Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Digital Communication Systems aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques required for the design and development of the next generation of digital communication systems.

The programme: 

• provides opportunities, through group and individual learning, for the study of key engineering topics required in modern digital communications.
• enables students to access specialist material related to networked and mobile systems, and the signal processing they require for secure communication.
• enables students to study advanced material that is the result of recent research, often involving design techniques and basic theories that have been developed in the School.
• provides the opportunity to undertake an advanced project in association with the research groups in the School: in the Centre for Mobile Communications Research or in one of the research groups in wireless communications, high speed networks and advanced signal processing. Occasionally such projects can be taken in industry or in a number of European institutions participating in EU exchange programmes.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.

UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2011.

IET Handbook of Learning Outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes, October 2009.

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.

The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, August 2008.

Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.

Master's degree characteristics, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2010.

Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2006.

The Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS); Principles and Guidelines, 2002.

Proposals for national arrangements for the use of academic credit in higher education in England; Final report of the Burgess Group, December 2006.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

• Mathematical methods appropriate to the programme
• Principles of engineering science appropriate to the programme
• Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to the programme
• Design principles and techniques appropriate to electronic and electrical components, equipment and associated software
• Operational practices and requirements for safe operation relevant to the programme

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

• Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems
• Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products
• Develop engineering solutions to practical problems
• Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources
• Develop new systems, processes, components or products by integrating ideas from a wide range of sources

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

• Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing engineering problems relevant to the programme
• Use relevant test and measurement equipment
• Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)
• Design systems, components or processes
• Undertake testing of design ideas in the laboratory or by simulation, and analyse and critically evaluate the results
• Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
• Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
• Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

• Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
• Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
• Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
• Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
• Be creative and innovative in problem solving
• Use a wide range of information and communications technology
• Manage time and resources
• Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
• Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

In the following table ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module.

Students on the Digital Communication Systems programme should select two optional modules indicated in semester 1 and three optional modules indicated in semester 2.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification