Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The Master of Science programme in Mobile Communications is designed to provide knowledge of the key technologies in the wired and wireless parts of modern cellular systems.

The Programme:

• Provides an understanding of the principles and practices related to mobile communications, including their protocols and standards.
• Provides students with the signal processing methods required to analyse mobile communications systems.
• Provides an opportunity to conduct project work in well-equipped research facilities for the simulation and analysis of mobile communications technology.
• Illustrates the characteristics of mobile communication channels through practical measurement and analytical approaches

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:

K1 Mathematical methods appropriate to the programme

K2 Principles of engineering science appropriate to the programme

K3 Principles of Information Technology and Communications appropriate to the programme

K4 Design principles and techniques appropriate to electronic and electrical components, equipment and associated software

K5 Operational practices and requirements for safe operation relevant to the programme

K6 Recognise the core ethical principles defining the conduct of a professional engineer.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

C1 Select and apply appropriate mathematical and/or computer-based methods for modelling and analysing practical and hypothetical engineering problems relevant to Mobile Communications

C2 Model and analyse engineering systems, processes, components and products

C3 Develop engineering solutions to practical problems

C4 Integrate, evaluate and use information, data and ideas from a wide range of sources related to Mobile Communications

C5 Create 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:

P1 Use appropriate mathematical methods for modelling and analysing engineering problems relevant to the programme

P2 Use relevant test and measurement equipment

P3 Use computational tools and packages (including programming languages where appropriate)

P4 Design systems, components or processes

P5 Undertake testing of design ideas in the laboratory or by simulation, and analyse and critically evaluate the results

P6 Search for and retrieve information, ideas and data from a variety of sources

P7 Manage a project and apply appropriate processes

P8 Produce technical reports, papers, diagrams and drawings

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to

T1 Manipulate, sort and present data in a range of forms

T2 Use evidence-based methods in the solution of complex problems

T3 Work with limited, incomplete and/or contradictory information in the solution of unfamiliar problems

T4 Use an engineering approach to the solution of problems in unfamiliar situations

T5 Be creative and innovative in problem solving

T6 Use a wide range of information and communications technology

T7 Manage time and resources

T8 Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing at an appropriate level

T9 Learn effectively, continuously and independently in a variety of environments

T10 Assess potential solutions against organisational codes of conduct to judge the impact of their actions on others and on the integrity of their profession.

4. Programme structure

The following tables list the modules that comprise the programme. All modules on the programme are compulsory.

Semester 1

Compulsory modules (75 credits)

Semester 2

Compulsory modules (45 credits)

Project (60 credits)

The taught modules are normally prerequisites for the Project module, which is an individual project under the direction of a supervisor.

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