General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:ii undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant branch of engineering or science.

Maths requirement

All applicants will be expected to know the prescribed mathematical concepts - please visit shown on this Engineering web page. The onus is on the individual to ensure that they understand the required material in order to cope easily with the course.

We are looking for competence in the majority of mathematics that is taught in the first and second year of an undergraduate Engineering or Physics course. We reserve the right to request that you undertake a short online test assessment.

English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:

• Band A
• IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.

Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

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

Teaching

The degree comprises eight taught modules and a project. The individual research project is an in-depth experimental, theoretical or computational investigation of a topic chosen by you in conjunction with your academic supervisor.

Recent project titles include:

• Network coding for underwater communications
• Nanoscale communication networks
• Design of radio devices using metamaterials

Class sizes

Class sizes for lectures, practical laboratory sessions and seminars vary depending on the number of students taking the module.

Typical contact hours

The MSc degree (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

• Eight taught modules (15 credits each)
• A research project (60 credits)

The typical workload for a 15-credit module is as follows:

• 20-30 hours of lectures/seminars
• 5 hours of laboratory work
• 45 hours of private/directed study
• 70 hours of assessed work

The research project is valued at 60 credits and students should plan to execute around 600 hours of work towards the completion of the project dissertation.

Assessment

A combination of coursework and written examinations.

Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

Taught course fees  Research course fees

Fee Status Guidance

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.

Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?

If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.

Find out more about how universities assess fee status

Additional course costs

As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.

For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).

Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:

• Core text books
• Printer credits
• Dissertation binding
• Robe hire for your degree ceremony

Scholarships and bursaries