Communications and Signal Processing MSc (Eng)

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 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:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
• 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.

Accreditation

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

This Masters degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning to Masters Level for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng)*.

*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

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.

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

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 for Communications – 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.

High Speed Internet Architecture – 15 credits

The goal of this module is to provide a basis for understanding, appreciating, and performing practical research and development in networking with a special emphasis on Internet routers and switches. You will cover topics on the design, analysis and performance evaluation of a wide range of network architectures, switches and Internet routers. You will also learn the architectural evolution of routers and switches, analyse their performance and hardware cost and gain insights into their limitations.

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

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 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/electrical engineering, communications engineering, computing or a related subject. Applicants should have strong grades in relevant modules such as communications and digital signal processing.

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

Application deadlines

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.

31 July 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – 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 2025

This course is taught by

School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgtelec@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,250 (Total)

International: £33,000 (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 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.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

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.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 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. 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.