, robotics, control systems, aerospace, medical telematics, wireless networks and multimedia communications.

What will you study?

The Embedded Systems MSc has been designed to give you a good background on digital signal processing (DSP), digital signal processors (eg the kind used in set top boxes, image processing, etc.), control systems and micro controllers. You can then choose a number of options to tailor your education mixing computing and engineering subjects. If you are vocationally inclined toward management, we also offer a version of the course that includes management modules.

The Embedded Systems course can be combined with Management Studies enabling you to develop business and management skills so you can work effectively with business managers to develop innovative and imaginative ways to exploit embedded systems for business advantage. This is a key skill for employability, particularly as organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors grapple with austerity.

Assessment

Coursework and/or exams, research project/dissertation.

Work placement scheme

Kingston University has set up a scheme that allows postgraduate students in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing to include a work placement element in their course starting from September 2017. The placement scheme is available for both international and home/EU students.

-The work placement, up to 12 months; is optional.
-The work placement takes place after postgraduate students have successfully completed the taught portion of their degree.
-The responsibility for finding the placement is with the student. We cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it.
-As the work placement is an assessed part of the course for international students, this is covered by a student's tier 4 visa.

Details on how to apply will be confirmed shortly.

Course structure

The full MSc course consists of an induction programme, four taught modules, and project dissertation. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Embedded Systems MSc modules
-Digital Signal Processing
-Real-time Programming
-Control Systems with Embedded Implementation
-Project Dissertation
-One option module

Embedded Systems with Management Studies MSc modules
-Digital Signal Processing
-Real-time Programming
-Control Systems with Embedded Implementation
-Business in Practice
-Project Dissertation

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Image and signal processing affect our daily lives in an ever-increasing way. Participate in designing this fascinating technology and shape IT‘s future function in business and society. Today‘s networked devices for image and signal generation provide a historically unmatched volume of raw data for automated decision making and control systems. The demands are high: How can we design new tools and software in order to best distil useful information? A lot of interesting research and development projects in the private and the public sectors are calling for your expertise. Alternatively, this degree will open career tracks in universities and research labs.

The international Joint Degree Master Programme„Applied Image and Signal Processing“ is conducted in English. The standard period of study is four semesters. The full program is worth a total of 120 points according to the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). The academic degree of „Master of Science in Engineering“ (MSc) will be awarded upon successful completion of the programme.

From Theory to Practice (Curriculum)

The first semester is devoted to a concise study of the theoretical basis, the mathematical models and the algorithms used in image and signal processing. The second semester additionally focuses on geometric modelling, audio processing and digital media formats. Starting with the third semester, specific application scenarios are discussed and corresponding technologies are investigated in a number of elective courses.

Choose your Elective Courses

The elective courses comprise medical imaging, platform specific signal processing, data science, biometric systems, media security, computational geometry and machine learning.

Apply your Scientific Knowledge

In the third semester, students also start research on their master thesis and acquire profound IT-project management skills. The fourth semester is dedicated to the completion of the master thesis. An accompanying master seminar provides a forum for presenting and defending one‘s approach to a solution and the results obtained, i.e., for scientific discourse with faculty and peers.

Modules & Competences 

This Joint Degree Master Programme is designed to provide students with an in-depth professional and scientific training. Based on appropriate prior bachelor studies, this programme offers a thorough technical training in conjunction with research-driven teaching. It will make the participants familiar with introductory and advanced-level topics in the fields of image and signal processing, their formal and methodical basics, and with diverse fields of application. The sound knowledge and skills acquired in this programme qualify the alumni for diverse practical challenges in their professional work and empower them to contribute to future innovations in image and signal processing. A master thesis serves as a documentary proof of the student‘s ability to tackle scientific problems successfully on his or her own and to come up with a result that is correct with regards to contents and methodology. Furthermore the publication of Master Thesis is intended. Thus, this programme also paves the road to subsequent work in science and technology.

