MSc Wireless Communications | Part-time

Program Overview

LJMU's MSc Wireless Communications equips students with the technical and managerial skills to thrive in the dynamic field of wireless communications. The program offers a comprehensive understanding of wireless principles, technologies, and applications, preparing graduates for careers as wireless network design engineers, wireless communications engineers, and senior engineers in related industries. The program is supported by the expertise of Sensor City, ensuring that graduates are at the forefront of innovation in wireless technology.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

LJMU's Wireless Communications MSc caters to the growing demand for postgraduate professionals in this dynamic field, both within the UK and internationally.

Objectives:

• To equip students with the technical and managerial skills necessary for success in the wireless communications industry.
• To develop students' ability to design, analyze, and implement wireless communication systems.
• To foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for professional success.

Program Description:

• The program is available as a standard full-time Masters one-year program (180 credits) or an extended full-time Masters 20 month program (240 credits).
• Both versions involve full-time study at LJMU during semesters one and two, completing the taught modules.
• The one-year program culminates in a Dissertation completed over the summer.
• The 20-month program includes a Group Design Project and Dissertation in the second year.

Outline:

Course Modules:

Core Modules:

• Sensors Networks and Data (20 credits): This module focuses on theoretical understanding and practical experience in wireless and sensor networks, covering concepts, protocol design, and coding techniques.
It aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, and Reduced Inequalities.
• Advanced Signal Processing (20 credits): This module aims to cultivate an advanced understanding of techniques and practical experience in industry-oriented applications of digital signal processing (DSP).
It is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
• Digital Communications Systems (20 credits): This module enhances students' knowledge and technical skills in the field of digital communications.
It provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between bandwidth, modulation, coding, noise, interference, and the resultant effective data transfer rate. This knowledge equips them to excel in the realm of digital communications.
• Wireless Networks (20 credits): This module fosters an extensive knowledge of network architectures and the protocols employed within them.
It equips students with an in-depth understanding of network concepts, protocols, and their operational contexts, empowering them to excel in the field.
• Radio & Optical Signal Propagation (10 credits): This module empowers students to design and analyze telecommunications systems while critically evaluating available choices.
It delves into the essential components of telecommunication systems and the associated design considerations, aligning with UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnerships for the Goals.
• MSc Dissertation (60 credits): This project module provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to drive a deep/thorough investigation, undertake high-quality academic research, and demonstrate critical evaluation of results.
• Research Skills (10 credits): This module prepares students to undertake their own research project and delivers the required skill set for successful completion of investigations.
• Professional and Leadership Skills (10 credits): This module develops awareness of the legal and ethical framework surrounding the activities of a professional engineer.
It also fosters an awareness of the Emotional Competence Framework for a professional engineer, helping students develop personal and social competency skills appropriate for a professional engineer, such as adaptability, creativity diversification, leveraging diversity, political awareness, leadership, and team capabilities.

Course Schedule:

• Year 1: Full-time study at LJMU, completing the taught modules.
• Year 2 (20-month program only): Group Design Project and Dissertation.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Activity-based learning
• Group discussions
• Panel sessions
• Inverted classroom learning

Faculty:

• Dr Gerard Edwards: Programme Leader
• Dr Mike Shaw: Subject Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Postgraduate Programme Leader
• Ronan McMahon: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
• Dr Sebastian Chandler-Crnigoj: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
• Alan Bury: Senior Teaching Fellow
• Prof Dingli Yu: Professor
• Dr Princy Johnson: Reader

Unique Approaches:

• Industrial Placement: Students can undertake an industrial placement during the second year of study.
Interviews with industry partners are conducted to secure these placements.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Wireless Network Design Engineers
• Wireless Communications Engineers
• Senior Engineers in the fields of wireless systems, sensors, and data analytics
• Related industries

Opportunities:

• Postgraduates are highly sought after by employers.
• Many occupy senior positions within major UK and international companies.

Outcomes:

• The program develops both the technical and managerial skills needed to succeed in a chosen career.

Other:

• The program is supported by the experience of research in wireless sensor networks and the facilities of Sensor City.
• Postgraduates from this program will be at the forefront of technology, becoming future leaders in their respective organizations.