Triangle

Course overview

This 12 month MSc in Electronic Communications and Computer Engineering allows for study of a variety of topics including:

  • Electronic design
  • Communications
  • Software engineering

The course delivers understanding of the art of electronic engineering and an in-depth study of topics covering modern technology for electronic engineering and communication systems.

Our objective is to help you develop the confidence to work as a professional, at ease with the conventions of the discipline, and ready to tackle any area of research in electronic engineering.

Key facts

  • Students will gain experience of the type of problems encountered by academic and industrial researchers
  • This degree 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.

If you are interested in a two year MSc programme you may want to consider the Advanced Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Extended Research MSc.

Why choose this course?

9th in the UK

for electrical and electronic engineering

The Guardian University Guide 2023

Tailored to you

With a wide range of modules taught by subject specialists.

Modules

Core modules

Electrical and Electronic Fundamentals for Masters (autumn) 20 credits

The module expands students lifelong learning skills by developing their proficiency in self- assessment of their knowledge. This will be achieved by asking students to identify gaps in their knowledge in the core areas of electrical and electronic engineering and the development and implementation of an improvement plan.

The problem/project based learning will be used to reinforce the fundamental skills of an electrical and electronic engineer. These problems will be introduced in student led small group seminars where students will discuss the problem and discuss what background knowledge is required and suitable resources. A member of academic staff will aid the students identify appropriate learning material where students find it difficult to do so. As part of the learning experience, students will keep a weekly online log detailing the learning activities undertaken, what they have learnt and the areas they still need to develop.

Practical skills, both ICT and laboratory based skills will be developed using both individual and group activities.

To provide formative feedback during this learning period, there will be 4 compulsory on-line tests. Although the mark attained is not used in the calculation of the module mark, failure, without good cause to complete 3 of the 4 tests within the given time window, will result in a zero module mark.

ICT technology plays a key role in modern engineering and this module will introduce typical commercial engineering packages used in their area of interest. The software packages are Matlab, Keysight ADS ( Circuit Simulation), ADS (communication systems simulation), Simulink, PLECS

Experience of these packages will be gained from solving exemplar problems.  Students will be required to show competency in 2 packages. A student may elect to experience more ICT packages but will not be assessed on them.

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 2 weeks 2 week 2 hours
Lecture 8 weeks 1 week 2 hours

The formative progress tests will be on-line for completion within a 24 hour period.

Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Poster  5.00 Poster presentation
Presentation 15.00 Oral presentation
Coursework 1 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #1
Coursework 2 20.00 Assessment of software competencies #2
Exam 40.00 End of module exam (autumn) - e-assessment
Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design (spring) 10 credits

A project-oriented module involving a review of publications and views on a topic allied to the chosen specialist subject. The module will also involve organisation and design of the main project. Skills will be acquired through workshops and seminars that will include:

  • Further programming in MATLAB and /or MSExcel Macros
  • Project planning and use of Microsoft Project
  • Measurement and error analysis
  • Development of laboratory skills including safety & risk assessment

Students will select a further set of specialist seminars from, for example:

  • Meshing for computational engineering applications
  • Modelling using CAE packages
  • Use of CES Selector software
  • Specific laboratory familiarisation
  • Use of MSVisio software for process flow
  • Use of HYSYS process modelling software
  • Use of PSpice to simulate analogue and digital circuits

The specialist seminars will be organised within the individual MSc courses.

Delivery: 3-hour seminars in 12 weeks 

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 40.00 Project Plan Report for the Individual Postgraduate Project including risks and ethics as appropriate (3000 word limit)
Coursework 2 20.00 Literature analysis of four sources relevant to the Individual Postgradute Project
Exam 1 20.00 E-assessment: Experimental Design (Max 1 hour)
Exam 2 20.00 E-assessment: Statistics (Max 1 hour)
Exam 3   Health and safety test (pass required)
MSc Project (Summer) 60 credits

In this module a student will be assigned to an individual supervisor who will be a staff member in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. The student will carry out a practical or theoretical project chosen from the current interests of the staff member concerned.