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The MSc in Digital Signal and Image Processing has been developed to deliver qualified engineers of the highest standard into the emerging field of digital signal and image processing who are capable of contributing significantly to this increased demand for both real-time and off-line systems operating over a range of mobile, embedded and workstation platforms. The DSIP option of the MSc in Computational and Software Techniques in Engineering aims to develop your skill-base for the rapidly expanding engineering IT industry sector, not only in the UK but all over the world. Graduates in this option have the opportunity to pursue a wide range of careers embracing telecommunications, the automotive industry, medical imaging, software houses and industrial research where demand for skills is high.

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Research profile

The Institute for Digital Communications (IDCOM) is the UK's leading research institute in signal processing and communications and is home to the Li-Fi research and development centre. We have three major centres of activity; signal processing, communications systems and tomographic imaging. Our programme of research delivers world leading research in signal and image processing and communications from fundamental theoretical and algorithmic work through to its translation to specific audio, imaging, radar/sonar, and communications applications.

The Institute has excellent research facilities, including state-of-the-art computing systems and laboratories for agile tomography, and audio signal processing, as well as the Li-Fi research and development centre for visible light communications. Internationally recognised for our research on communications systems and signal processing, we offer research topics including: green radio; visible light communications; cognitive radio; compressive sensing; distributed sensor signal processing; and agile tomography.

IDCOM holds the only UK Research Council platform award in sensor signal processing, in collaboration with the joint research institute in signal and image processing and Heriot-Watt University, recognising our world leading research status.

Training and support

The development of transferable skills is a vital part of postgraduate training and a vibrant, interdisciplinary training programme is offered to all research students by the University’s Institute for Academic Development (IAD). The programme concentrates on the professional development of postgraduates, providing courses directly linked to postgraduate study.

Courses run by the IAD are free and have been designed to be as flexible as possible so that you can tailor the content and timing to your own requirements.

Our researchers are strongly encouraged to present their research at conferences and in journal during the course of their PhD.

Every year, the Graduate School organises a Postgraduate Research Conference to showcase the research carried out by students across the Research Institutes

Our researchers are also encouraged and supported to attend transferable skills courses provided by organisations such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Facilities

The Institute has excellent research facilities, including state-of-the-art computing systems and laboratories for usability engineering, audio signal processing and visible light communications.

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Course Summary

This programme is structured around topics in systems and signal processing, with specialisms in control and systems theory, image processing and machine learning. Skills developed are sought after by industry (biotech, financial services, systems engineering, medical imaging, etc) and the academic research community. The modules have a high mathematical content and much of the material is computationally based, developing strong transferable skills in algorithmic development and programming.

Modules

Semester one: Signal Processing; Control System Design; Machine Learning; Computer Vision

Semester two: Advanced Systems and Signal Processing; Digital Control System Design; Applied Control Systems; Biological Inspired Robotics; Advanced Computer Vision; Image Processing; Advanced Machine Learning; Computational Finance; Computational Biology; Biometrics

Visit our website for further information...

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The Advanced Communications Engineering (Wireless Systems and Networks) MSc is one of Kent’s newest programmes. It targets the needs of researchers and industry in a fast-paced and technical communications sector which continues to bring many of the advances that make ultra-fast wireless communications possible.

*This course will be taught at the Canterbury campus*

Visit the website: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/261/wireless-communications-signal-processing

Course detail

The programme reflects the latest developments in wireless communications, with particular emphasis on digital signal processing using embedded systems. It has been designed to produce high-calibre engineers that can specialise in and understand the complex system designs used in the wireless communications field.

Format and assessment

The programme is delivered by internationally leading researchers in our Communications and Instrumentation, Control & Embedded Systems groups. They provide first-hand experience of cutting-edge research into next-generation wireless communications, converged access networks and embedded systems.

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation:

- Communication Networks (15 credits)
- Signal & Communication Theory II (15 credits)
- Embedded Real-Time Operating Systems (15 credits)
- Research Methods & Project Design (30 credits)
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) (15 credits)
- Wireless/Mobile Communications (15 credits)
- Computer & Reconfigurable Architectures (15 credits)
- MSc Project (60 credits)

The project module is examined by a presentation and dissertation. The Research Methods and Project Design module is examined by several components of continuous assessment. The other modules are assessed by examinations and smaller components of continuous assessment. MSc students must gain credit from all the modules. For the PDip, you must gain at least 120 credits in total, and pass certain modules to meet the learning outcomes of the PDip programme.

Careers

We have developed the programme with a number of industrial organisations, which means that successful students will be in a strong position to build a long-term career in this important discipline.

Kent has an excellent record for postgraduate employment: over 94% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2013 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.

How to apply: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/apply/

Why study at The University of Kent?

- Shortlisted for University of the Year 2015
- Kent has been ranked fifth out of 120 UK universities in a mock Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercise modelled by Times Higher Education (THE).
- In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, Kent was ranked 17th* for research output and research intensity, in the Times Higher Education, outperforming 11 of the 24 Russell Group universities
- Over 96% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2014 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.
Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/why/

Postgraduate scholarships and funding

We have a scholarship fund of over £9 million to support our taught and research students with their tuition fees and living costs. Find out more: https://www.kent.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate/

English language learning

If you need to improve your English before and during your postgraduate studies, Kent offers a range of modules and programmes in English for Academic Purposes (EAP). Find out more here: https://www.kent.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/international/english.html

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NOTE Are you a student from outside the EU? If you are an International student we have designed a version of this award especially for you! It is called the Extended International Master in Electronic Engineering. It includes an extra semester of preliminary study to prepare you for postgraduate learning in the UK. We strongly recommend that all international students take this option as it is proven to improve your chances of success. Take a look at this alternative course here.

About this course:
The course provides coherent and up to date coverage of Electronic Engineering with modules in Microelectronic Systems, VLSI, Digital Signal Processing,Research Methods, Embedded Systems,Analogue and Digital Electronics and Telecommunications. The approach spans specification and design to realisation, with particular emphasis on the application of industry standard CAD tools and DSP devices to develop solutions to practical engineering problems.

Course content

The course consists of a taught programme followed by an individual project. The taught programme is based on eight modules. Normally these modules are taken over two semesters for the full time route. The individual project is then studied over a further semester to complete the Masters Award.

Core modules are:
-Research Methods & Project Management
-Photovoltaic Technology
-Digital Electronic Systems
-Digital Signal Processing
-MSc Project
-Embedded Real Time Systems
-Telecommunications

Option Modules are:
-Technical Paper Authoring
-Optical Fibre Communication Systems
-Control Systems
-Wireless Navigation Systems

Semester 1 runs from September to January and Semester 2 from February to June. Study of the MSc normally commences in September. The possibility of an optional industrial placement either between the taught programme and the individual project is also available which may involve working in another European country.

Employment opportunities

Future option for graduates include employment in local, national and international industries normally initially in Research and Development roles although many progress to management positions. Alternatively graduates may choose to pursue further academic qualifications and register for a PhD programme.

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An astonishing global revolution has taken place in mobile and satellite communications, the full impact of which is difficult to exaggerate. The resulting growth in mobile and satellite communications industries has created a high demand for graduates with expertise in the key areas of digital, mobile and satellite communications and networking.

With significant input from industry, this course produces highly competent graduates who can fill key positions and play leading roles in shaping this rapidly evolving field. By graduation, you will be well-equipped to develop new engineering applications for the next generation of communication systems. You will also be given the chance to undertake a six-month unpaid internship*.

Your studies will include advances in antennas and propagation, digital transmission, satellite communications, mobile communications, satellite networks, wireless applications, digital signal processing and product management. All this is enriched with seminars, field trips and a period of internship* in industry. You will also learn to use the latest engineering design tools, including the Systems ToolKit (STK) used by NASA for planning space missions.

