MSc Communication Networks and Signal Processing
- MSc
Overview
Unlock your future in one of the world’s fastest-evolving industries with our MSc in Communication Networks and Signal Processing at the University of Bristol. This intensive one-year programme is designed for ambitious graduates who want to become innovators in next-generation communication technologies, including 5G/6G wireless, high-speed optical networks, and quantum communications.
Benefit from hands-on experience and cutting-edge research led by experts from the renowned Smart Internet Lab, Communications Systems and Networks, and Photonics and Quantum research groups. Our curriculum seamlessly blends theory and practical skills, preparing you for high-impact roles in industry and academia. Teaching is shaped by innovations, from research groups ranked among the global leaders, in photonics, high-performance networking, and 6G wireless systems. Through a substantial capstone project, you’ll have the chance to apply your learning to real-world challenges and build valuable professional connections.
Whether you want to shape the future of global connectivity, develop advanced signal processing solutions, or pursue ground-breaking research, this MSc will give you the technical expertise and industry insight to thrive.
Join a diverse, international cohort in the vibrant city of Bristol, and take the next step towards a rewarding career in communications engineering.
Programme structure
This programme comprises six core units, followed by a substantial capstone project that starts after the second term and completes during the summer. The project will allow you to showcase the competencies of an engineer in your chosen discipline. You will bring together everything you have learned during the taught component of your MSc studies, working on a challenging real-world problem in a team of engineers. This will synthesise the skills and knowledge you've acquired so far as you work on identifying an important challenge and coming up with a range of possible solutions.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Communication Networks and Signal Processing.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in:
- Communications Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science and Technologies
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Electrical Engineering with Management
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Information and Communications Technologies
- Information Engineering
- Microelectronic Engineering
- Optical Engineering
- Optical Information Science and Technologies
- Optoelectronic Information Science and Technologies
- Telecommunications.
Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a UK minimum score of 60% or an international equivalent is achieved in 3 modules from the following units:
- Analog Electronic Circuits
- Communication networks
- Computer programming
- Digital Electronics Circuits
- Digital Signal Processing
- Electronic circuits
- Electromagnetic fields and waves
- High frequency electronic circuits
- Image processing
- Internet Technology
- Microelectronics
- Microprocessors
- Microwave Technology
- Optical communication
- Optics
- Principles of Communications
- Programming languages
- Semiconductor devices
- Signals and Systems.
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 your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of relevant work experience
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £18,900 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £36,900 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This one-year MSc gives you a world-class education in aspects of current and future communication networks and signal processing. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers – not only in communications but also in management consultancy, project management, finance and government.
Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies, including Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba and Intel. Some graduates follow a more research-oriented career path, with several students going on to study at PhD level at Bristol or other leading universities.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk