Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Digital Communication Systems

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Final award MSc/ PGDip / PGCert
Programme title Digital Communication Systems
Programme code WSPT02
Length of programme The programme is available on a full-time basis only. The duration of the programme is one year.
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

MSc Full time: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/WSPT02

Date at which the programme specification was published Fri, 07 Dec 2018 09:39:20 GMT

1. Programme Aims


The Master of Science programme in Digital Communication Systems aims to develop a thorough knowledge of the principles and techniques required for the design and development of the next generation of digital communication systems.

The programme: 

  • provides opportunities, through group and individual learning, for the study of key engineering topics required in modern digital communications.
  • enables students to access specialist material related to networked and mobile systems, and the signal processing they require for secure communication.
  • enables students to study advanced material that is the result of recent research, often involving design techniques and basic theories that have been developed in the School.
  • provides the opportunity to undertake an advanced project in association with the research groups in the School: in the Centre for Mobile Communications Research or in one of the research groups in wireless communications, high speed networks and advanced signal processing. Occasionally such projects can be taken in industry or in a number of European institutions participating in EU exchange programmes.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

  • UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; Engineering Technician, Incorporated Engineer and Chartered Engineer Standard, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
  • UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence; The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes, Engineering Council UK, 2013.
  • Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, February 2015
  • Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2015.

 

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of

  • Mathematical methods appropriate to the programme
  • Principles of engineering science appropriate to the programme
  • Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to the programme
  • Design principles and techniques appropriate to electronic and electrical components, equipment and associated software
  • Operational practices and requirements for safe operation relevant to the programme

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

  • Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems
  • Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products
  • Develop engineering solutions to practical problems
  • Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources
  • Develop new systems, processes, components or products by integrating ideas from a wide range of sources
b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

  • Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing engineering problems relevant to the programme
  • Use relevant test and measurement equipment
  • Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)
  • Design systems, components or processes
  • Undertake testing of design ideas in the laboratory or by simulation, and analyse and critically evaluate the results
  • Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources
  • Manage a project and apply appropriate processes
  • Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to

  • Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms
  • Use evidence based methods in the solution of complex problems
  • Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems
  • Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations
  • Be creative and innovative in problem solving
  • Use a wide range of information and communications technology
  • Manage time and resources
  • Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level
  • Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

4. Programme structure

The following table lists the modules that comprise the programme.

Students should select two optional modules indicated in semester 1 and three optional modules indicated in semester 2.

Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

C/O

WSP006

Fundamentals of Digital Signal Processing

15

1

C

WSP011

Information Theory and Coding

15 

1

C

WSP003

Research Project

15

1

C

WSP009

Communication Networks

15

1

O

WSP010

Personal Radio Communications

15

1

O

WSP015

Communication Channels

15

1

O

WSP008

Digital Signal Processing for Software Defined Radio

15

2

O

WSP016

Telecommunications Network Security

15

2

O

WSP017

Mobile Network Technologies

15

2

O

WSP023

Antennas

15

2

O

WSP024

Multimedia over Networks

15

2

O

WSP014

Project in Digital Communication Systems

60

other

C

Key: Compulsory = (C) Optional = (O)

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Provision will be made in accordance with Regulation XXI for candidates who have the right of re-examination to undergo reassessment in the University’s special assessment period.

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

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