Ranking
Top 100
QS World Rankings 2025
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Course overview
Be at the forefront of a sector vital for global economic growth. With our MSc course you’ll develop specialist knowledge of communications systems.
You’ll study a range of advanced specialist topics and have opportunities to work with industry. This accredited course will put you ahead in a competitive jobs market.
Accredited programme
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The renewal of our accreditation takes us past a 40 year unbroken record of offering professional engineering qualifications.
Since I graduated I have been working in product and development and technical support for global telecoms companies such as Nortel and IBM. The MSc was everything I was hoping for in being both challenging and interesting. It gave me an edge over other candidates at interview and helped open doors to the large global leaders in the telecoms industry.
Course Structure
The MSc is a 1 year full-time advanced course, comprising 180 credits, including core and optional modules. In your first two semesters, you'll study the core compulsory modules (60 credits) and select from a wide range of optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits) over the summer period.
You'll be taught through a combination of pre-recorded/live lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratory classes. you'll be assessed using a mix of coursework, individual or group work, and examination.
You'll complete three compulsory modules (20 credits each). All modules on this MSc programme are taught semi-intensively in blocks, with all lectures and classes of a module delivered in 2-3 weeks, and your coursework performed in following weeks.
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Course highlights
Use your mathematical skills and develop specialist technical knowledge. You'll dive deeper into the subject, from radar and satellite navigation to communication system analysis. You’ll also learn to produce effective design solutions and how to give technical presentations.
- Based in our state-of-the-art School of Engineering building.
- Collaborate with industry securing valuable experience for future employment.
- Take part in world-leading research.
Birmingham is ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings 2025, maintaining our position in the top 100 universities globally and placing us 12th amongst UK universities.
Benefit from one of the most successful track records of industry collaborations in the country.
Course delivery
Teaching is led by world leading experts in the field of Communications Engineering. You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratory classes. You'll be assessed using a mix of coursework, individual or group work, and examination.
- Learn through of a series of engaging lectures which demonstrate how experts will approach problems in your field, helping you think critically and apply concepts
- Engage in tutorials and seminars that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
- Engage in projects and practical assignments that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications, enhancing your understanding and retention of concepts
- Develop critical technical and analytical skills, including experimental design, data collection and analysis, problem-solving, and familiarise yourself with specialised equipment and techniques through laboratory work
- Study in our state-of-the-art School of Engineering building which includes a 50-seat electronics and electrical focused projects space and a basement that houses a full-size set of railway points, the University’s pantograph test rig and a test track for the scaled hydrogen-powered train
Module information
This course consists of 180 credits. As well as your core modules, you'll choose three optional modules. 60 credits are allocated to your research project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26
Core modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetics, Antennas and Propagation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Project | 60 | Full Term |
| Digital Communications and Signal Processing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Introductory Module for Communications | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules
Select 60 credits from the following examples of options:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Communication Networks | 20 | Semester 2 |
| RF and Microwave Engineering | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Radar and Satellite Navigation | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Satellite, Mobile and Optical Communications | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Dr Alexandros Feresidis
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr Alexandros Feresidis, Reader in Microwave and Metamaterials Engineering at the School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
In Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a relevant subject.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
- £5,870
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Prepare for a rewarding career in this dynamic field. Our course will give you specialist knowledge of the underlying principles and advanced applications of communications systems. you'll graduate with much sought after skills in this exciting field.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.