Mobile, Personal and Satellite Communications: University of Westminster

Introduction

This course has been designed in response to the intense activity and industrial investment which has recently been taking place in Europe and other parts of the world in the areas of mobile, personal and satellite communications. A great deal of interest has been generated by the emergence of GSM, third generation CDMA and future personal communication systems for mass usage. This rapid growth has resulted in a shortage of skills in this field.

Course Content

The course comprises six study modules, a project feasibility study and a main project. There are three core modules which focus on the background theory and fundamental methods in digital communication as well as the latest techniques in digital modulation, channel coding and multiple-access systems. The emphasis is on digital mobile radio and its new applications such as Personal Communication Networks (PCNs) and mobile communications via satellite. Option modules are selected to allow further study of communication topics or the enabling technologies of VLSI system design and digital signal processing. Projects will be carefully chosen to integrate your interest either with the active research thrust within the Department or with relevant activity in your own workplace.

Core modules

• Digital Radio Communications
• Signal and System Analysis
• Terrestrial and Satellite Communication Systems

Options, choose three from:

• Modules from MSc Broadband and High-Speed Data Communications
• Modules from MSc Digital Signal Processing Systems
• Modules from MSc VLSI System Design
• Networks in Telecommunications
• RF and Microwave Circuits and Sub-Systems
• Satellite and Radio Navigation Systems

Teaching and Assessment

Each study module on our electronics courses consists of a combination of an intensive five-day short course and an Individualised Learning Package (ILP). This ILP is linked to and expands upon the short course and allows you to explore your acquired knowledge further by means of distance learning. Each study module is assessed through the submission of a completed ILP portfolio of work and its defence in a viva voce examination. Formal written examinations are not used in this course.

Associated Careers

The course is suitable for those engineering and science graduates interested in specialising in this flourishing area. It has been particularly tailored to suit engineers from industry, who are either already working in the field, or are likely to be involved in related projects in the future.

Entry Requirements

You would normally be expected to have one of the following:

• an Honours degree in electrical/electronic engineering, computer science or mathematics; or
• an Honours degree in a technological topic, provided that good facility with electronic engineering, system analysis and digital systems has been gained; or
• exceptionally, if you have qualifications differing from the above, but can demonstrate a suitable command of mathematics for system analysis, digital systems, design and electronics and have relevant work experience, you will be considered for enrolment on the full-time Diploma course, with advancement to the MSc possible if good results are achieved.

Applicants who have not received their secondary or tertiary education in English should normally have attained the equivalent of an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or equivalent.