ObjectivesThis exciting course gives you an advanced and comprehensive coverage of specialist skills required by an engineer working in photonic communications. The compulsory modules offered on this course will give you a broad and detailed coverage of photonic communication systems and technology, while the optional supporting modules give you the opportunity to match the course to your specific requirements.
Entry requirementsThe programme provides an excellent basis for engineers who wish to update their knowledge in this area, or students / engineers who wish to go on to do research or study for a PhD degree, as well as first degree students who would like to enhance their training.
Academic titleMSc Photonic Communications
Course descriptionPhotonic Communications (MSc)
Duration: 1 year
Course Content
During the autumn and spring semesters, you will complete 120-credits’ worth of taught modules. This will include 90 credits of compulsory Photonics modules:
Optical Communications with project
Photonic Communications Components
Integrated Photonics: Design and Technology
In addition, you will be able to choose 30-credits’ worth of supporting material from the following list:
Advanced Communications
Digital Communications
Electronic Design
Solid State Devices
Computer Systems Architecture
Hardware Description Languages for Programmable Logic
RF Microelectronics
Telecommunication Electronics
Microwave and Optical Engineering
VLSI Design
Please note that all module details are subject to change.
After completing the taught components of the course, you will undertake a major piece of advanced independent research under the supervision of a specialist in your chosen area.
We will provide you with advice and guidance while you select and refine your area of study, and offer close supervision and support as you complete your research and your MSc.
Course Structure
The MSc in Photonic Communications is taught on a full-time basis over 1 year.
This course is operated on a modular basis and consists of two semesters during which you will follow a series of taught modules (worth 120 credits), followed by a 60-credit research project undertaken during the summer period.
You will be taught using the latest advances in teaching methods and electronic resources, as well as small-group and individual tuition.
Most taught modules are assessed by examination and / or written work.
Tutors provide feedback on assignments. Our objective is to help you develop the confidence to work as a professional academic, at ease with the conventions of the discipline, and ready to tackle any area of research in Photonic Communications.
In the early stages of your project dissertation, your supervisor will read through and comment on your draft work. The project dissertation itself comprises a significant piece of your own research.
We also offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Photonic Communications, which does not have a dissertation/project requirement.
Key facts
The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has long been at the forefront of research and teaching in the area of Photonic Communications.
The Faculty of Engineering is widely recognised as world-class - this fact is borne out by the high standard of our research and the extensive funding it attracts - overall research awards recently topped £80m.
The School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nottingham has a strong reputation in both teaching and research. It achieved an excellent rating for its teaching quality rating (22/24) in 2000, and a grade of 4 in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise.
Particular features of the programme include: one-to-one tuition with expert members of staff; teaching informed by active leading-edge researchers in the field; innovative and engaging teaching methods; access to many online resources; and flexibility in course content