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University of Bristol: Communication Networks and Signal Processing
| Institution | University of Bristol View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
| Web | https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate |
| choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0) 117 394 1649 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Immerse yourself in the dynamic world of optical communications and signal processing with our specialised programme. You will explore advanced topics in photonics, optical communications devices, systems and networks, equipping you with the expertise to make a significant contribution to this rapidly evolving field. This programme offers you the opportunity to gain essential skills for a thriving career in optical communications.
Optical fibre communications form the backbone of all land-based communications and are the only viable means to support today's global information systems. Research at Bristol is contributing to the ever-increasing requirement for bandwidth and flexibility through research into optical switching technology, next-generation optical networks, high-speed modulation, data regeneration and novel semiconductor lasers.
This programme builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Photonics and Quantum and High Performance Networks (HPN) research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The Photonics and Quantum group is pioneering the emerging field of quantum photonics, achieving significant advancements in photonic crystal fibre light sources, secure optical communications using quantum technology, and innovative quantum gate technologies. The HPN group is renowned for its extensive research in optical networking.
In addition to units on the fundamentals of photonics, optical fibres, and optical devices, you will engage with cutting-edge topics through specialised units. Previously, these have included Computer Networks and the Internet, Future Connectivity: From Optical to Quantum, and The Photonics Skills Forge unit, which helps develop practical skills in lab-based experiments as well as theoretical modelling and simulation for photonics.
Join us to become a part of the future of Optical Communications and Signal Processing, and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in this critical field.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in: - Communications Engineering Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a UK minimum score of 60% (or international equivalent) is achieved in five modules from the following units: - Physics If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications: - evidence of significant, relevant work experience with a minimum of six months (full-time, or part-time equivalent) in Engineering Specific module requirements would still apply. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 18400 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 18400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 18400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 18400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 18400 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 35800 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 35800 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
This is a challenging one-year taught master's programme focused on advanced topics in communication networks (fixed and wireless) and related signal processing, including associated enabling technologies. It provides an excellent opportunity to develop the skills needed for careers in some of the most dynamic fields in communication networks.
This programme builds on the internationally recognised research strengths of the Communications Systems and Networks, High Performance Networks and Photonics and Quantum research groups within the Smart Internet Lab. The groups conduct pioneering research in a number of key areas, including network architectures, cross-layer interaction, high-speed optical communications and advanced wireless access.
The programme includes units on Optical Networks and Data Centre Networks. The Optical Networks unit focuses on wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks, time division multiplexed (TDM) networks including SDH/SONET and OTN, optical frequency division multiplexed networks, and optical sub-wavelength switched networks. The Data Centre Networks unit focuses on networks for cloud computing, cloud-based networking, grid-computing and e-science. There is a further networking unit, Networked Systems and Applications, which provides a top-down study of networking system support for distributed applications, from classical web and email to telemetry for the Internet of Things.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Microelectronic Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, Information and Communications Technologies, Telecommunications, Information Engineering, Computer Networks, Computer Science and Technologies, Optical Information Science and Technologies, Optoelectronic Information Science and Technologies & Optical Engineering. Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a minimum of 5 modules at 2.1 in electronics/communications have been achieved. We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification. If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website. https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/ |
| Location | Clifton Campus Beacon House Bristol BS8 1QU |
Fees
| England | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 17700 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 34200 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 34200 GBP for Year 1 |
Discover the University of Bristol
Founded in 1876, the University of Bristol is one of the UK’s top 10 universities (QS World University Rankings 2026), with a global reputation for world-leading research and academic excellence. As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities, Bristol also ranks top five in the UK for research (THE analysis of REF 2021).
With its independent and pioneering spirit, the University has a reputation for doing things differently. Bristol was the UK’s first institute of higher education to admit women on an equal basis with men. In 2019, …
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