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Telecommunications Engineering MSc

With excellent career prospects in the field of telecommunications, our highly regarded course will give you all the skills you need to flourish in the sector
Code
PGH64A
Start
September 2024
Duration
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
Attendance
Full-time
Part-time
Fees
£11,000 (UK) *
£17,300 (INT) *
Course leader
Dr Purav Shah
Dr Tuan Le
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Why choose Telecommunications Engineering MSc at Middlesex?

This specialist course blends theory with practice and will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to design, develop and deploy the next generation of wireless communication systems. Our strong industry links have allowed us to develop a course that is focused on developing the practical needs which are essential to the requirements of the rapidly changing telecommunications industry.

The course is taught by experts in the field who are active researchers and known for their work and contributions to the discipline. Their teaching ensures that our courses remain innovative. Many students who join this course contribute their own research to the team.

Middlesex is an official Cisco Academy and Huawei Academy licensed to provide certification training and equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment.

We have also recently opened the London Digital Twin Centre. We have our own 5G & IoT research group. And we have undertaken notable research in areas such as MIMO, LTE-A, 5G, and Disaster Communication Networks.

What you will gain

The course is suitable for both recent graduates and IT/Engineering professionals who wish to further strengthen their knowledge in the telecommunications sector.

In addition to an in-depth understanding of this subject, you will gain the ability to use mathematical and statistical tools to evaluate networks and assess their performance. You will be equipped with knowledge about data networks and digital communication systems – in particular their design, development, testing and evaluation, management, scalability and usability. You will also be able to develop commercially viable network applications, understand threats to security, and implement protective measures.

You'll be able to deepen your theoretical knowledge and develop extensive analytical and problem-solving skills, with the opportunity to give presentations and take part in group work and discussions, which will help to prepare you to be part of a developing team.

The individual postgraduate project will bring out the best of your individual capabilities, thus boosting your employability. You'll be able to choose projects from a range of applicable fields like Digital Twin (DT) Modelling, Artificial Intelligence, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Internet of Things (IoT), Connected Autonomous Vehicles (CAV’s) and Blockchain Engineering.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Exciting career prospects
    Graduates have gone on to work for big companies such as BT, iWireless Solutions, FDM Group, Quantum Black, and more
  • Industry-leading partnerships
    We work closely with companies such as Siemens/Festo, Cisco, Viavi Solutions, Rakuten Group
  • Learn from industry experts
    Our staff are leaders in the fields of digital twin modelling, 5G and IoT research, artificial intelligence/machine learning and spectrum sensing.

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

The course has five compulsory modules taught over two semesters which cover digital communication systems, mobile and wireless communications architectures, intelligent/smart environments, network security mechanisms and network design along with performance evaluation.

As well as developing technical skills, you'll focus on the non-engineering aspects of telecommunications engineering, such as policy and management, and professional, social, ethical, legal and global issues. You'll explore routing, internetworking, usability, clustering and IP addressing as well as modulation and demodulation techniques, channel coding and decoding, fibre-optic communications and multiuser communication systems.

You'll also use MATLAB and Simulink to simulate remote environments where connectivity is difficult. You will have the opportunity to work and explore using industry-standard software such as MATLAB and Simulink, Altair, NI LabView and hardware such as Software Defined Radio (SDR) and IoT development boards from several vendors.

  • Modules

    • Digital Communication Systems (30 Credits) - Compulsory

      You'll gain a comprehensive and advanced understanding of digital communication techniques for data and voice within communication systems. You'll be introduced to a detailed coverage of source coding, channel coding, baseband and bandpass digital modulation and demodulation techniques, detection theory and error analysis, spread spectrum signals and multiuser communications, wireless fading channels, channel equalization techniques, and advanced topics in multiple antenna array, 5G/6G enabling technologies. These topics will equip you with the knowledge, skills and ability to understand, compare and critically evaluate the advantages and limitations of modern digital techniques within communication systems and wireless technologies. You'll also be able to learn and apply analytical skills to perform system performance analysis with practical observations through simulation and laboratory experiences.

    • Mobile Communications (30 Credits) - Compulsory

      The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive technical foundation of the mobile communication systems and wireless network architectures and services. You'll learn topics like, fundamental aspects of signals, concept of cellular systems and the evolution towards next generation networks, other wireless technology systems and networks, mobility aspects in wireless communications and recent advancements such as millimetre wave multi-gigabit wireless networks.

    • Network Design and Performance Evaluation (30 Credits) - Compulsory

      Throughout this module you will learn how to evaluate a network situation and identify the most important aspects to monitor and analyse. You will be introduced to a methodological approach to network design and the concepts of network modelling, analysis and simulation. At the end of the module you will have developed an appreciation of the design and development simulation software as appropriate models to evaluate the pure performance and availability, as well as the performability, of computer networks.

    • Network Security Mechanisms (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module covers the principles and foundations of network security. It aims at providing you with the knowledge of security issues, technologies, algorithms and protocols used in securing computer networks and associated systems. It will also provide an understanding of possible security breaches, security risk analysis and mechanisms to protect computer and network communication systems.

