Modern broadband communication systems depend on advances in both wireless and optical technologies. This MSc provides a rigorous grounding in both domains, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the physical layer of wireless, optical and photonic systems and the engineering principles that underpin them.
The course covers device fabrication and properties, system architecture and design, and the applications of these technologies across a range of fields including THz imaging, radar and advanced communications. You will develop the skills to engineer complete communication systems, with expertise spanning wireless communications, photonics and optical networking.
What distinguishes this course is its dual focus. Rather than treating wireless and optical communications as separate disciplines, it gives you expertise across both, reflecting how modern communication systems increasingly integrate radio and optical technologies at the physical layer. This breadth of knowledge is directly applicable in industry and research.
This MSc develops in-depth technical expertise across both wireless and optical communications, a combination that sets graduates apart in a job market where knowledge of the physical layer is increasingly sought after. You will graduate with a strong understanding of photonic and wireless systems, device fabrication, system architecture and the applications of these technologies across fields including THz imaging, radar and advanced networking.
Alongside technical depth, the course builds the transferable skills that employers consistently value: analytical thinking, systematic problem-solving, clear technical communication and the ability to design and evaluate complete engineering systems.
Guest lectures and industry engagement throughout the year give you direct exposure to how these technologies are applied in practice, and to the professional network in the field.
Graduates of this MSc go on to careers across telecommunications, optical networking, systems architecture, engineering consultancy and research, as well as to doctoral study. The physical layer expertise developed on this course is sought after in a range of sectors, from established telecoms operators and technology companies to defence, aerospace and research institutions.
Graduates from the department have gone on to work at Huawei Technologies, Micron Technology and China Mobile ( Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2018–2024 cohorts).