MSc Communication Networks and Signal Processing
- MSc
Overview
Communication networks and signal processing are at the heart of the modern digital world. Wired, wireless, and optical communication systems enable network services and infrastructure we rely on every day, from mobile connectivity and cloud platforms to intelligent transport, immersive media and future AI-driven systems.
This programme is designed for graduates in electronic engineering, communications engineering, computer networks, computer science, physics, optical engineering or related subjects who want to build advanced expertise across communication networks, signal processing and future digital infrastructure.
You will study at a university ranked among the UK's top ten and 57th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027. You will be taught by academics working in internationally recognised research areas through the Smart Internet Lab, Communications Systems and Networks group, and Photonics and Quantum group.
The programme covers the principles and technologies behind current and future communication systems, including wireless networks, high-speed optical networks, signal processing, network design, IoT, satellite communications, quantum communications and emerging 5G and 6G systems. You will learn how to analyse complex communication systems, evaluate network performance, and apply engineering methods to real technical challenges.
This research-informed environment helps you connect theory with technologies being developed for next-generation digital infrastructure. You will benefit from expertise in advanced wireless access, photonic communications, high-performance networking, radio-frequency technologies, signal processing and experimental communication systems.
You will also have access to specialist laboratory and computational facilities that support practical learning, simulation, testing and project work. Through taught units and a substantial capstone project, you will develop technical, analytical and professional skills valued by employers, including system modelling, network analysis, signal processing, engineering design, problem solving, teamwork, project management and technical communication.
By the end of the programme, you will be prepared to contribute to advanced communication networks, signal processing systems and future digital infrastructure, or to continue into doctoral research.
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 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
- Optoelectronic Information Science and Technologies
- Telecommunications.
Other Engineering degrees might be considered where a UK minimum score of 53% or an international equivalent is achieved in three 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 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
- £19,600 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £38,300 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 MSc prepares you for technical and professional roles across the communications, networks and digital infrastructure sectors. Graduates may pursue careers in mobile and fixed networks, optical communications, wireless systems, satellite communications, signal processing, IoT, systems engineering, technology consulting, project management, and research and development.
The programme also develops transferable skills in analysis, modelling, problem solving, teamwork and technical communication. These skills are relevant to wider sectors such as consultancy, finance, government, digital infrastructure, technology strategy and AI-enabled infrastructure.
Our graduates have gone on to work with leading organisations including Huawei, China Telecom, Toshiba and Intel. Some graduates also continue into PhD study at Bristol and other leading universities, building research careers in communications, signal processing, photonics, wireless systems and future network technologies.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk