About this course

Our MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking master's programme prepares you to become a capable wireless engineer. We'll help you build core areas of expertise, from understanding the fundamentals of wireless transmission, coding and signal processing, to building wireless transceivers and designing intelligent wireless networks.

We are the top-ranked university for Telecommunication Engineering in Europe (ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2017-2020).

Wireless communication has had an enormous social impact on our civilisation, and the need for wireless engineers with advanced skills will continue to grow as our world becomes more connected. Future wireless networks will have to intelligently manage a massive number of 'Internet of Things (IoT)' devices in a highly complex environment and in real-time.

This programme will prepare you to become a proficient wireless engineer with in-depth knowledge and the ability to apply it. You'll gain an advanced understanding of areas such as:

transmission and coding
signal processing
transceiver design
network design

You'll also have access to outstanding experimental research facilities, including our world-class high-voltage lab and a £110m interdisciplinary clean room.

The key strength of this programme is that we place an emphasis on fundamental concepts and how they relate to recent advances in wireless system and network design. We use real-world examples to emphasise the relevance and importance of these concepts.

This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Course lead

Your course leader has research interests in:

energy-efficient transceiver design
machine to machine communications
millimetre wave communications transceiver design
MIMO
radio over fibre
V2X communications
machine learning for wireless communications

Visit Dr Mohammed El-Hajjar's staff profile to learn more about his work.

Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the programme specification

The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.

PDF

Download 2021-22 programme specification

229398

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 degree in communication engineering, electronic engineering, electrical engineering or a closely related subject.

You must also have an upper 2:1 in the following modules:

maths
signal processing
communication principles (communication engineering/wireless communications)
probability theory

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. You'll also begin preparing for your final project.

For the last 3 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Semester 1 overview

In the first semester you'll start with a review of key topics in wireless communications and signal processing. We'll introduce the core theoretical and fundamental knowledge for digital coding, transmission and signal processing, combined with the principles and techniques needed to design a wireless transceiver.

You will also cover important research skills and practices, including the fundamentals to simulate and analyse wireless systems.

Semester 2 overview

In the second semester, we'll expose you to more advanced topics in wireless systems and network design, including multimedia communications and future wireless techniques, such as the fifth generation mobile standard (5G).

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Digital Coding and Transmission

- To expand knowledge of techniques for information transmission via discrete (digital) channels, which have a wide area of applications, i.e. distributed computer systems, instrumentation and control systems, as well as communication systems of all types...

MSc Project

Your research project will enable you to explore in depth some aspect of your specialist subject area. You will be allocated a project supervisor with whom you will meet and agree a project brief and plan. These must be submitted to, and agreed by, ...

Research Methods and Project Preparation

The Module will prepare students for the summer Research Project and research based coursework exercises. It will give students a grounding in the research methods and techniques necessary in order for planning and successful execution and completion of t...

Signal Processing

This module aims to introduce to the students signal processing techniques, including analogue and digital filter design and systems design theories. The module also introduces the concepts of statistical signal processing including estimation and detecti...

Simulation of Mobile Communications

This module will ensure that all students on the MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking programme have the skills and fundamental knowledge that is prerequisite to all the other modules in the programme. The focus will be on using Matlab as a simu...

Wireless Transceiver Design and Implementation

This course introduces the principles and techniques needed to design a wireless transceiver. We will cover the process needed to take the main principles of digital communications such as digital modulation and detection. Through lectures and coursework,...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Advanced Systems and Signal Processing

This module aims to introduce to the students advanced model based signal processing methods and systems design theories, with illustrative case studies to demonstrate how the knowledge obtained in this module can be used in some challenging real life app...

Advanced Wireless Communications Networks and Systems

This module is taught in Semester 2. It is particularly aimed at equiping our MSc Mobile Communications and Smart Networking, and MEng Electronic Engineering with Wireless Communication students with advanced communication theory and technologies, vital f...

Cryptography

This module covers the mathematics, techniques, and applications of modern cryptography. We will look at the history of code making and code breaking, and draw lessons for the future from the mistakes and successes of the past. We will also give a gentle ...

Future Wireless Techniques

This course covers some advanced techniques that have the potential for application in the future generations of wireless communications systems. Recently, the research and development in wireless communications have been focused on the techniques for the...

Machine Learning for Wireless Communications

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of machine learning and then to apply the advanced machine learning principles for the design and optimisation of wireless communications systems and mobile networks. Recently, the rese...

Wireless and Mobile Networks

The module consists of the following 8 components: 1. Introduction; 2. Data link layer; 3. Medium access control sublayer; 4. Network layer; 5. Queueing theory and queueing models; 6. Cellular wireless networks; 7. Wireless local area networ...

Learning and assessment

Learning

Depending on the modules you choose, you'll learn through a combination of:

lectures
small group teaching and tutorials
directed reading and assignments
individual and group projects
laboratory work
independent study and practice

Assessment

We'll assess you through a mixture of:

written exams
coursework and coursework reports
progress reports
oral presentation
your final project and dissertation

Dissertation

Your final project is a chance to demonstrate your mastery of specialist techniques, methods of enquiry, and your ability to design and deliver advanced systems to a tight deadline, including a substantial dissertation.

Academic Support

Associated with your programme you will be able to access:
• IEEE Xplore
• References from the Next Generation Wireless Research Group

Careers

This programme provides an excellent platform for a career in academia or industry sectors related to generating, transmitting and processing signals such as transceiver design and wireless network design and optimisation.

Graduates from our MSc programmes are employed worldwide in leading companies at the forefront of technology.

We run a dedicated careers hub connected to over 100 organisations including:

IBM
Arm
Microsoft
Samsung
Google

As well as large multinationals, many graduates go on to work for small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups. We support aspiring entrepreneurs through a blend of networks, mentors, societies and our on-campus start-up incubator. Find out more about enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £26,850.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.

Application deadlines

UK students

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.