The student will be expected to conduct a literature survey, undertake practical or theoretical work and write a dissertation on this work.

The module aims to give experience of completing a major investigation within the topic area of their MSc course, including planning the work to meet a final deadline and reporting on the work both in a structured written report and by an informal oral presentation.

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Dissertation 80.00 Final Thesis (100 pages maximum)
Oral 10.00 Bench Inspection
Report 10.00 Interim Report

Optional modules

Advanced Computational Engineering (autumn) 20 credits

This module covers the development of advanced engineering software projects, spanning a range of application areas.

Generic Topics to be discussed include:

  • Large-scale software management
  • robust design and coding techniques
  • accurate and efficient numerical computing for technological simulations
  • parallel computing techniques applicable to several classes of parallel computer e.g. multicore, distributed and graphics processing unit (GPU) based systems
  • database design and implementation
  • distributed network based computing
  • hardware interfacing

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 12.50  
Coursework 2 12.50  
Coursework 3 25.00  
Coursework 4 25.00  
Coursework 5 25.00  
Digital Signal Processing (autumn) 20 credits

This module introduces the principles, major algorithms and implementation possibilities of digital signal processing at an advanced level.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Computing 10 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 60%

Part 1: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 40%  
Instrumentation and Measurement (autumn) 20 credits

This module is an introduction to the principles and practice of instrumentation and measurement systems in an engineering context.

The module will cover the generally applicable basic principles and then look at specific classes of instrument and associated electronics and signal processing methods.

Topics covered include:

  • Basic principles and instrument characteristics.
  • Measurement errors, basic statistics, noise and its control.
  • Dynamic characteristics of instruments, time and frequency domain responses.
  • System identification using correlation techniques.
  • Amplifiers, filters, ADCs and DACs.
  • Position, strain, pressure and motion sensors (resistive, capacitive, inductive, optical).
  • Flow sensors.    
  • Electronic and optical measurement instrumentation.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 60%

Coursework Part 1: weight 0.5, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Coursework Part 2: weight 0.5, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 40% 2 hour exam.
Integrated Circuits and Systems (autumn) 20 credits

The module introduces CMOS integrated circuit design and internal operating mechanisms of semiconductor electronics and opto-electronic devices. 

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 2 hours
Computing 10 weeks 1 week 1 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 1 30.00 VLSI design coursework
Coursework 2 30.00 Devices coursework
Exam 40.00 End of module exam
IT Infrastructure and Cyber Security (autumn) 20 credits

Providing you with the skills required to commission a complete IT system, this module provides information on network design and implementation, services, security and management of systems.

You’ll also be introduced to new uses of IT infrastructure (such as VoIP).

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hour
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 10%  Physical infrastructure coursework
Coursework 2 20% Logical design and implementation coursework
Coursework 3 30% Software vulnerabilities coursework
Exam 40% E-assessment
Scalable Cross-Platform Software Design (autumn) 20 credits

Development and deployment of software for a variety of platforms ranging from the web and mobile devices through to large scale parallel computers.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% 25 hours of student time
Coursework 2 25% 25 hours of student time
Coursework 3 25% 25 hours of student time
Exam 25% 1 hour, multiple choice
Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems (spring) 20 credits

This module will provide you with knowledge of the fundamentals of artificial intelligence technologies and their relevance to Electronic Engineering applications. It includes selected topics from the field of artificial intelligence with particular focus on the interface with electronic systems.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Lecture 11 weeks 2 weeks 1 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Weight Requirements
Coursework 60.00

Part 1: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate fundamental acquisition of the module's learning outcomes.

Part 2: weight 30%, 25 hours of student effort; assessment of student ability to demonstrate application of the module's learning outcomes to realistic engineering design and implement tasks.
Exam 40.00  
Digital Communications (spring) 10 credits

This module is an introduction to the operation of modern digital communication systems. Topics covered include:

  • communication systems
  • information content and channel capacity
  • digital modulation techniques
  • data compression techniques
  • error-correcting and line coding techniques
  • digital signal regeneration techniques
  • system examples, telephone, digital television and CD technologies.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% 12.5 hours of student time
Coursework 2 25%  
Exam 50% 2 hour exam
Embedded Computing (spring) 10 credits

This module aims to introduce principal generic and distinctive features of embedded computing, and develop practical skills in designing firmware for PIC16 microcontrollers using assembly language.

The modules includes:

  • Architectures for embedded programmable digital electronics
  • operation of a microcontroller and its programming
  • assembly language directives and instructions
  • interfacing of microcontrollers
  • embedded peripherals and interrupts in microcontrollers
  • communications for embedded computing
  • special features of microcontrollers (the above items are based on the PIC16 microcontroller family)
  • various microcontroller families
  • introduction to larger scale embedded systems

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Workshop 11 weeks 1 week 1 hour

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 20% 12.5 hours of student time
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 50% 2 hour exam
HDL for Programmable Devices (spring) 20 credits

The module introduces both the syntax and application of HDL for the design of modern electronics. This includes:

  • Xilinx
  • Mentor Graphics
  • combinational and sequential circuits design

You also be introduced to the VHDL syntax and its latest development. The module will use the software tools from both Xilinx and Mentor Graphics to present FPGA based digital system design flow with VHDL.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 weeks 2 hours
Computing 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 30%

VHDL design project
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 40%  End of module exam
Mobile Technologies (spring) 10 credits

This module provides knowledge of the fundamentals of mobile communications and its application to real systems.

Typical subjects might be 3rd and 4th generation systems, OFDM and MIMO and how 5th generation systems are likely to develop.

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25%  
Coursework 2 25%  
Exam 50% End of module exam 
Optical and Photonic Technology (spring) 20 credits

This module covers selected topics from the interface between electronic and optical regimes.

You will also look at issues with:

  • component, circuit and system design applications
  • communications
  • material processing
  • bio-photonics
  • optical imaging 
Optical Networks (spring) 10 credits

You will be introduced to the concepts and operating principles of optical communication systems and networks and the devices that underpin them.

Topics typically include:

  • characteristics of optical fibres
  • active and passive optical devices: including transmitters, detectors, amplifiers, multiplexers, filters and couplers

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution 
Coursework 1 25%
Coursework 2 25%
Exam 50%
RF Electronics (spring) 20 credits

This module covers the main concepts in design of high-speed circuits and devices including:

  • passive circuits,
  • amplifiers
  • active devices

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours
Practicum 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution Requirements
Coursework 30%

RF design project
Laboratory 1 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 2 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 3 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 4 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 5 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Laboratory 6 5% Submission of laboratory exercises
Exam 40% End of module exam 
Robotics, Dynamics and Control (spring) 10 credits

This module is an introduction to electromechanical fundamentals in robotics and covers:

  • Direct kinematics
  • Inverse kinematics
  • Workspace analysis and and specifying appropriate robotic manipulators for industrial processes

Delivery

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours

Assessment method

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25%  
Coursework 2 25%  
Exam 50% 2 hour exam
Sensing Systems and Signal Processing (spring) 10 credits

This module covers a selection of topics where information is acquired from sensors and subsequently electronically processed.

Applications include:

  • optical
  • acoustic
  • non-destructive evaluation
  • medical
  • biophotonics

Method and Frequency of Class:

Activity Number of Weeks Number of sessions Duration of a session
Lecture 11 weeks 1 week 2 hours


Method of Assessment:

Assessment Type Contribution  Requirements
Coursework 1 25% Matlab exercises
Coursework 2 25%  Research and design proposal
Exam 50% End of module exam
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may change or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments or staffing changes. Please refer to the module catalogue for information on available modules. This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

  • Independent study
  • Lectures
  • Group study
  • Practical classes
  • Workshops
  • Lab sessions
  • Supervision
  • Tutorials

You will be taught using up to date practices, including the use of electronic resources.