Routes of study:
The course is available to study via two routes:
- MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (with internship)
- MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (without internship)

Please note: *Internships are available to full-time students only. Internship places are limited. Students have the opportunity to work in a participating UK company or within a Research Centre at the University. You can also opt to study the course without an internship which will reduce your course length.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1431-msc-mobile-and-satellite-communications-with-internship

What you will study

You will study the following modules:
- Mobile Communication Technologies
- Satellite Communications
- Digital Communications Systems
- Applied Digital Signal Processing
- Product Management and Integrating Case Studies
- Six month Internship
- MSc Major Project

Optional modules:
- Wireless and Personal Communications
- Satellite Networking

Learning and teaching methods

You will be taught through lectures, tutorials and workshops involving hands-on systems modelling and simulations using state-of-the-art hardware and software facilities. Students will also engage in supervised research supported by full access to world-class online and library facilities.

The course is available to study via two main routes, you can opt to add further value to your studies by undertaking an internship or simply focus on building your academic knowledge through a on-campus study as detailed below:

MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (with internship):

- Delivery: Full-time only | Start dates: September and February
If you choose to undertake an internship, your course will be delivered in four major blocks that offer an intensive but flexible learning pattern. Six taught modules are completed during two teaching blocks featuring 12 contact hours per week. This is followed by 6 month period of internship, after which the student returns to undertake a 16-week major research project. Please note: Course length may vary dependent on your chosen start date.


MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (without internship):

- Delivery: Full-time and Part-time | Start dates: September and February
The study pathway available without internship is available full-time and part-time. The full-time route is delivered in three major blocks. Six taught modules are completed during two teaching blocks featuring 12 contact hours per week followed by a 16-week major research project. The full-time course duration is about 12 months, if you study part-time then you will complete the course in three years. Part-time study involves completing three modules in each of the first two years and a major research project in the final year. The use of block-mode delivery in this way allows flexible entry and exit, and also enables practising engineers to attend a single module as a short course.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Advancements in technology such as the increased use of Wi-Fi, are creating exciting career opportunities for graduates with the right skills. Graduates of this Masters award can enter the telecommunications industry in many different roles, conduct research or work towards a PhD.

Internship

Internships are only available to students studying full-time: Following successful completion of six taught modules, you will be competitively selected to join participating UK companies or University Research Centres on a six-month period of unpaid work placement before returning to undertake your major research project. All students who have an offer for the MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (with internship) are guaranteed an internship either in industry or in a University Research Centre.

There are 25 internship places available. Students who wish to undertake an internship must apply for the MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (with internship). It is anticipated that there will be significant demand for this programme and applicants are advised to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis and the numbers of students offered a place on the programme with internship will be capped.

If the course is already full and we are unable to offer you a place on the Masters course with internship, we may be able to consider you for the standard MSc Mobile and Satellite Communications (without internship) which is a shorter programme.

Assessment methods

Each of the six taught modules is typically assessed through 50% coursework and 50% closed-book class test. The major project is assessed through presentation to a panel of examiners, viva and written report.

Facilities

A state-of-the-art University library gives you access to most of the world’s leading publications. Other major facilities include a Cisco Academy networking laboratory, a Wireless Communications laboratory including a 1-65 GHz anechoic chamber and a satellite communication earth station, and a Communication Systems simulation laboratory equipped with PCs running the latest versions of MATLAB, SIMULINK, STK and other software.

In addition, we have recently opened a Calypto lab, which has software licences and support for the Catapult C toolset. This is used to develop advanced electronic products, such as the next generation of smart phones, more quickly and cost-effectively and to help engineers overcome design challenges in the increasingly complex world of board and chip design. The lab is sponsored by Calypto Design Systems Inc, a leader in electronic design automation. We are one of only four UK universities and 60 universities globally that have been granted permission to use the software worth £1.9m.

The new Renesas Embedded Systems lab comprises 25 new high-end terminals running cuttingedge tools. The facility was designed in collaboration with Renesas, the world’s leading supplier of microcontrollers, whose sponsorship helps ensure that students are always working with the latest technologies and development tools.

Teaching

The course is led by Professor Otung, a Chartered Engineer and internationally acclaimed author of Communication Engineering textbooks used in leading universities around the world, and supported by an impressive and highly-qualified teaching and supervision team. Generations of graduates from this course speak very highly of not only the cutting-edge expertise and technical skills that they developed on the course but also of the inspiration, professionalism and friendship of the entire teaching team.

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