2024/25 entry
MSc Wireless Communications
About this course
LJMU's Wireless Communications MSc meets the requirements and significant demand for postgraduates in this exciting field, both within the UK and international markets.
- Study at one of the UK's leading Engineering Departments
- Enrol on a programme informed by internationally-acclaimed research from LJMUs Electrical and Electronic Engineering Research Centre
- Postgraduates of this course highly sought after by major UK and international employers
- This programme is available as a standard full-time Masters one-year programme (180 credits) or as an extended full-time Masters 20 month programme (240 credits).
- On both versions in semesters one and two you will study full-time at LJMU completing the taught modules.
- If you are on the one-year programme, you will complete your Dissertation over the summer.
- If you are on the 20 month programme, you will undertake the Group Design Project and your Dissertation in the second year.
Why should I choose the 20 month route?
- This route is designed for international students who wish to apply their knowledge to professional practice in the UK
- Industrial organisations across all sectors have identified a gap in the market for Engineers with good leadership and interpersonal skills in addition to their technical abilities.
- The Group Design Project will encompass the wider aspects of social, economic, political, legislative, environmental, cultural, ethical and sustainability issues required in the modern environment.
- This route will equip you with the transferrable project management skills needed to excel in your chosen career.
- You will work in groups and meet regularly with an academic supervisor and any internal or external stakeholders in order to develop an effective team-working ethic.
- You will present your work through regular meetings with your supervisor as well as submitting progress reports and oral presentations. In this way you will have the chance to hone your communicative skills and leave University ready for the workplace.
- As an alternative to the group project on the 20 month programme an industrial placement is a possibility.
- You will need to apply directly to companies offering placements — the offer of a placement will be subject to a successful interview with the employer. Although the University will provide support and guidance to find an appropriate placement they are not guaranteed.
- Please note that you cannot apply for the sandwich route before coming to LJMU — further information about applying to placement opportunities will be given during semester two of year one.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
This course will develop both the technical and managerial skills you need to succeed in your chosen career. Typical positions you may go on to include: Wireless Network Design Engineers, Wireless Communications Engineers and Senior Engineers in the fields of wireless systems, sensors and data analytics and related industries. Our postgraduates are highly sought after by employers and many occupy senior positions within major UK and international companies.
The student experience
Discover life as a postgraduate student at LJMU.
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Sensors Networks and Data
20 credits
This module encourages the development of theoretical understanding and practical experience in wireless and sensor networks, covering concepts, protocol design, and coding techniques. It aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, and Reduced Inequalities.
Advanced Signal Processing
20 credits
This module aims to cultivate an advanced understanding of techniques and practical experience in industry-oriented applications of digital signal processing (DSP). It is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Responsible Consumption and Production.
Digital Communications Systems
20 credits
This module enhances students' knowledge and technical skills in the field of digital communications. It provides them with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between bandwidth, modulation, coding, noise, interference, and the resultant effective data transfer rate. This knowledge equips them to excel in the realm of digital communications.
Wireless Networks
20 credits
This module fosters an extensive knowledge of network architectures and the protocols employed within them. It equips students with an in-depth understanding of network concepts, protocols, and their operational contexts, empowering them to excel in the field.
Radio & Optical Signal Propagation
10 credits
This module empowers students to design and analyse telecommunications systems while critically evaluating available choices. It delves into the essential components of telecommunication systems and the associated design considerations, aligning with UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Group Design Project
60 credits
This module will enable you to apply engineering, technology and scientific knowledge to a real-world design problem.
MSc Dissertation
60 credits
This project module provides you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to drive your own deep/thorough investigation, undertake high quality academic research and demonstrate critical evaluation of your results.
Research Skills
10 credits
The module will help prepare you to undertake your own research project and deliver the required skill set for successful completion of your investigations.
Modelling and Simulation
10 credits
Professional and Leadership Skills
10 credits
This module will help you to develop an awareness of the legal and ethical framework surrounding the activities of a professional engineer. You will also gain an awareness of the Emotional Competence Framework for a professional engineer. This will help you to develop a specific set of personal and social competency skills appropriate for a professional engineer, such as adaptability, creativity diversification, leveraging diversity, political awareness, leadership and team capabilities.
Sandwich Year Placement
60 credits
Within this module you will have the chance to carry out an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement your programme of study at LJMU.
This will give you the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to your programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will learn via lectures, tutorials, seminars, activity-based learning, group discussions, panel sessions, inverted classroom learning etc.
Applied learning
You will undertake an industrial placement during the second year of study. Interviews will take place with our industry partners to secure these placements.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Gerard Edwards
Programme Leader
Dr Mike Shaw is the Subject Head of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and is the postgraduate Programme Leader. He has over 30 years experience in electrical and electronic engineering and related disciplines, together with research interests in the field of optical, non-contact measurement and inspection.
This MSc programme in Wireless Communications serves the growing and demanding needs of this very specialised and growing industry at home and abroad. Supported by the experience of research in wireless sensor networks and the facilities of Sensor City, postgraduates from this programme will be at the forefront of technology, becoming future leaders in their respective organisations.
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Programme Leader -
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
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Senior Teaching Fellow
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Subject Head
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
The Department of Electrical Engineering is in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU 's City Campus. In addition to specialist engineering facilities, Byrom Street has high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2.2 honours degree in Telecommunications or Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
or
- an honours degree in Mathematics or a physical science, together with experience in a relevant field
or
- a degree with industrial experience or relevant postgraduate experience
plus
- graduate or corporate membership of one of the following professional bodies: The Institution of Engineering and Technology, The Institute of Measurement and Control or The Institute of Physics
Alternative qualifications considered
- Qualifications or experience deemed to be equivalent to the above will also be accepted
- Mature students must provide evidence of adequate educational and/or industrial experience
Additional requirements
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Interview required
- Non-standard applications may be subject to interview
International requirements
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IELTS
- IELTS 6.0
Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.