Cyber Security and Communications Engineering with a Year in Industry (Taught)

Place yourself at the forefront of modern communications engineering on this MSc. We'll combine theory and practice as we immerse you in all aspects of digital and wireless communications, cyber security, key programming languages and advanced signal processing techniques.

Graduates with expertise in telecommunications are highly sought after in industry. On this MSc, you’ll combine theory and practice to discover the existing and emerging technologies driving rapid advances in telecommunications and wireless systems.

We’ll introduce you to the components of communication networks, examine the fundamentals of radio frequency engineering, and show you how to design and develop digital and wireless communication systems.

Gaining knowledge of the programming languages C++ and MATLAB, you’ll receive a grounding in advanced signal processing techniques and learn how to use industry standard software.

We’ll explore the principles, components and protocols of communication networks and analyse the mechanisms, models and characteristics of radio signal transmission in wireless systems. An introduction to information theory will additionally familiarise you with source coding techniques.

Further opportunities to specialise are available through optional modules. These cover mobile communications and security, microelectronics, electromagnetics, antennas, image processing and advanced systems.

The programme culminates with an independent research project. We’ll provide a thorough grounding in how to plan and conduct research and hone your project management skills to prepare you for investigating an area of cyber security and communications engineering of your choice.

Please note: We constantly review and develop our postgraduate programmes. This MSc is also available with the alternative title Telecommunications and Wireless Systems MSc for entry September 2025, and gives students the option to graduate with either of these two MSc titles.

Who is this course for?
This MSc is for graduates with a good degree in an electrical/electronic or engineering related subject.

What you'll learn

• Advanced signal processing techniques

• Principles, protocols and components of communications networks, including network security

• How to design and code software for engineering applications using the programming languages C++ and MATLAB

• Research and project management skills

• Mechanisms, models and characteristics of radio signal transmission in wireless systems

• How to design and simulate a wireless communication system using industrial standard software

• The fundamentals of radio frequency engineering

• How to design and develop advanced digital and wireless communication systems

• Source coding techniques

• Principles, protocols and security mechanisms of mobile communications networks

• High frequency electromagnetics and circuit design techniques

Full module details are available on the course page on the University website.

Modules in the first year of the course are assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. a combination of examinations and coursework. The examinations take place at the end of each semester and typically take the form of an in-person written assignment, usually to be completed in a couple of hours. You’ll be assigned coursework across the length of each semester. This typically takes the form of marked laboratory reports, assignments, essays, class tests and presentations. The second year of the course is assessed through a portfolio of evidence from your industrial placement and a major project undertaken in your placement setting.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS