Providing comprehensive training in essential elements of modern communication and information engineering, this degree delivers information-theoretic underpinnings alongside physical-layer aspects of optical and radio transmission. You will also explore developments in radio network architectures and deployment and have opportunities to study communications technologies, data analytics and data mining, in terms of algorithms and goals in real-world problems.
When you graduate, you will be well equipped for employment opportunities in modern information and communication engineering, which is currently undergoing a revolution.
Core modules
Advanced Wireless Systems and Networks
This module enables you to understand the performance of different wireless networks in modern cities, in the context of: functionality, architecture, resource allocation and mutual interaction. The systems considered include legacy 1G/2G/3G systems, as well as current 4G/5G/IoT systems.
Information Theory and Coding
The subject of Information Theory underpins all of modern communications and hence the connected world in which we live. This module provides insight into this important topic plus the compression and error-control coding schemes used in communication systems. It provides the means to quantify information; introduces entropy; presents a quantitative approach to the capacity of communication channels; investigates the methods and limits of source coding and reliable communications.
Radiowave Propagation and Wireless Communications Theory
The module will enable you to carry out project work in radio-wave propagation and wireless communications. It is the module's aim to present fundamental theory and its application in understanding the operation and design aspects of the physical layer of a wireless communications system.
Optical Communications Systems
This module is designed to present the key elements driving the growth in optical communication systems. The approach necessary includes not only an appreciation of device principles but also the broader picture of optoelectronic systems integration, essential to the future provision of high bandwidth for multimedia applications.
Within the module, the principles of optical fibre waveguiding and fibre transmission characteristics are presented. In addition, the operation of modern optical devices is described. Furthermore, the module also considers the detailed design, analysis and operation of optical fibre communication systems and networks. In particular, it presents detailed coverage of important optical fibre and free space networks for future communication applications, with both the facilitating technologies and the networks resulting from their integration being considered. The module aims to provide specialist knowledge of the strategies and techniques involved in the design and implementation of optical communication systems.
Individual Project
Communication and Information Engineering Design Project
The Communication and Information Engineering design project is a group project aiming to give you experience of working within a team, and parallel the way engineers often work in industry. You will integrate your knowledge and understanding in order to specify and solve a Communication and Information Engineering problem (or user need), through the creation and development of a product, process or system.
The project also allows you to develop their understanding of project management, time management, ethics, sustainability, health and safety, risk management and intellectual property rights. You will develop effective communication and leadership skills, for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Research Methods and Professional Skills
The module aims to equip you with the research skills necessary to support masters’ level learning in engineering and facilitate engagement with the individual project through equipping you with a broad research skill set. In addition, this module will provide you with the professional and team skills to support the course and your career in engineering.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Signal Processing
- Microwave Engineering and RF Circuits
- ASICs, MEMS and Smart Devices
- Image and Video Analysis
- Foundations of Data Analytics
- Data Mining
