Data Communications MSc(Eng)

Program Overview

Through a combination of core and optional modules, students gain specialized knowledge in network architectures, performance analysis, coding techniques, mobile networks, and engineering design. The program culminates in a research project or dissertation, equipping graduates with the skills and expertise for successful careers in the telecommunications, IT, and engineering industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc(Eng) in Data Communications is a one-year, full-time program jointly taught by the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and the School of Computer Science at the University of Sheffield. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the dynamic field of efficient information transfer.

Outline:

• Network Performance Analysis: This module examines the performance of computer networks from a statistical perspective, utilizing queuing theory.
It explores the impact of traffic flow on network performance and delves into various models of traffic and queues, including single-server queues, multiple server queues, and the concept of blocking. It explores various aspects of digital communication, combining elementary communication theory with practical solutions to problems encountered.
• Principles of Communications: This module examines the mathematical foundations and derived theories and techniques used in a wide range of communication systems, particularly modern digital systems.
It aims to provide a theoretical background applicable to all communication systems, regardless of specific technology. It covers topics such as antenna design, multiple antenna arrays, health-related issues of mobile handsets, radio propagation issues, diversity gain, Rake reception, link budgets, cellular network design and deployment strategies, modulation schemes, and GSM/3G/4G/5G physical layer protocols.
• Engineering Research and Design Project: This module equips students with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to conduct independent and team-based research for solving engineering problems in various global contexts.
Students develop skills in critical literature review, engineering design, project management, teamwork, and communication.

Optional Modules:

• Foundations of Object Oriented Programming: This module introduces the foundations of object-oriented programming using the Java language, emphasizing software engineering principles and concepts underpinning object-oriented design and development.
• Object Oriented Programming and Software Design: This module presents the object-oriented approach to building large software systems from components in the Java Programming Language.
It covers large-scale program design and implementation issues, including the Java Application Programmer's Interface, AWT, Swing, and the Java Collections Framework. It aims to develop knowledge and understanding of fundamental information security principles, familiarize students with computer system compromise and countermeasures, and provide practical experience in implementing secure systems.
• 3D Computer Graphics: This module introduces the techniques used in modern 3D computer graphics, covering fundamental techniques that are the basis of work in various industries, such as entertainment and computer-aided design.
It explores topics related to 3D representations and manipulations, light reflection models, realism techniques (shadows and textures), ray tracing, and 3D animation.
• Software development for mobile devices: This module provides a thorough grounding in the principles of software development for mobile devices, using the Android platform as an example.
It emphasizes general principles common across all mobile platforms and demonstrates the real-world application of object-oriented programming principles and design patterns in software for mobile devices.
• Advanced Signal Processing: This module focuses on introducing advanced signal processing methods and technologies and their applications.
Topics include multi-rate filtering and filter banks, signal transforms, random signals, adaptive filtering, and array signal processing.
• Antennas, Propagation and Satellite Systems: This module reviews and applies electromagnetic theory for antenna analysis, covering topics such as radiation pattern, gain, input impedance, half-wave and full-wave dipole antennas, monopole antennas, image theory, antenna arrays, polarization, aperture theory, microstrip antennas, propagation in a plasma, ionospheric/tropospheric propagation of HF/VHF radio waves, satellite communications systems, earth stations, satellite transponders, and multiple access systems.
• Optical Communication Devices and Systems: This module examines the behavior of components in a communications system and how their design and individual performance are determined by system requirements.
• Broadband Wireless Techniques: This module provides an understanding of the latest communication techniques used in the design and operation of broadband wireless systems based on OFDM technology, such as WiFi, WiMAX, and LTE.
It explores the physical (PHY) layer, medium access control (MAC), and radio resource management functionalities of broadband wireless systems. It covers topics such as packet switching in wireless networks, radio link protocols, MAC protocols, packet scheduling, routing, IP protocol, mobile IP, wireless TCP, radio resource management, network planning and optimization, and network examples (WiFi, HSPA, or LTE).
• System Design: This module focuses on managing complexity in system design.
Students learn the basics of a structured approach to designing complex systems and undertake a design project that requires the application of state-of-the-art design tools to achieve error-free design structures.

Research Project/Dissertation:

Students can choose from a wide range of possibilities for their individual project, both within and outside the University. The project is completed during the summer, and students have a personal academic supervisor to guide them.

Assessment:

Assessment is through a combination of examinations, coursework, and a project dissertation with an oral presentation.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through research-led teaching, with support provided for the research project and dissertation.

Careers:

The MSc(Eng) in Data Communications prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the telecommunications, IT, and engineering industries. Potential career paths include:

• Network Engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Software Developer
• Data Analyst
• Research Scientist
Students holding a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree can comply with full CEng registration requirements upon completion of the program.

• Home (2024 annual fee) : £13,000
• Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £29,700