MSc 5G Advanced Communications

Program Overview

This full-time course provides comprehensive knowledge of 5G communications systems, covering practical, theoretical, and technological aspects. It explores advancements in mobile and wireless technologies, including applications in robotics, IoT, health monitoring, and security. Students engage with industry experts to develop skills in standards, software-defined radio, IoT, big data, and hardware design. The program culminates in a three-month summer research project, preparing graduates for careers in the communications sector and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This full-time course covers the practical, theoretical, and technological aspects of 5G Communications Systems as they evolve over the coming years. Applications will cover robotics & autonomous systems, UAVs, immersive systems and augmented realities, health monitoring, cyber-integrated systems, and smart grids. On the course you will engage with experts and specialists whose integrated knowledge will enable you to gain the skills, knowledge, and expertise to be part of the definition of the next generation of mobile and wireless communications. These will include: Mobile & Wireless Standards (such as LTE, 802.11x,) Software Defined Radio (SDR) Software Defined Networking (SDN) Systems Internet of Things (IoT) Wireless Communications Security & Cybersecurity systems Spectrum Access, & Dynamic Spectrum 5G Hardware Systems Design – FPGA & Microcontrollers Advanced DSP/Comms Systems; eg Massive MIMO Augmented Reality & Advanced Multimedia Systems

Outline:

You'll study a selection of compulsory and elective classes, followed by a three-month summer research project working in a core area of 5G Communications system design, either in the Department or with an industry partner via an internship. Facilities for research projects are extensive and these will allow you to choose to work on projects in a wide variety of areas such as physical and MAC layers (e.g. Advanced LTE) from IoT, cybersecurity, dynamic spectrum, massive-MIMO, low latency communications, or in applications such as smart agriculture, environment monitoring, computer vision, communicating radar, satellite systems, automotive, driver-less cars and of course some application domains yet to be established with the advent of 5G!

Assessment:

A variety of assessment techniques are used throughout the course. Each module has a combination of written assignments, individual and group reports, oral presentations, practical lab work and, where appropriate, an end-of-term exam. Assessment of the summer research project consists of four elements, with individual criteria: Interim report (10%, 1,500 to 3,000 words) – The purpose of this report is to provide a mechanism for supervisors to provide valuable feedback on the project’s objectives and direction The poster presentation is designed to give you an opportunity to practise that Final report (55%) – This assesses the communication of project objectives and context, accuracy and relevant of background material, description of practical work and results, depth and soundness of discussion and conclusions, level of engineering achievement and the quality of the report’s presentation Conduct (20%) – Independent study, project and time management are key features of university learning.

Teaching:

We use a blend of teaching and learning methods including interactive lectures, on-line video lectures, problem-solving tutorials and practical project-based laboratories. Each module comprises approximately five hours engagement per week. Some classes are presented in traditional lecture-tutorial-lab style, and we also offer a number of “flipped learning” classes whereby lectures are delivered through complete on-line video sets, with complementary in-class discussion and review seminars held each week to discuss relevant topics and subject matter. The teaching and learning methods ensure you'll develop not only technical engineering expertise but also communications, project management and leadership skills.

Careers:

As communications now impacts on virtually all areas of society, commerce and business, job opportunities are excellent, and you will be equipped for employment across a range of sectors including mobile/wireless, IT, defence, and big data. Professional and technical occupations with international companies such as Samsung, Xilinx, British Telecom, MathsWorks, Nokia and Texas Instruments, as well as local companies such as Cirrus Logic, Leonardo, and Stream, are available. British Telecom, Vodafone, Everything-Everywhere, Xilinx, Cisco, Texas Instruments, MathWorks, NXP/Qualcomm and Selex ES are just a few examples of the industry partners working with Strathclyde at this time, and you have the opportunity to engage with them during your studies.

Scotland£10,800 England, Wales & Northern Ireland£10,800 International£28,250