Communications and Signal Processing MSc (Eng)

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 and the complex issues around network security. You can also study specialist modules such as embedded microprocessors or FPGA System-on-Chip.

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:

• Graduate with an MSc accredited by the IET from a university that ranks 8th in the UK for Electronic & Electrical Engineering, The Guardian League Table 2022.

• Learn the latest innovations in areas such as communications networks and systems, smart energy systems and wireless communications from our world-leading research conducted right here on campus that feeds directly into the course.

• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical topics like modern industry practice, digital signal processing and programming.

• Build industry experience and conduct 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.

• Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have secured jobs in communications organisations worldwide.

Accreditation

The MSc is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) 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.

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students. For this course, these are the quality standards set by the IET.

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.

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. This is your chance to make your own contribution to science.

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

• Physical layer security using artificial noise

• An energy-saving robot mobility diversity algorithm for wireless communications

• Analysis and processing of physiological data from a smart watch to monitor health

• Evaluation of wireless sensor networks for civil engineering applications

• Cooperative wireless communications over fading channels

• Carrier frequency offset compensation in OFDM for IEEE 802.11

• Underlay spectrum access strategy in cognitive radio

• Compressive sensing for channel estimation in massive MIMO

• Deep learning for intrusion detection in software defined networks

• Device-to-device communications in 5G

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Communications and Signal Processing module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Communications and Signal Processing MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and your modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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 mini-projects, case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests and coursework assignments.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in electronic/electrical engineering, communications engineering, computing or a related subject. Applicants should have high marks in relevant modules such as communications and digital signal processing.

A bachelor degree with a first class (hons) in physics, physical sciences or mathematics.

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. You could study a part-time online course starting in January, or a full-time course in summer. Find out more about online pre-sessionals.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

We operate a staged admissions process for this course with selection deadlines throughout the year.

Please read our Staged Admissions page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're 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 Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £12,750 (total)
• International: £28,000 (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 about additional costs.

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.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

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.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

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

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team — are on hand to offer 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, 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.

Find out more about career support.