MSc Optical Communications and Signal Processing
- MSc
Overview
Unlock your future in the fast-growing field of optical communications and signal processing with our innovative MSc programme at the University of Bristol. Designed for ambitious students aiming for high-impact careers in global telecommunications, optical networks, and photonics, this course combines advanced theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, preparing you for a successful career in industry or research.
You will explore advanced topics such as optical fibre technology, quantum photonics, high-speed transmission, and next-generation network systems, benefiting directly from the world-leading research at Bristol's renowned Photonics and Quantum group and Smart Internet Lab. Our experts are shaping global advancements in optical switching, quantum communications, and innovative photonic devices.
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 aspire to shape the future of global communications or pursue further research, our MSc Optical Communications and Signal Processing programme will equip you with the expertise and confidence to achieve your goals.
Join us and become part of a vibrant community at the forefront of technological innovation.
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 in Optical Communications and Signal Processing.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in:
- Communications Engineering
- Computer Networks
- Computer Science and Technologies
- Computer Systems Engineering
- Electrical Engineering with Management
- Electronic System Engineering
- Electronic and Information Engineering
- Electronic Information Science and Technology
- Electronic Science and Technology
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Information and Communications Technologies
- Information Engineering
- Microelectronic Engineering
- Optical Engineering
- Optical Information Science and Technologies
- Physics
- Telecommunications.
Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a UK minimum score of 60% (or international equivalent) is achieved in 3 modules from the following units:
- Physics
- Analog Electronic Circuits
- Communication networks
- Computer programming
- Digital Electronics Circuits
- Digital Signal Processing
- Electromagnetic fields and waves
- Electronic circuits
- High frequency electronic circuits
- Internet Technology
- Microelectronics
- Microprocessors
- Microwave Technology
- Optical communication
- Optics
- Principles of Communications
- Programming languages
- Quantum Mechanics
- Quantum Information
- Quantum Physics
- 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 qualifications. If you have the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae/résumé) when you apply:
- 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 programme gives you a world-class education in all aspects of current and future optical communication systems, along with associated signal processing technologies. It will prepare you for a diverse range of exciting careers, not only in communications but also in areas such as management consultancy, project management, finance and government.
Our graduates have gone on to have rewarding careers in some of the leading multinational communications companies: Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba, China Mobile and Intel, for example. Some graduates follow a more research-orientated career path, with a number of students going on to study at PhD level.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk