US mini logoHome | A-Z Index | Help | Contact us    

Engineering and Design

Home | News & events | Admissions | Teaching | Research centres | People | Contacting us

MSc Digital Communications & Embedded Systems

MSc in Modern Digital Communication Systems (MDCS)
MSc in Modern Communication Technologies with Business Management (MCTBM)
MSc in Embedded Digital Systems (EDS)

MSc Digital Comms and Embedded Systems booklet (pdf)

1 year full time (MSc)

2 terms full time (PG Diploma)

1 term full time in total (PG Certificate)


ABOUT THESE DEGREES

These three advanced study programmes provide academic and professional excellence for newly qualified as well as practising engineers who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in the fields of communications, embedded systems, and business management.

Study modes

Each MSc programme begins in October and finishes at the end of August. Part-time study is over two years


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For UK graduates, normally a first or second class degree in electronics or communications engineering, computing, information technology, or a related discipline.

International applicants should have achieved a comparable standard of qualification. They should have English language certificates at IELTS 6.0 or Computer TOEFL 213 or equivalent qualifications, or language experience.


PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

In each of these degrees the MSc student takes four compulsory courses and four optional courses from a pool of 11 over two terms (autumn and spring). The compulsory modules represent the advanced knowledge necessary for subject excellence and the options represent the individual's choice for other specialised areas.

Postgraduate Certificate students take a total of four courses only; Postgraduate Diploma students take eight courses and MSc students take eight course plus the project in the summer term.

MODERN DIGITAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

MSc and PG Diploma candidates take all four compulsory and four optional courses.

PG Certificate candidates take any two compulsory courses and two optional courses.


Autumn term

  • Advanced Network Technologies (compulsory course)
  • Mobile & Satellite Communications Technologies (compulsory course)

Plus choose two options from:

  • Real Time Embedded Systems
  • RF Electronic Design
  • Digital Signal Processing - Advanced

Spring term

  • Fibre Optic Communications (compulsory course)
  • Advanced Digital Communications (compulsory course)

Plus choose one or two options from:

  • High Level IC design
  • Advanced Microprocessor Systems
  • Strategic Management 
  • Advanced Space Systems
  • Robotic Sensory Systems

Summer term

The main project runs through the spring & summer terms and is concluded at the end of August (MSc students only)
MODERN COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES with BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

MSc and PG Diploma candidates take all four compulsory courses in the autumn term and four optional courses.

PG Certificate candidates take one of the two compulsory technology courses below and one of the two compulsory business-based courses. They take two of the optional courses in addition.


Autumn term

  • Advanced Network Technologies (compulsory course)
  • Mobile & Satellite Communication Technologies (compulsory course)
  • Marketing Analysis & Financial Strategic Planning (compulsory course) (continues into the spring term)

Plus choose one option from:

  • RF Electronic Design
  • Digital Signal Processing - Advanced
  • Real-Time Embedded Systems

Spring term

  • Strategic Management (compulsory course)

    Choose three options from:

    • Fibre Optic Communications
    • Advanced Digital Communication
    • High Level IC Design
    • Advanced Microprocessor Systems
    • Robotic Sensory Systems

    Summer term

    The main project runs through the spring & summer terms and is concluded at the end of August (MSc students only)
  • EMBEDDED DIGITAL SYSTEMS

    MSc and PG Diploma candidates take all four compulsory courses plus four optional courses.

    PG Certificate candidates take any two compulsory courses and two optional courses.


    Autumn term

    • Real-Time Embedded Systems (compulsory course)
    • Digital Signal Processing - Advanced (compulsory course)

    Plus choose two options from:

    • Advanced Network Technologies
    • Mobile & Satellite Communication Technologies
    • RF Electronic Design

    Spring term

    • Advanced Microprocessor Systems (compulsory course)
    • High Level IC Design (compulsory course)

    Plus choose two options from:

    • Fibre Optic Communications
    • Advanced Digital Communication
    • Strategic Management
    • Advanced Space Systems
    • Robotic Sensory Systems

    Summer term

    The main project runs through the spring & summer terms and is concluded at the end of August (MSc students only)
    Detailed course descriptions

    THE PROJECT

    The MSc project is a substantial practical exercise usually starting in January with preliminary work in the spring term, becoming full-time during the summer term and concluding at the end of August.

    Your project will be supervised by a member of faculty who takes on the role of technical director. A second (minor) supervisor is also assigned to provide very occasional guidance and to give an independent assessment of the completed final report.

    All projects are designed for individuals to excel in their personal professional development and consolidate the material covered in the taught courses. The projects normally arise from academic research associated with the research groups as well as from industry.

    The Communications Research Group is one of the University's strongest research groups with close industrial links. Each year a number of MSc projects are available that involve working closely with a sponsoring company.


    TEACHING & ASSESSMENT

    There are eight taught courses in the full MSc qualification, plus a major project.

    Courses are taught by a combination of lectures, workshops and practical laboratories, as well as a wide variety of practical projects related to research and commercial applications.

    Postgraduate Diploma candidates take eight taught courses throughout the autumn and spring terms. Postgraduate Certificate candidates take four taught courses which can be taken within one term or over two terms depending upon the student's choice and course timetabling.

    • The taught courses are assessed by laboratory reports, coursework, project reports, essays or unseen examinations. There are normally two such assessments on each course.
    • The major project for MSc candidates runs through two university terms and is assessed on the final report of about 12,000 words.

    FACILITIES

    The Department is housed in three buildings on the University of Sussex campus. The campus is set in one of the most beautiful parts of England, midway between the lively coastal resort of Brighton and the historic county town of Lewes.

    The Department carries out high quality research activities over a broad range of topics within several research centres and groups. The research fields encompass mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, electronic engineering & communications and electrical engineering.

    Engineering and Information Technology at Sussex was awarded a grade 5 rating in the UK government's 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, in recognition of research of international excellence.

    The Department is equipped with fully modernised laboratory facilities including PCB and SMD facilities, high performance PCs/workstations, and the latest development kits. Laboratories dedicated to MSc students have specialist hardware and software tools including MATLAB, network simulation tools, embedded and micoprocessor systems, CAN development tools, Bluetooth/WLAN, GPS, DSP/FPGAs.


    FINDING OUT MORE

    Details of other MSc programmes in engineering can be found at www.sussex.ac.uk/engineering/MSc

    Printed copies of the University of Sussex Postgraduate Prospectus can be ordered via this page: www.sussex.ac.uk/USIS/prequest

    If you have specific questions about this MSc, contact msc@engineering.sussex.ac.uk for further information.


    HOW TO APPLY

    We will need the following information to make a decision on your admission:

    • the Sussex application form completed with your personal details and contact information;
    • a transcript of marks from your first degree if you are not a graduate of a UK university;
    • if English is not your first language, evidence of proficiency in English;
    • two letters of reference preferably from academic referees, but industrial/commercial referees are welcome. Do not delay your application if your references are not immediately available - they can be sent later.

    Application online:
    Scan in your documents and upload them here:
    http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/publications/pgrad/applynow

    Application by post:
    Send your application documents, including the application form, to:
    The Postgraduate Office, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, UK

    A paper application form is available with each copy of the Postgraduate Prospectus. Order a copy here.

    Or, the application form can be downloaded from this page:
    http://www.sussex.ac.uk/Units/publications/pgrad/paperapplication

    Checking on the progress of your application:
    We will automatically inform you by email when your application is received here, and again when a decision has been made.

    If you apply online you can view the progress of your application at each stage. If you applied by post, contact msc@engineering.sussex.ac.uk


    FEES

    Fees and local living expenses.


    Page updated: 03.08.09

    Maintained by: Engineering & Design Web Team (enggweb@sussex.ac.uk) A-Z Index | Help | Contact us