Course overview
Digital signal processing (DSP) is at the core of the communications revolution. Research is constantly being carried out to develop new DSP algorithms, allowing mobile broadband services, ‘Internet of Things’ applications and other technologies to be delivered to a growing number of users. Statistical signal processing is also fundamental to all aspects of the parallel robotics revolution, including sensing, localisation and the now ubiquitous discipline of machine learning.
This programme will give you a thorough introduction to the communications landscape, giving you an in-depth understanding of DSP, wireless communications, optical communications networks, FPGAs and the complex issues around network security.
The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Leeds is an exciting and stimulating environment. It’s home to specialist teaching facilities and a wealth of leading researchers working on real-world issues and contributing to global change.
This means you'll be learning the most up-to-date practices, preparing you with the specialist skill set and topical knowledge you’ll need to pursue a rewarding career in this field.
Why study at Leeds:
- This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
- Gain real-world experience: Build professional skills and glean insight through an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
- Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in areas such as communications networks and systems, smart energy systems and wireless communications.
- Advance your knowledge and skills in critical topics like modern industry practice, digital signal processing and programming.
- Build industry experience by conducting your own individual project which focuses on a real-world topic of your choice, giving you the chance to make your own contribution to science and develop professional skills in research and critical thinking.
- Access specialist and research-grade facilities including high-quality test and measurement equipment.
- Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team made up of researchers and academics who specialise in a wide range of communications and electronic topics.
- Enjoy small groups that are used to support the teaching, giving you access to regular feedback and help with solving problems you may have with a particular topic directly from the academic staff.
- Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society ShockSoc where you can meet more of your peers, attend high-quality technical visits, enjoy social events and get the chance to put theory into practice by participating in our own Robot Fighting League (RFL). Watch our RFL video to find out more.
- Build professional skills and industry insight: You can complete an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
Course details and modules
Throughout the year, you’ll study a set of core modules that will give you an in-depth understanding of DSP, wireless and optical communications systems and network security. Plus, you’ll conduct your own research project where you can take your theoretical learning and apply it in a practical setting.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
Modern Industry Practice – 15 credits
This module will engage you in developing a detailed understanding of the global engineering industry and support you with your career plans.
Wireless Communications Systems Design – 15 credits
In this module, you will explore the principles which govern the physical layer of modern wireless communications systems, including the software tools needed to design and evaluate the systems and sub-systems which form a wireless communications system.
Digital Signal Processing – 15 credits
This module covers the fundamental principles of digital signal processing and provides you with the skills to apply DSP techniques to a broad range of signal processing problems.
Cellular Mobile Communication Systems – 15 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of the operating principles of a broad range of cellular mobile systems and encourages you to consider the challenges and likely direction of future developments in cellular mobile systems.
Optical Communications Networks – 15 credits
This module covers the essential elements of modern optical networks. The module looks at the development of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM), the most popular, bandwidth-rich contemporary approach, its enabling technologies, node and network architectures.
FPGA Design for System-on-Chip – 15 credits
This module will provide you with an understanding of the design principles of modern FPGA systems using Hardware Description Languages and contemporary, industry-standard design tools.
Data Communications and Network Security – 15 credits
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of data communications networks and their use in a range of applications and consider the need for network security and appropriate security measures.
Programming – 15 credits
You will develop a competence in computer programming, using both Matlab and the C programming language.
MSc Individual Project – 60 credits
The focal point of the degree course is your individual project. Working on a project is incredibly satisfying, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
Your supervisor will help you to select a project that is right for you, in an area of your choice. This may give you the chance to work as an integral part of one of our active research institutes, focusing on a specialist topic that motivates you and using the appropriate research methods. The project will equip you with the independent research and critical thinking skills that you will draw on throughout your future career.
Recent projects have included:
- Powerline communications for smart grid
- Quantum key distribution over passive optical networks
- An energy-saving robot mobility diversity algorithm for wireless communications
- Compressive sensing for channel estimation in massive MIMO
- Deep learning for intrusion detection in software defined networks
Enhance Your Academic and Subject-Specific Language
As part of your course, you will have access to the Professional and Academic Communication module that provides valuable insights into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK while helping you develop your academic and subject-specific vocabulary.
Through a combination of in-person workshops and independent online study, you will explore the use of technology—such as translation tools and generative AI—to support effective communication. You will also build the language and literacy skills necessary to become a more confident and capable communicator throughout your studies.
Learning and teaching
Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines, through lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, examples classes, tutorials and project meetings.
Independent study is also important to the programme. You will develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge while studying the taught modules and undertaking your project work.
Specialist facilities
Our School is an exciting and stimulating environment where you will learn from leading researchers in specialist teaching facilities with high-quality test and measurement equipment. These include our Keysight Technologies Electronics Laboratory and Arm Embedded Systems Laboratory. During your final project, you will be able to work in the NXP Electronics Project Laboratory.
Depending on your project topic, you may also get to work in our specialist research laboratories.
Programme team
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You will be assessed using a range of techniques including examinations, mini-projects, case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests and coursework assignments.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in electronic and electrical engineering, communications engineering, telecommunications engineering, computer engineering, computer science, physics or a related subject with mathematical and technical content.
Succesful applicants will normally have studied and passed a range of modules, including communications and signal processing.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons) in one of the subjects listed above, or relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible, inclusive approach and consider every application carefully, although we can’t guarantee an offer.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
30 July 2027 – International applicants
10 September 2027 – UK applicants
Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Team
Email: pgtelec@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £14,700 (Total)
International: £33,800 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
Communications and signal processing are integral to our modern society. Almost every organisation worldwide relies on qualified specialists to contribute to their needs in this discipline – and the demand is only going to grow.
This course will help you obtain the technical skills that employers are looking for in any area of the communications and signal processing industry including optical networking, DSP design and implementation, cellular mobile, RF planning, broadband systems and general communications research and development.
You’ll also gain industrial experience through project work, empowering you with the knowledge and professional acumen you’ll need to pursue a career in this field.
Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:
- Transport Integration Engineer, L.M Ericsson (Nig) Ltd
- RF Indoor Planning, Orange Egypt
- Head of Standards, National Communications Authority
- Team Lead – Transmission Synchronisation, MP Infrastructure Ltd.
- Engineer, China Unicom
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
- MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Find out more about career support.
Work placements and industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an eight-week virtual work experience, working on a project aligned with your academic discipline in partnership with a relevant organisation.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain valuable insight into your chosen field, helping to solve a real business challenge based on a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your prospects of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the virtual work experience:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to build your professional network.
- Gain valuable insight and consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real business challenges.
- Apply your learning in practice and develop hands-on skills.
- Strengthen your employability and career prospects.
- Build confidence, make new connections and explore your future career options.
Throughout the eight-week programme, you’ll be supported by an academic tutor who will meet regularly with your group. You’ll also receive guidance from the employability team at every stage.
We’ll provide tailored careers support sessions to help you develop professional behaviours and showcase your skills to employers. On completion, you’ll receive a reference letter from Leeds recognising the skills and experience you have gained.
When you begin your MSc, the employability team will introduce the scheme during a lecture in your first month, answer any questions and explain how to register.