Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Telecommunications Engineering is designed to provide knowledge of the key technologies in modern wired and wireless telecommunications networks. 

The programme:

• Provides an understanding of the principles and practices related to telecommunications, including their protocols and standards.
• Provides students with the signal processing methods required to analyse telecommunications systems.
• Provides an opportunity to conduct project work in well-equipped research facilities for the simulation and analysis of telecommunications technology. 
• Illustrates the characteristics of communication channels through practical measurement and analytical approaches.

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, 2013.
• Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, February 2015
• Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2015.

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

K1  Mathematical methods appropriate to the programme

K2  Principles of engineering science appropriate to the programme

K3  Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to the programme

K4  A telecommunications viewpoint for the formulation of networked systems in terms of their function and performance

K5  Operational practices and requirements for safe operation relevant to the programme

K6  Recognise the core ethical principles defining the conduct of a professional engineer.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

C1 Select and apply appropriate mathematical and computer-based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems in Telecommunications

C2 Analyse complex telecommunications systems, their processes, components and products

C3 Innovate in solving novel and challenging networking problems and be aware of the limitations of the solutions

C4 Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources related to telecommunications

C5 Create new systems, processes, components or services 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:

P1 Use relevant test and measurement equipment

P2 Select, configure and use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)

P3 Design systems, components or processes

P4 Undertake testing of design ideas in the laboratory or by simulation, and analyse and critically evaluate the results

P5 Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of standards.

P6 Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

T1 Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms

T2 Use evidence-based methods in the solution of complex problems

T3 Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems

T4 Use an engineering approach to solve problems in unfamiliar situations

T5 Be creative and innovative in problem solving

T6 Use a wide range of information and communications technology

T7 Make informed, autonomous decisions to manage time and resources in project delivery

T8 Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level

T9 Recognise their own developmental potential and learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments.

T10 Assess potential solutions against organizational codes of conduct to judge the impact of their actions on others and on the integrity of their profession.

4. Programme structure

The following tables list the modules that comprise the programme. Students should select one optional module in each semester.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select modules totalling 15 credits) 

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (45 credits) 

Optional modules (Students should select modules totalling 15 credits) 

Project (60 credits)

The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor.

All module choice is subject to availability, timetabling, student number restrictions and students having taken appropriate pre-requisite modules.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo reassessment in the University’s special assessment period.

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