Wireless and Microwave Communication Engineering (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Open day
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Why study this course
This degree aims to produce specialists with essential expertise in electronic and microwave engineering, and to develop an awareness of the rapidly growing application space for these technologies.
Flexible course
This degree programme is available on a one-year full-time basis or on a three-year part-time basis.
Research project
Students will complete a major individual research project where they will apply project-specific engineering principles.
Strong research focus
You will learn in a research-led teaching institution, with the opportunity to undertake your project in a successful, research-based environment with access to high-quality facilities to support your work.
Engaging culture
There is an open and engaging culture between our students and our research-active staff, who are actively involved in the design and delivery of this course.
Professional accreditation
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully meet the CEng registration educational requirements.
This course aims to provide you with key, advanced level knowledge and skills that will allow you to succeed in the rapidly growing wireless and microwave communication industry. You will also develop research skills and other related abilities, enhancing your general engineering competency, employability, and providing you with an excellent platform for career development, whether that be within industry or academic research.
More specifically, the programme aims to:
- Develop expertise in new and evolving areas of microwave engineering including mobile communications and medical applications of microwaves.
- Focus on areas including advanced computer aided design (CAD), measurement and characterisation and communication systems engineering.
- Cover laboratory work and advanced engineering management alongside modules in radio frequency engineering, advanced fabrication and test, advanced communication systems and non-linear RF design and concepts.
- Provide you with expertise in the areas of micro and nano-technology and optoelectronics.
Accreditations
Where you'll study
School of Engineering
Study in one of the UK's leading engineering Schools for the quality of research and teaching.
Admissions criteria
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant degree subject such as communication engineering, communication technology, electrical or electronic engineering or wireless engineering, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This course is taken on a one-year, full-time basis. You will study core and optional modules to the value of 120 credits during the taught stage and an individual project worth 60 credits during the dissertation stage.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Taught Stage (120 credits)
In the taught stage, you will study modules to the value of 120 credits during the Autumn and Spring Semesters covering the knowledge and skills needed across the profession.
Dissertation Stage (60 credits)
On successful completion of the taught stage, you will use your advanced skills to progress to your Dissertation module worth 60 credits, which will be undertaken over the summer. You’ll have a range of project options available to you from across engineering.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Software Tools and Simulation | ENT672 | 20 credits |
| RF Circuits Design and CAD | ENT691 | 10 credits |
| Research Study | ENT693 | 20 credits |
| Advanced Communication Systems | ENT706 | 10 credits |
| HF and RF Engineering | ENT782 | 10 credits |
| Advanced CAD, Fabrication and Test | ENT799 | 10 credits |
| Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Integrated Circuit Design and Technology | ENT870 | 10 credits |
| Micro- and Nano-engineering | ENT871 | 10 credits |
| Dissertation (Electronic) | ENT615 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| High Frequency Electronic Materials | ENT865 | 20 credits |
| Microwave and Millimetre-Wave Integrated Circuit Design and Technology | ENT880 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Modules are delivered through a series of lectures, tutorials, practicals, workshops as well as problems and research-led activities. These methods vary from module to module, as appropriate depending on subject matter and the method of assessment. Supplementary resources are also provided to both aid student learning and provide stretching activities.
Individual modules provide further information on how to study and guidance on learning resources and further support.
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessments are designed to best reflect practical relevance and to be authentic, while evidencing achievement of the learning outcomes. Formative assessments which carry no marks are used to assist students in preparing for summative assessments.
This gives a measure of performance to inform you, us as staff, and potential employers about your progress and achievement. It can also help the learning process by highlighting areas of success and areas needing more attention.
Assessment involves a blend of methods that are selected to suit the outcomes of each module and the course as a whole including:
- Written assignments such as reports, essays and posters
- Planning, conduct and reporting of project work
- Problem-based exercises based on real-world challenges
- Presentations – oral live and recorded
- Peer review
- Reflective practices
How will I be supported?
You will be allocated a personal tutor to assist with both your academic progress and pastoral support in an informal and confidential manner. We take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment for all.
Your personal tutor will see you regularly during the programme. For the dissertation stage, you’ll be allocated a supervisor and if appropriate, an industrial mentor in your specialist field, whom you’ll be expected to meet with regularly.
In addition to the broad range of support services provided centrally by Cardiff University, our Senior Personal Tutor will be available to help and advise on any personal matters.
You’ll have access to a comprehensive handbook appropriate to your programme, containing details of the school’s procedures and policies. We make extensive use of the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (Learning Central) to share information, teaching materials and support your learning.
Feedback is an essential element of your learning experience and will be provided during the duration of your studies. Each module will have feedback mechanisms to aid in your learning and development. Formative assessments which have no marks will have feedback that assists you in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills. Feedback following summative assessments will outline the evidence used to mark your submission against set criteria and provide constructive comments towards developing your knowledge, understanding and skills for the future.
Dedicated School Careers Advisers and staff from Student Futures will also support you to achieve your future career goals and develop your skills to be successful in the Graduate recruitment process.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge and Understanding
- Apply advanced knowledge of mathematics, electromagnetics and communication engineering principles to complex wireless and microwave communication systems.
- Evaluate RF, microwave and antenna technologies used in modern wireless communication systems.
- Evaluate environmental and societal impacts associated with wireless communication technologies and infrastructure.
Intellectual Skills
- Formulate and analyse complex wireless and microwave engineering problems using engineering principles and judgement, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
- Select and apply analytical and computational techniques for modelling RF circuits and communication systems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
- Select and critically evaluate technical literature, standards and emerging research in wireless and microwave communications.
Professional Practical Skills
- Design wireless and microwave communication solutions that meet technical, regulatory and user requirements.
- Apply a systems approach to the design and integration of wireless communication networks and components.
- Apply project management and regulatory considerations related to the development and deployment of wireless and microwave communication systems.
Transferable/Key Skills
- Communicate complex wireless and microwave engineering concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
- Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,450 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £30,700 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is needed for this course.
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Career prospects are generally excellent with graduating students following paths either into research or related industry.
If you are interested in working in industry, many of our graduating MSc students achieve excellent employment opportunities in organisations including Infineon, Huawei, Cambridge Silicon Radio, Vodafone and International Rectifier.
In terms of research, Cardiff University has many electrical, electronic and microwave related research areas that require PhD students, and this MSc will provide you with an excellent platform if this is your chosen career path.
Placements
You may have the opportunity to work closely with industry professionals and engage in work-based learning activities, such as short placements, site visits and/or employer meetings as part of a project or dissertation, especially when industrial partners are involved. During the dissertation, you’ll work closely with research groups, embedding yourself within the team under the supervision of a staff member, with co-supervision from an industrial partner as required. Industrially led dissertations will also provide you with further opportunities to work closely with external partners.
Next steps
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
