University of Parma

What you'll study

The programme builds on solid fundamentals in electromagnetics, signals and systems to cover contemporary communication technologies. Teaching combines theoretical lectures, hands-on laboratory work and a substantial thesis project. Core subject areas typically include:

• Digital and analogue communications — modulation, demodulation, channel modelling and performance analysis.
• Signal processing for communications — estimation, detection, adaptive filtering and multi‑antenna (MIMO) techniques.
• Wireless and mobile networks — cellular systems, radio resource management, and protocols for 4G/5G and beyond concepts.
• Optical communications and photonics — fibre transmission principles, components and system design.
• Antennas and microwave engineering — antenna theory, design and RF front‑end topics.
• Error control coding and information theory — coding techniques, capacity limits and practical implementations.
• Networking and networked systems — network architectures, data transport, QoS and network security aspects.
• Embedded systems and IoT — hardware/software integration for communications, sensors and low‑power networking.
• Machine learning for communications — applying data‑driven methods to channel estimation, resource allocation and signal processing tasks.

Students normally choose elective modules to specialise (for example in satellite communications, optical networks, or wireless sensor systems) and undertake laboratory courses using RF, microwave and digital signal processing equipment. The degree concludes with an individual research project or thesis carried out under faculty supervision; industry placements and project collaborations with external partners are common.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree such as Electronic Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related scientific/engineering qualification. Admission typically requires a solid grounding in mathematics (calculus, linear algebra, probability) and core electrical engineering topics (signals, circuits, electromagnetics).

• Academic transcripts demonstrating appropriate prior coursework and credits in relevant areas.
• A CV and, where requested, a motivation letter outlining interests and any research or practical experience in communications.
• Proof of language proficiency: the programme may be taught primarily in English or Italian depending on the course offering; applicants whose first language is not the language of instruction should provide recognised language test evidence or other documentation of proficiency.
• Where applicants have a background that is not fully aligned, the admissions board may ask for additional preparatory work or assessed assessments before final admission.

International applicants should consult the university’s admission pages for documentation requirements, visa guidance and any additional checks for non‑EU candidates. Specific entry checks and equivalence assessments are carried out by the university and vary by prior qualification and country of study.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the technical knowledge and practical experience sought by employers across the communications and ICT sectors. Common career paths include:

• Telecommunications engineer or systems engineer in operators and equipment vendors.
• RF and antenna engineer for wireless product development.
• Network architect, planner or analyst for fixed and mobile networks.
• Signal processing engineer for audio, radar, satellite or sensor applications.
• Research and development roles in industrial research centres and high‑tech SMEs.
• Consultancy roles in technology strategy, regulatory compliance and network deployment.
• Doctoral studies and academic research leading to careers in universities and public research institutions.

Alumni typically find positions with telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, system integrators, defence and aerospace companies, ICT consultancies and startups working on IoT, 5G/6G, optical networks and advanced signal processing solutions.

Why study at University of Parma

The University of Parma offers this programme within a department that combines teaching with active research in communication technologies. Students benefit from access to dedicated laboratories for RF, microwave and optical experiments, and from faculty engagement in national and international research projects. The relatively compact campus and strong links with regional industry make it practical to combine academic study with internships and collaborative projects.

Additional advantages include opportunities for student mobility through exchange programmes, supervision by faculty with published research in wireless communications and signal processing, and a curriculum designed to balance theoretical rigour with applied engineering skills sought by employers. The programme’s emphasis on laboratory work and a substantial master’s thesis helps prepare graduates for both immediate professional roles and for further research training.