    • Intelligent Environments & IoT (15 Credits) - Compulsory

      This module aims to introduce you to the paradigms of intelligence based networked systems and in particular Internet of Things (IoT), both theoretically and practically. You'll be introduced to the technology and architectures that create IoT and enables intelligent habitation, intelligent building control, smart vehicle technology and industrial processes.

    • Postgraduate Project in Telecommunications (60 Credits) - Compulsory

      You'll learn to provide a critical overview of the research methods and tools required for the planning and management of a dissertation project. You'll aid in formulation of a research problem and identifying literature, in addition to conducting research project in well-equipped laboratory facilities for the simulation and analysis of wireless and mobile communications technology. The project will enable you to demonstrate a personal commitment to professional standards and develop expertise in the planning and execution of extensive research investigation  in a specialised area of Wireless Communications and Networks. This module will prepare you for future employment in the Telecommunications sector at an advanced technical level.

To find out more about this course, please download the Telecommunications Engineering MSc specification (PDF).

How we'll teach you

As well as developing your practical skills in laboratory sessions, you’ll attend interactive lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, where you’ll deepen your theoretical knowledge, work on activities and case studies, and develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.

You will do research and design work, produce written reports, give presentations and take part in group discussions and group work, supplementing all this with your own independent study.

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching team with a wide range of expertise and professional experience.

Where will you study?

You will be based at our north London campus with most of the activities based in the Ritterman Building.

Timetable

Whether you are studying full or part-time, your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.

We aim to make timetables available to students at least two weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Typical weekly breakdown

A typical week looks like this:

Learning

Hours per week

On-campus

12

Online

When required

Independent study

10

Learning terms

On-campus: This includes tutor-led sessions such as seminars, lab sessions and demonstrations as well as student-led sessions for work in small groups.

Online learning: This is teaching that is delivered online using tools like MS Teams or Zoom, as well as work that you do yourself using online teaching resources.

Independent study: This is the work you do in your own time including reading and research.

Part-time study

You can also study this course part-time.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

For each module, you'll be assessed in several ways such as in-class problem-based assessments, practical assignments that include laboratory work, and coursework including reports, presentations, article writing and in-class discussions. Some assessed work will be group work.

For the Postgraduate Telecommunications Project, you'll be expected to plan, conduct and produce a piece of original research work relevant to the industry. This could take the form of designing new algorithms, protocols or frameworks for wireless/mobile systems, digital twin modelling, applying artificial intelligence to wireless systems, or similar topics. You'll be assessed through a written thesis and a viva-voce/demonstration (oral exam).

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress (peer-based).

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Our telecommunications laboratory in the Ritterman Building, Hendon Campus is equipped with specialist hardware from National Instruments (NI) and Siemens/Festo.

This includes the industry standard NI- USRP reconfigurable radio platform, Cyber Physical System/Industry 4.0 system from Siemens/Festo and software including MATLAB & Simulink, Altair and Cisco Packet Tracer, that will be used for laboratory work during the course, as well as major projects.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

UK students*

Full-time students: £11,000
Part-time students: £73 per credit
Part-time students: £37 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

The fees below refer to the 2024/25 academic year unless otherwise stated.

International students*

Full-time students: £17,300
Part-time students: £117 per credit
Part-time students: £59 per dissertation credit

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation so the total costs for part-time study are shown here as a guide.

For more information and to answer your frequently asked questions, please visit our postgraduate funding page.

Additional costs

Apart from the fees, we cover your costs (below) for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

There are no additional costs whilst pursuing your course.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees.

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Professor Huan Nguyen
Associate Professor

Professor Huan Nguyen is an Associate Professor in Communication and Networks with vast experience in state-of-the-art Disaster Recovery Networks and Machine-type communications in 5G.

Dr Purav Shah
Senior Lecturer

Dr Purav Shah is a Senior Lecturer in Communication and Networks with experience in Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M solutions and Software Defined Networking (SDN).

  • Stefan Mihai

    MSc Telecommunications Engineering MSc graduate and Financial Consultant at Deloitte

    Roughly two years ago, I made the decision to apply for the MSc Telecommunications Engineering at Middlesex University, after thoroughly researching postgraduate programmes across the United Kingdom and several other countries in the European Union. My decision was motivated by a number of things I deemed important and, looking back, I can confidently say I made the right choice.

    After I started studying here, I came to realise that the modules were very well-balanced between theory and practice. The focus was placed on building skills that the industry found attractive in new graduates, such as research skills, critical thinking, teamwork, solid mathematical concepts, good presentation and public speaking abilities, and many more. In my course, I found the courage to take on big projects and bring them to completion with the support of my colleagues and my professors.

    In fact, one of my best moments during this course was when I published two papers that were based on coursework projects in the Mobile Communications and Broadband Technologies and Fibre Optics modules, respectively. During the MSc Telecommunications Engineering programme, I discovered a passion for research and development, I developed good teamwork skills, and most importantly, I gained a solid understanding of the field of telecommunications. Consequently, I am now pursuing a PhD degree at Middlesex University, while still working in collaboration with some of the professors I had met during my Masters.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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