Communications and Signal Processing MSc (Eng)

Course overview

Digital signal processing (DSP) is at the core of the communications revolution. Research is constantly being carried out to develop new DSP algorithms, allowing mobile broadband services, ‘Internet of Things’ applications and other technologies to be delivered to a growing number of users. Statistical signal processing is also fundamental to all aspects of the parallel robotics revolution, including sensing, localisation and the now ubiquitous discipline of machine learning.

This programme will give you a thorough introduction to the communications landscape, giving you an in-depth understanding of DSP, wireless communications, optical communications networks and the complex issues around network security. You can also study specialist modules such as embedded microprocessors or FPGA System-on-Chip.

The School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at Leeds is an exciting and stimulating environment. It’s home to specialist teaching facilities and a wealth of leading researchers working on real-world issues and contributing to global change.

This means you'll be learning the most up-to-date practices, preparing you with the specialist skill set and topical knowledge you’ll need to pursue a rewarding career in this field.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (Hons) in electronic/electrical engineering, communications engineering, computing or a related subject. Applicants should have strong grades in relevant modules such as communications and digital signal processing.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

Career opportunities

Communications and signal processing are integral to our modern society. Almost every organisation worldwide relies on qualified specialists to contribute to their needs in this discipline – and the demand is only going to grow.

This course will help you obtain the technical skills that employers are looking for in any area of the communications and signal processing industry including optical networking, DSP design and implementation, cellular mobile, RF planning, broadband systems and general communications research and development.

You’ll also gain industrial experience through project work, empowering you with the knowledge and professional acumen you’ll need to pursue a career in this field.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Here’s an insight into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Transport Integration Engineer, L.M Ericsson (Nig) Ltd
• RF Indoor Planning, Orange Egypt
• Head of Standards, National Communications Authority
• Team Lead – Transmission Synchronisation, MP Infrastructure Ltd.
• Engineer, China Unicom