This course aims to provide you with key, advanced level knowledge and skills that will allow you to succeed in the rapidly growing wireless and microwave communication industry. You will also develop research skills and other related abilities, enhancing your general engineering competency, employability, and providing you with an excellent platform for career development, whether that be within industry or academic research.
The distinctive features of this course include:
• The opportunity to learn in a research-led teaching institution, taught by staff in one of the highest ranked university units in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF), ranked 7th in the UK for research and 1st in the UK for the research impact.
• The opportunity to work in modern facilities and commensurate with a top-class research university.
• The participation of research-active staff in programme design and delivery.
• MSc teaching complemented by guest lectures given by industrial professionals.
• Formal accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Structure
The course is presented as a one-year full time Masters level programme, and is also available as a part-time scheme run over two years. The programme is presented in two stages: In Part 1 students follow two semesters of taught modules to the value of 120 credits. Part 2 consists of a Dissertation or research project module worth 60 credits.
Core modules:
RF Circuits Design & CAD
RESEARCH STUDY
Advanced Communication Systems
Fundamentals of Micro- and Nanotechnology
Management in Industry
Software Tools and Simulation
High Frequency Electronic Materials
HF and RF Engineering
Optoelectronics
Non-Linear RF Design and Concepts
Advanced CAD, Fabrication and Test
Dissertation (Electronic)
Teaching
A wide range of teaching styles are used to deliver the diverse material forming the curriculum of the programme. You will attend lectures and take part in lab and tutorial based study during the Autumn and Spring semesters. During the summer you will undertake an individual research project.
At the beginning of Stage 2, you will be allocated a project supervisor. Dissertation topics are normally chosen from a range of project titles proposed by academic staff in consultation with industrial partners, usually in areas of current research or industrial interest. You will also be encouraged to put forward your own project ideas.
Assessment
The course is assessed through examinations, written coursework, and a final individual project report.
Achievement of learning outcomes in the majority of modules is assessed by a combination of coursework assignments, plus University examinations set in January and May. Examinations count for 60%–70% of assessment in Stage 1 of the programme, depending on the options chosen, the remainder being largely project work and elements of coursework.
Career prospects
Career prospects are generally excellent with graduating students following paths either into research or related industry.
If you are interested in working in industry, many of our graduating MSc students achieve excellent employment opportunities in organisations including Infineon, Huawei, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Vodafone and International Rectifier.
In terms of research,
Cardiff University has many electrical, electronic and microwave related research areas that require PhD students, and this MSc will provide you with an excellent platform if this is your chosen career path.
An upper 2nd class honours degree in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a similar field from a good UK university or an equivalent international degree qualification. If you have a good 2:2 or equivalent, or relevant industrial experience, we will give your application individual consideration. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to pass IELTS exams. Minimum requirements are an IELTS score of 6.5.
