Entry requirementsIf your interests lie in the overall planning, design and operation of communication networks and in helping to meet customers’ needs and aspirations, then this course will provide a firm basis. You will probably have a background in some aspect of computing, electronics or communications and an interest in system-level rather than circuit-level design. As examples, you will probably not want to be involved in the detailed design of a mobile phone or an antenna, though you will be interested in knowing what such components can and cannot do. You will be interested in developing and commissioning a mobile phone network for a new geographical region or introducing wireless network multimedia to a company.
Academic titleMSc Communication Network Planning And Management
Course descriptionAs new technologies develop, communication systems have ever increasing potential, but also become more diverse and complex. There is a growing worldwide demand for technologists who can translate clients' communication needs and aspirations into a secure and reliable communication network. Such networks may be within the bounds of a company or be very extensive and meet regional or national needs. They may integrate data, audio, video and broadcast information. They may be required for companies or geographical regions that have, as yet, no communications infrastructure or interoperate with older systems already in place.
This course is designed to allow you to work in this fast-changing environment. The emphasis is on understanding system-level principles and on the design and implementation of systems to meet the communication needs established by customers. There are eight units covering theory and practical applications.
An alternative study mode, based on an extended project, is available to applicants who already have a significant specialist background in the field of study.
Communication systems and networks provide a means of linking people and businesses on a global scale and have become vital to modern society. This course aims to prepare you for a career in the overall planning, design and operation of communication networks. Such networks include global, national, regional, local and company-based systems and may integrate data, audio, video, multimedia and broadcast information. Consequently, this course focuses more on establishing and meeting customers’ needs and on implementing working systems than a more conventional communications course, and less on the detailed design of how the individual building blocks of a communication system work.
You will study eight units on this course, followed by an individual project. Currently, the units are:
-IP communications
-Communication system principles
-Mobile and satellite systems
-Data network principles
-Data network operation
-Communications security
-Network configuration
-Project preparation
The course ends with a four-month individual project in which you apply your knowledge to a significant communications system or network planning problem. Projects are tailored to your individual interests and may take place in our own laboratories or, by agreement, in industry