Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Mobile Communications is designed to provide a fundamental background and thorough knowledge of practical solutions relevant to mobile communication systems.

Our Masters in Mobile Communications is designed to help students hit the ground running in employment. It is taught by leaders in the field of communications research at a leading UK University known to be expert in engagement with Industry. Our State-of-the-Art labs provide hands-on experience of the practical problems encountered in the design and measurement of communications systems as well as the theoretical solutions to the problems of 2, 3 and 4G.  The course is taught in English with training in technical writing and presentation skills. Take this course for routes to employment if you wish be part of the mobile communications community and share in the prosperity being generated by the most popular technology in the world.

The Programme:

• provides a foundation for a career in modern information engineering through study of advanced modules in digital and mobile communication.
• equips students with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in areas covering personal and mobile systems. 
• exposes students to a variety of group and individual learning experiences.
• gives opportunity to be part of the research community within the School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering and attend seminars and interact with world-leading visiting researchers.
• delivers graduates with the skills necessary to work in areas of mobile communication systems, which includes smart phones and new multimedia, interactive services, as well as provision of anywhere-anytime communications.

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, 2011.

IET Handbook of Learning Outcomes for BEng and MEng Degree Programmes, October 2009.

The UK Quality Code for Higher Education, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, April 2012.

Master's degree characteristics, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, March 2010.

The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, August 2008.

Subject Benchmark Statement: Engineering, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, November 2010.

Code of practice for the assurance of academic quality and standards in higher education, Section 7: Programme design, approval, monitoring and review, The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, September 2006.

The Northern Ireland Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (NICATS); Principles and Guidelines, 2002.

Proposals for national arrangements for the use of academic credit in higher education in England; Final report of the Burgess Group, December 2006.

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

All modules for the Mobile Communication Systems programmes are compulsory.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

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

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