Broadband Networks - 2012 entry

Course content

The course provides detailed coverage of wireless wide area mobile networks including 2G, 3G, LTE and WiMax technologies. Also covered in detail are local area Wi-Fi networks together with other high data rate wireless technologies which support developments in fields such as sensor networks and personal area networking. The course incorporates the use of professional network monitoring and design tools such as Ranopt, Asset3G and Opnet.

Allied to the work on wireless communications is detailed coverage of fixed line, high-speed, multiservice converged networks for both local and wide area systems. This includes modern DSL and optical fibre networks which can be tested and designed within our new laboratory facilities equipped with multiple fibre networks and design software such as OptSim.

Our computer network laboratories are extensively equipped with Cisco switches, routers and security devices to facilitate the design of both local and wide area networks.

To qualify for a master’s degree, you must pass modules amounting to 180 credits. This comprises six taught modules (20 credits each) plus your dissertation (50 credits) and a module on research and study methods (10 credits).

For the taught part of your course, you will take three modules in Semester 1 (September to December) and three more in Semester 2 (January to May). This makes up two-thirds of your studies. Part-time students normally take four modules in their first year and two in their second year.

Semester 1

In Semester 1 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module.

• Wireless Systems (compulsory) studies the transmission and system requirements needed to establish wireless links in point to point, mesh and broadcast personal, local and wide area wireless networks.
• Network Principles (compulsory) introduces the principles and practice of computer networking, with an emphasis on data communications and local area network technologies and design.
• Object-Oriented Programming covers the principles of programming and object orientation, giving you the opportunity to apply these using an object oriented programming language.
• Digital Mobile Communications introduces the principles and techniques of 2G mobile communications with particular emphasis on GSM networks. It covers infrastructure, protocols, multiplexing technologies, signalling, call set-up, data structures, system design and environmental considerations.
• Digital Communications covers the principles and techniques of digital communications with particular emphasis on their applications in mobile and wireless networks.

Semester 2

In Semester 2 you take two compulsory modules and one optional module.

• Broadband Wireless Networks (compulsory) covers the latest broadband personal, local and wide area wireless networks, including network technology, protocols and implementation.
• Optical & Broadband Networks (compulsory) describes the operational principles of optical fibre communication systems and examines how optical networks are used to provide the next generation broadband infrastructure.
• High Speed Mobile Communications examines the technology behind the third generation of mobile communication systems which offer services such as mobile internet and video in addition to voice and message/data communications.
• Programming Mobile Devices covers the current and emerging mobile technologies, giving you experience of developing software applications for mobile devices using appropriate programming languages and tools.
• Multiservice Networks covers the principles of multiservice network design and technology, illustrating these with case studies including state-of-the-art practice.
• Computer & Network Security covers the technological and human issues involved in securing and assessing the security level of modern networked computer systems, as well as looking at digital forensics.

As courses are reviewed regularly, the list of taught modules you choose from may vary from the list here.

You also take:

• Research and Study Methods, which covers research skills, planning and management techniques and provides guidance on the analysis and technical presentation you will need for your dissertation. This is taken in Semester 1.
• The MSc Dissertation is an individual research and development project that allows you to study a topic of your choice in depth, guided by your supervisor. The work may be undertaken in close co-operation with a research, industrial or commercial organisation. You start your dissertation in Semester 2, continuing over the summer period.

Part-time students normally take these modules in their second year.

Faculty

Faculty of Technology, Design and Environment

Department

Department of Computing and Communication Technologies

Course length

Full-time: 1 year (12 months)
Part-time: 2 years

Teaching location

Wheatley Campus

Start date

September 2012

UKPASS code

44418

Entry requirements

You should normally hold a first degree equivalent to at least a British lower second-class bachelor’s degree in telecommunications, electronics, physics, computing or a related scientific discipline. Professional experience can also be considered.

Scholarships and funding

For general sources of financial support, see:

• funding for students from the UK and EU
• funding for students from outside the EU

Why Oxford is a great place to study Broadband Networks

Oxford has an international reputation as one of the world’s leading academic cities. The environment makes it a great place to enhance your technical skills as well as providing an opportunity to enjoy the lively social and sporting life in this student-oriented city.

Oxford also lies close to the heart of the UK’s high-tech business community in the Thames Valley. We have excellent and extensive links with companies operating in the computing and communications fields which has led to the establishment of world-leading research activities that subsequently feed into our taught programmes and provide opportunities for student project work.

How Brookes supports postgraduate students

Supporting your learning

From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.

Personal support services

We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.

Departmental research highlights

The Department of Computing and Communication Technologies is home to world-leading and award-winning research. Our focus is on user-inspired original research with real-world applications. We have a vibrant and growing research community, with active research staff in subjects spanning computing and communications. Staff and students collaborate on projects supported by the EPSRC, the EU, the DTI, and several major UK companies.

Research excellence

85% of the department's research is internationally recognised, with 15% world-leading.