MSc Microwave Engineering and Wireless Subsystems Design
Factfile
| Typical Entry Requirements | A good honours degree in mathematics, computing, physical sciences or engineering disciplines. Our normal entry level is a minimum of a Lower Second or equivalent; however, with suitable prior experience, we can be flexible in our entry requirements. Candidates for whom English is not their first language will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above (or equivalent). |
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| Programme length | 12 months full-time, up to 48 months part-time |
| Start date | October |
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| Fees | Fees for this programme can be found on our fee rates 2010/2011 page. |
| Funding | A few scholarships are available from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and charitable trusts. There are also Commonwealth scholarships available within the University for overseas students, but these are very competitive and early application is vital. |
| Professional recognition | As an IET-accredited institution, our programmes are countable under the continuing professional development (CPD) scheme. |
| Download course brochure |
Microwave Engineering and Wireless Subsystems Design - Postgraduate Programmes 2010 |
| Contact details |
For general enquiriesT: 0800 980 3200 or +44 (0)1483 681681 For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1483 686069 |
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| Apply online now |
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Our MSc Microwave Engineering and Wireless Subsystems Design will equip you to meet the demands of industry, which is experiencing a shortage of RF and microwave engineers.
One of the key themes of our programme is practical design, and we cover a range of modern theory and techniques. The theoretical concepts of high-frequency planar circuit design, from components through to antennas, are established in the lecture and tutorial sessions and taken through to practical implementation in the laboratory sessions, and cover both hybrid and monolithic microwave integrated circuits.
Computer-aided design is an essential feature of modern RF and microwave component development, and students are given extensive hands-on experience of industry-standard software for circuit analysis and design, as well as experience of electromagnetic simulation. The CAD sessions are enhanced through the laboratory sessions where the students take a design from the theoretical stage, through fabrication, to measurement and characterisation.
The Microwave Research Group is supported by a range of modern fabrication and clean-room facilities for the physical examination of circuits at the micron level. To complement the fabrication processes, state-of-the-art measurement facilities, extending to 220GHz, are available for circuit characterisation.
In addition, the MSc Microwaves and Optoelectronics (four taught modules and a major research project) may be available in certain circumstances.
Module Overview
In common with many MSc courses, this programme is taught over twelve months and split over three semesters. A dissertation project is carried out during the final semester.
A range of optional modules are offered as part of this programme, which you will choose each semester. Please enquire for further information.
Compulsory Modules
RF Electronics
This is a level 3 module that provides knowledge of the key foundations for RF and microwave circuit and system design. The module discusses electromagnetic wave propagation and essential RF circuits. Application of the basic theory in a typical system is considered through a discussion of modern radar. The module is supported by practical sessions on CAD and RF hardware.
RF Systems and Circuits
This module extends your basic knowledge of RF engineering to consider the design and application of practical circuits. Supported by practical CAD sessions, the module discusses the design of microstrip circuits and the techniques for fabricating and designing them. The various techniques are put into a practical context through a case study of television.
Microwave Engineering Principles
This module provides an introduction to the special techniques that apply to circuits and devices operating at very high frequencies in the GHz range. The module focuses on the use of these techniques to produce practical microwave components and discusses the influence that the fabrication processes have on the high-frequency performance of microwave circuits.
RFIC and MMIC Design and Technology
A specialised module that focuses on the design of high-frequency integrated circuits. The module covers both hybrid and monolithic circuit design techniques, and covers a frequency range extending into the millimetre-wave band. The module includes a practical component, which enables students to design, fabricate and test microwave components.
Antennas and Propagation
This module provides you with an understanding of the fundamentals of wireless transmission. The focus of the module is on mobile applications, but the fundamental concepts presented are extended in the other core modules to provide detailed design knowledge of microwave antennas extending into the mm-wave band.
Extended Design and Fabrication Project
In the project element of the programme, you will apply your knowledge in realistic design situations.
Programme Structure
In the first semester you will study the compulsory RF Electronics, Antennas and Propagation and RF Systems and Circuits modules. The work is supported by a course in Agilent ADS (Advanced Design Suite), which provides all of the fundamental information for using this software for circuit design and simulation. It takes you from the basics of login and circuit layout, through to field simulation, so that you are in a position to employ the software for practical design in the second semester.
The second semester focuses on the application of RF and microwave theory in practical design situations. This is the core theme of the RFIC and MMIC Design and Technology module.
Finally, in the project element, you will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in realistic design situations and make use of the extensive range of facilities available in the Department.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is primarily through lectures, supported by some assessed laboratory activities. Since practical design is a key feature of the programme, the lectures are supplemented by tutorial problems that enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
The primary means of assessment is through twohour written examinations, where the theme of practical design is reflected in the format of the questions. Some of the modules involve assessed coursework, where 20 per cent of the marks for the module are given for reports on the directed laboratory activities.
Academic Support
We provide solid academic support through the taught modules and into the project period. You will be given a personal tutor, with whom you can discuss both academic and general issues related to the programme. When you move into the project phase of the programme, you will be given a project supervisor who you will meet, usually on a weekly basis, to discuss the progress of your project.
The individual taught modules also feature strong academic support, usually through a tutorial programme. All of the RF and microwave modules have tutorial sheets to support the lectures. Although completing the tutorials is not part of the formal assessment, you have the option of using the tutorials to get individual feedback on your progress in the modules.
Facilities and Equipment
The combined facilities of the RF teaching laboratories and the Microwave Research Group provide MSc students with an exceptionally wide range of modern fabrication and measurement equipment. Amongst the key facilities are:
Software
- Agilent ADS (Advanced Design Suite) for RF and microwave circuit design
- Agilent Momentum for electromagnetic simulation of circuits and antennas
Fabrication
- Etched circuit capabilities for high-frequency applications
- Thick-film ceramic circuits
- Photoimageable thick-film circuits
- Thin-film circuits
Measurements
- Vector network analysers to 12GHz
- Spectrum analysers
- Vector network analysers to 220GHz (research facility)
- Anechoic chamber for antenna measurements to 20GHz
Industrial and Overseas Links
The Microwave Research Group has a range of active links with industry, both in the UK and overseas. During the past few years we have had students taking the MSc through the part-time route and completing their projects in industry. Examples of industrial projects range from looking at new microwave measurement techniques with the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), to antenna design and construction at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).
We have also sent students overseas to complete their projects, funded through the Socrates scheme, which is a European programme that provides full financial support for students completing their project work at one of our partner universities in mainland Europe. Students taking advantage of this opportunity not only enhance their CVs with a European perspective, but also produce excellent project dissertations.
To support the industrial and overseas MSc activities, the Microwave Research Group has a number of active international cooperations with:
- Cochin University, India
- Heraeus Inc, USA
- ITME, Warsaw, Poland
- Marubeni Corp., Yokohama, Japan
- University of Ilmenau, Germany
- University of Oulu, Finland
