University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This masters combines advanced taught modules with hands‑on laboratory work and a substantial individual project. Core themes include wireless and optical communications, digital and analogue radio frequency systems, advanced signal processing, communications theory and coding, and communications networks and protocols.

• Advanced Wireless Communications: MIMO, multi‑antenna systems, propagation and channel modelling, and cellular system design (principles of 4G/5G and research into 6G concepts).
• Digital Signal Processing for Communications: detection and estimation, adaptive filters, OFDM systems and practical DSP implementations.
• Radio Frequency and Microwave Systems: RF front‑end design, transceiver architectures, measurements and test techniques, and software‑defined radio.
• Optical Communications and Photonics: fibre transmission, modulation formats, optical network architectures and components.
• Communication Networks and Protocols: network architectures, protocol design, performance analysis and network optimisation.
• Communications Theory and Coding: information theory, channel coding and error correction techniques for reliable transmission.
• Laboratory and Practical Work: hands‑on labs using SDR platforms, optical testbeds, RF test equipment and simulation tools such as MATLAB and Python.
• Individual Research Project or Dissertation: an extended research or development project supervised by academic staff, often undertaken in collaboration with industry partners or research centres.

Optional modules and seminar series allow you to tailor the programme to specialised interests such as machine learning for communications, network security, satellite systems or Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree (2:1 or above) in electrical/electronic engineering, communications engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a closely related subject. Candidates with a 2:2 may be considered if they have relevant professional experience or a strong academic record in communications modules.

Applicants with degrees in mathematics or computer science may be admitted subject to prior study in core communications or signal processing topics. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; accepted evidence includes recognised qualifications such as IELTS or equivalent. All applicants should provide a CV and personal statement outlining relevant experience and motivation; academic references are also normally required.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme are prepared for technical and research roles across the communications sector. Typical career paths include:

• Telecommunications engineer or systems engineer for network operators and vendors
• RF and RFIC design engineer
• Network planner and performance analyst
• Signal processing engineer for wireless, audio or imaging applications
• Optical communications engineer working on fibre and photonic systems
• Research and development roles in industry or progression to doctoral study and careers in academia
• Roles in related sectors such as defence, aerospace, IoT, cloud communications and telecommunications regulation.

The programme’s project and industrially‑focused modules help build a portfolio of practical work and contacts valued by employers in Europe and worldwide.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde’s engineering faculty has a long history of applied research and strong links with industry. The department provides access to specialised facilities and testbeds for radio, microwave and optical systems and benefits from collaboration with research groups focused on wireless communications and networks.

Students gain practical experience through laboratory sessions, project work and opportunities to collaborate with industry partners in Glasgow’s vibrant technology ecosystem. Teaching is delivered by academic staff active in research and by practitioners with industrial experience, helping bridge theoretical foundations and real‑world engineering practice.

The university’s central Glasgow location and connections with local and international employers make it straightforward to explore placements, internships and networking opportunities during and after the programme.