Entry requirements
Standard Entry Applicants should normally have, or expect to obtain before entry, one of the following: * a good honours 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 should also have studied at undergraduate level in English, or have a qualification equivalent to IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 (213 computer-based). Applicants will normally have a Physics or Engineering undergraduate background, or experience in those areas and will be planning to undertake a career in Communications or Optoelectronics. Plus one of the following: * Other: International students are required to satisfy a minimum requirement regarding their proficiency in both written and spoken English. This requirement is currently a British Council International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) score of 6.5 (or above) or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 575 or TOEFL computer based score of 230 (or above). Additional Notes There are two start dates each year in September and 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
COURSE INFORMATION
Why study Optoelectronics and Communications?
This programme has been designed with a complementary set of modules that will build skills to the level that would enable you to work in the Optoelectronic and Communications sector in addition to achieving the University MSc qualification.
What you will study
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.
Photonic Networks provides understanding of photonic network technology and its applications in modern optical communication systems. The delivery method for this module will be lectures supported by seminar sessions.
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 aims to equip the student with an understanding of the research methods that can be applied to the study of Optoelectronics and Communication Systems.
Project Management Studies aims to consider, evaluate and apply the key knowledge and skills that underpin the professional practice of project management - as is used in a wide range of technical and business related disciplines.
Silicon Electronic Design provides the student with knowledge to design, at varying abstraction levels, integrated circuit electronics for analogue circuitry.
Optical Sources and Detectors aims to deepen students' understanding of: the principles of operation design, output and methods of fabrication of optoelectronic devices including LEDs, semiconductor lasers, photodetectors and PV solar cells.
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)
EN0722 Radio Frequency Communication Systems (CORE, 20 Credits)
EN0723 Photonic Network Systems (CORE, 20 Credits)
EN0724 Optical Sources and Detectors (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 course as taught modules, together with a 30-credit point directed learning module and project equivalent to one half of the course (90 credits 30+60).
Every project involves both research and practical work and culminates in a dissertation. Some modules will be taught conventionally, whilst others may be taught using independent or distance learning materials, with the support of an appropriate tutor.
Students enrolling in the course 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
This 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 Communications or Optoelectronics industry, or as preparation for further academic research.
