Entry requirements
Standard Entry Applicants should normally have, or expect to obtain before entry, one of the following: # a minimumof a lower second class degree in a subject related to their proposed area of study. # a degree, or in some special cases an equivalent appropriate qualification, supported by relevant work-based learning. Applicants will normally have a Physics or Engineering undergraduate background, or experience in those areas and will be planning to undertake a career in either Communications or Microelectronics. Plus one of the following: * Other: International students are required to satisfy a minimum proficiency in both written and spoken English. They should have studied at undergraduate level in English, or have one of the following English language proficiency qualifications: a British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 (or above). Additional Notes There are normally two intakes for this programme each year - one in September and one in January. Students completing one third of the programme are eligible for a PG Cert, after two-thirds a PG Dip and on successful completion, students are awarded an MSc.
Course description
OURSE INFORMATION
Why study Microelectronic and Communications?
Advanced Embedded System Technologies and Design covers the 'enabling technology' of embedded and microcontrollers and their use in modern electronic and communication systems. A number of microcontroller architectures are considered with an emphasis on both hardware and software design techniques in embedded systems.
Digital Electronic Design Automation provides you with the knowledge to design, at high abstraction levels, advanced digital integrated circuits. Hardware Description Languages (for example, VHDL, Verilog) and design verification form the central underpinning theme in collaboration with both CAD tools and automated test tools.
Silicon Electronic Design provides you with the knowledge to design, at varying abstraction levels, integrated circuit electronics for both analogue and digital circuitry.
Computer Aided Methods for Engineers provides an opportunity for advanced exploration into your main subject areas of interest, through use of appropriate engineering computer packages and their application to substantial engineering problems.
Project enhances your ability to retrieve information, presentation skills and project planning. The project will include an aspect of information retrieval and critical appraisal; development of practical skills and/or discussion of results and an opportunity to compose a written dissertation.
Optical Fibre Communication Systems provides the student with an understanding of the performance characteristics of optical fibres and associated components; an appreciation of the overall system requirements of optical fibre communication systems and their implementation; an overview of current practice with regards to optical fibre systems and anticipated possible future developments.
Radio Frequency Communication Systems enables the student to analyse and simulate selected communication sub-systems modules and relate the specifications and EMC requirements to their design.
Research Methods provides an understanding of the research methods that can be applied to the subject of Microelectronics and Communication Engineering.
Project Management Studies provides an overview of the key principles and practices related to the effective professional practice as a project manager. Project enhances your ability to retrieve information, presentation skills and project planning. The project will include an aspect of information retrieval and critical appraisal; development of practical skills and/or discussion of results and an opportunity to compose a written dissertation.
MODULE INFORMATION
Year 1 Modules
EN0519 Silicon Electronic Design (CORE, 10 Credits)
EN0718 Computer Aided Methods for Engineers (CORE, 20 Credits)
EN0719 Embedded System Technologies and Design (CORE, 20 Credits)
EN0720 Digital Design Automation (CORE, 20 Credits)
EN0722 Radio Frequency Communication Systems (CORE, 20 Credits)
EP0191 Optical Fibre Communication Systems (CORE, 10 Credits)
IS0430 Research Methods (CORE, 10 Credits)
IS0737 Project Management Studies (CORE, 10 Credits)
EN0542 Project MSc E & T Part II (CORE, 60 Credits)
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
The programme consists of a balance of taught modules and a project making 180 credit points in total. Students will normally take one third of the programme as taught modules, together with a 30-credit point directed learning module and project equivalent to one half of the programme (90 credits 30+60).
Every project involves both research and practical work and culminates in a dissertation. Some modules will be taught conventionally, others may be taught using independent or distance learning materials, with the support of an appropriate tutor.
Students enrolling in the programme choose their project in consultation with the appropriate academic staff. The particular choice of project for a student will take into account the student's interests, aspirations and previous experience.
CAREERS
The programme is designed to allow students to update, extend and deepen their knowledge in a flexible course to enhance their career opportunities in either the Microelectronics or Communication Engineering industry, or as a preparation for further academic research.