How you will be assessed

  • Formative examination
  • Coursework
  • Lab skills
  • Examinations
  • In-class test
  • Online exams
  • Dissertation
  • Reports
  • Research project
  • Presentations

The assessment strategy differs between the taught (120 credits) and individual project (60 credits) modules. A typical module contains both written assignment(s) and a year end exam which is mostly weighted as 50%. The individual project module is continuously assessed in the summer period and concludes with submission of a final project report, as well as an oral assessment based upon the practical demonstration of the proposed engineering design/solution. The pass mark for all the modules is 50%. Your final degree classification will be based upon your aggregated achievement from both the taught and the project stages of 180 credits.

Contact time and study hours

You will study a total of 180 credits which consists of 120 taught credits over autumn and spring semesters, with the final 60 credits from a large individual project carried out in the summer semester. Typical class contact time is 4 hours per week for a 20 credit module. There is typically 11 weeks of class teaching in each taught semester. In addition direct contact with academics, students are expected to put in additional self-study time preparing for lectures, tutorials, labs and assignments. As a guide, one credit is equivalent to 10 hours of total combined effort.

Typical class size is approximately 50 students. Teaching for this course usually takes place on Monday to Friday with the exception of Wednesday afternoon when students are involved in extracurricular activities.

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

MSc

Undergraduate degree2:1 or equivalent grade in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or related discipline. Applicants are expected to have covered modules such as Maths, Circuits, Computer Engineering, Signal/Systems, Digital Signal Processing, Communication or related key technical modules.

Applying

Our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about applying.

How to apply
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Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Fees

Qualification MSc
Home / UK £11,850
International £28,600

Additional information for international students

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) .

These fees are for full-time study. If you are studying part-time, you will be charged a proportion of this fee each year (subject to inflation).

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. Project equipment and components are normally covered by the department, though some students opt to buy some of their own components up to £100.

You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles which could cost up to £300. Please note that these figures are approximate and subject to change.

Funding

There are many ways to fund your postgraduate course, from scholarships to government loans.

We also offer a range of international masters scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

Check our guide to find out more about funding your postgraduate degree.

Postgraduate funding

Careers

We offer individual careers support for all postgraduate students.

Expert staff can help you research career options and job vacancies, build your CV or résumé, develop your interview skills and meet employers.

Each year 1,100 employers advertise graduate jobs and internships through our online vacancy service. We host regular careers fairs, including specialist fairs for different sectors.

International students who complete an eligible degree programme in the UK on a student visa can apply to stay and work in the UK after their course under the Graduate immigration route. Eligible courses at the University of Nottingham include bachelors, masters and research degrees, and PGCE courses.

Graduate destinations

Career destinations for our graduates in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering include:

  • IT business analysts
  • Systems designers
  • Programmers
  • Software development professionals
  • Production technicians
  • Electrical engineers and engineering professionals

Career progression

100% of postgraduates from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering secured work or further study within six months of graduation. The average starting salary was £25,450.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2019/20 data published in 2022. The Graduate Outcomes % is derived using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time, postgraduate, home graduates within the UK.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This course is accredited by the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) to meet the further learning requirements of a Chartered Engineer.

Two masters graduates proudly holding their certificates
" My research focuses on the development of optical sensors for sports and healthcare applications. The aim is to provide the sports and healthcare industries with non-invasive, highly accurate, and reliable means of measuring physiological quantities, such as respiration rate, lung capacities, and blood oxygen saturation in real-time. "
Nat Limweshasin, Electronic Communications and Computer Engineering MSc Graduate

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This content was last updated on Monday 06 November 2023. Every effort has been made to ensure that this information is accurate, but changes are likely to occur given the interval between the date of publishing and course start date. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply.