Communications and Information Engineering (MSc) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Communications and Information Engineering taught Master's degree.
Our Communications and Information Engineering MSc will equip you for jobs within this field, including logistics and software. Warwick's School of Engineering, ranked 6th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2022 for General Engineering), will provide you with comprehensive training in the essential elements of modern communication and information engineering.
This course is accredited by the IET and InstMC. More information is available on the School of Engineering websiteLink opens in a new window.
Course overview
Our MSc Communications and Information Engineering allows students to gain an in- depth understanding of the theoretic underpinnings and practical design of modern-day wireless and optical communications systems. It will enable you to understand how communication systems worked in the past, the present, and how they may be designed for the future, including key research vectors such as 5G/6G communications, Internet-of-Things (IoTs), digital twins, and more.
You’ll cover developments in radio network architectures and deployment and have the opportunity to study digital multimedia storage and communication technologies, data analytics and data mining in terms of algorithms and goals in real-world problems. Cross-discipline options from the Department of Computer Science offer key insights into approaches for dealing with the explosion in data collected in modern society (‘big data’).
After graduation you’ll be well equipped for employment opportunities in modern information and communication engineering, which is currently undergoing a revolution. Recent graduates from the course occupy positions in a variety of industries in the UK and worldwide, including core network provision, logistics, software support and data communication equipment/services, as well as banking, oil and gas, and fashion. The course is also the perfect platform for progression to a research degree.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
A minimum 2:i undergraduate UK Honours degree or equivalent international qualification, in an engineering, physical sciences or mathematical subject.
You can see how your current degree score or GPA equates to the British system in our Study pages in the equivalent scores table.
We are willing to consider applications from students with lower qualifications on a case-by-case basis, particularly when the applicant can evidence relevant employment, practical experience or strong performance in undergraduate modules related to their proposed postgraduate course of study.
To ensure you have the essential foundations for the course, and depending on your overall academic profile, we may require you to take a mathematical skills test.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
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
This module gives you the opportunity to demonstrate that you have independently contributed primary data and/or a new analysis of secondary data, within your chosen advanced research topic.
Projects will be highly variable in nature to reflect the range of topics within the programmes of study but all will provide you with an opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes. Thus, projects may entail experimentation, modelling, analysis and literary survey skills to develop advanced skills in the discovery and occasionally creation of new knowledge. The module also offers the chance for you to pursue curiosity driven work guided by an academic supervisor.
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 an individual research 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.
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.
Your career
Graduates from this course can work for:
- Telecommunication companies
- Finance companies
- Applied Artificial Intelligence companies
- Automotive companies
- Transport Companies
- or pursue research programmes (PhD) in academic institutions
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Options in Engineering
- Meet an Engineer
- Engineering, Science and Technology Fair
- Considering a PhD in the STEM Subjects
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
Engineering at Warwick
Use your maths and science skills to creatively solve real-life problems.
Find out more about us on our website.Link opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
- Advanced Mechanical Engineering (MSc)
- Biomedical Engineering (MSc)
- Communications and Information Engineering (MSc)
- Diagnostics. Data and Digital Health MSc
- Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health (Medical Diagnostics) MSc
- Diagnostics, Data and Digital Health (Medical Imaging) MSc
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MSc)
- Electrical Power Engineering (MSc)
- Humanitarian Engineering (MSc/PGDip/PGCert/PGA)
- Humanitarian Engineering (with Management) (MSc)
- Humanitarian Engineering (with Sustainability) (MSc)
- Predictive Modelling and Scientific Computing (MSc)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
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.
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
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
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